i received a email from ctt. and in it they have a section called information station. one of the subjects is how to build lionels disappearing layout. you may have this info already but i thought i'd let you know.
I really don't think any of my modern engines would pull 8 cars up that hill, especially at a slow speed using cruise control. I would have to disable cruise just to get some runaway speed down the helix to even attempt it. That shows how good magnatraction must have been.
Wes
Wes Whitmore I really don't think any of my modern engines would pull 8 cars up that hill, especially at a slow speed using cruise control. I would have to disable cruise just to get some runaway speed down the helix to even attempt it. That shows how good magnatraction must have been. Wes
I really don't think any of my modern engines would pull 8 cars up that hill, especially at a slow speed using cruise control.
I would have to disable cruise just to get some runaway speed down the helix to even attempt it. That shows how good magnatraction must have been.
Wes,
While we have not experimented with any "new" locomotives with cruise control or traction tires, it would certainly be educational to attempt such an exercise.
I have no doubt, that "traditional size" locomotives so equipped, will have any difficulty negotiating the helix.
When completed, however, I imagine the Lionel D-27 "Disappearing Layout" will be subject to much experimentation ... as to what runs, and what doesn't.
AGTTA Lionel D-27 layout
I hope that I'm not suggesting some thing that you have already tried, but have you tried calling Lionel's Customer Service line, or their Tech Support? They may, or may not be able to help you, but all it would cost is a phone call to find out.
All of my own experience with Lionel's Customer Service was for getting replacement parts, most of which Lionel sent free of charge, didn't even charge me for shipping. Lionel's Customer Service, is in MY opinion First rate, and what Customer Service should be.
Give them a call at (586) 949-4100
These guys can be a bit rough on things at times, but when something needs fixin, Uncle Doug is just a phone call away, then a call to Lionel CS, and four days later the parts are usually in the mailbox.
Also Promoting the Hobby whenever(and wherever) I can
Doug
May your flanges always stay BETWEEN the rails
Wes WhitmoreDoes that steep of a incline pose some real problems? That has to be some 7%. It obviously works, but what are you restricted to running? Wes
Does that steep of a incline pose some real problems? That has to be some 7%. It obviously works, but what are you restricted to running?
This feat can probably be accomplished with lots of locos w/o Magnetraction. There are only 3 or 4 cars on the incline at any one time, and except for the end of the train, there are cars on the decline pushing the cars in front up the hill. Visualize a 20 car train on this layout - when the middle of the train is in the helix, the loco is doing very little extra work beyond that required to pull the train through the curves(as if on level track).
Rob
Hi, I just found in CTT's PDF's just what you may be looking for, they have a file Specifically on the layout that you are building. It includes 2 articles, 8 pgs and costs $2.95.
Go to the CTT home page, scroll to the bottom of the page, in the CTT site index go to Train Layouts, click on downloadable articles, Track + Track plans, 4th item listed is CTTPDF035, this is probably just what You are looking for.
I Hope that is what you are Hoping to find,
Edit: This is probably what LIRRNORTH, mentions above, this will show you how to find it though.
Just from the advice here alone, I have avoided such inclines in the past, but you are right, just a few feet back there are many cars pushing the engine up the hill. I look forward to your progess, that is for sure. It doesn't have to be smooth, it just has to function. Any idea what overhad spacing you will end up with?
challenger3980 posted...I hope that I'm not suggesting some thing that you have already tried, but have you tried calling Lionel's Customer Service line, or their Tech Support?While it's doubtful that the "new" Lionel has any publications or documents from fifty years ago, we did take your suggestion and wrote them if they had,or could they suggest where we might obtain a copy of the "Instructions for Installing and Operating No. D-27 Display". And, yes, we have the CTT D-27 articles that you mentioned, and used them as a guide for constructing the layout.Wes Whitmore posted...Any idea what overhad spacing you will end up with?I'm guessing you're questioning how much "clearance" there is (in inches) between the top of the locomotive and the track when it crosses under the helix.Here is the reply from one of the two master builders of the layout: The clearance we chose for the place where the track crosses under itselfis 4 inches (top of track to bottom of masonite roadbed that's above).The 2035 loco is about 3.25 inches at its highest point (smokestack). I decided to go with 4 inches because the 623 series of diesels was a little taller and I wanted to give the new owner the option of running a diesel vice a steamer. Jim... and here's another recent construction photo of the D-27 layout:AGTTA Lionel D-27 layout
challenger3980 posted...I hope that I'm not suggesting some thing that you have already tried, but have you tried calling Lionel's Customer Service line, or their Tech Support?
Wes Whitmore posted...Any idea what overhad spacing you will end up with?
Wow! The layout is coming out great so far. Are you going to use all original building materials like the old lionel grass? Ive yet to find a good reproduction of that dyed sawdust.
Keep us posted!
PostwarMan07 Wow! The layout is coming out great so far. Are you going to use all original building materials like the old lionel grass? I've yet to find a good reproduction of that dyed sawdust.Keep us posted!
Wow! The layout is coming out great so far.
Are you going to use all original building materials like the old lionel grass? I've yet to find a good reproduction of that dyed sawdust.
We were originally thinking of making our own dyed sawdust and sprinkling it over the slow drying green paint to simulate what Lionel did in 1950. However, since we're going to build the mountain/tunnel out of modern resin materials to look like real rock formations we decided to add more scenery like bushes and small trees that Lionel never did. Further, Woodland Scenics has the materials you can apply with white glue that will fill in the open areas. We had to deviate from the Lionel plans in several ways just to make the concept viable. I guess going a little further and changing the scenicking somewhat won't be too bad. Hopefully the changes are improvements on a neat idea. AGTTA Lionel D-27 layout
I really enjoy seeing your progress with this tremendous project, THANK YOU for taking the excellent pics, keep posting please
Jon
So many roads, so little time.
jonadel I really enjoy seeing your progress with this tremendous project, THANK YOU for taking the excellent pics, keep posting please
Thanks for the complement. I understand that a video of the D-27 Disappearing Train Layout is a possibility.
Stay tuned !
A minor modification to the layout.
Another step to final completion.AGTTA Lionel D-27 layout
Pennsylvania Station A minor modification to the layout. Another step to final completion.AGTTA Lionel D-27 layout
Whew!!! That is one heck of a drop and climb. One suggestion I would make the loop that goes underneath the table alot longer to lessen the grade but I guess you are shooting for authenticity though. Cool layout though. Good luck. The wiring is very neat, not like my rats nest!!.
Give me steam locomotives or give me DEATH!
Berkshire Junction, bringing fourth the cry of the Iron Horse since 1900.
Berk765 Whew !!! That is one heck of a drop and climb. One suggestion: I would make the loop that goes underneath the table a lot longer to lessen the grade but I guess you are shooting for authenticity though. Cool layout though. Good luck. The wiring is very neat, not like my rats nest!!.
Whew !!!
That is one heck of a drop and climb.
One suggestion: I would make the loop that goes underneath the table a lot longer to lessen the grade but I guess you are shooting for authenticity though.
Cool layout though. Good luck. The wiring is very neat, not like my rats nest!!.
Berk785...
Yes, the suggestion was raised that a modification (... view the enclosed photo) to the D-27 layout could be made to allow a less severe climb..... however, the intent was to keep the design as closely as possible to the layout that was originally constructed by Lionel.
As to the "very neat wiring" that is shown in many of the photographs, this can be attributed to the two master designers of this layout and their expertise in recreating a unique demonstration of Lionel's MagneTraction .
It has been a long, busy summer...... and the Lionel D-27 "Disappearing Train" layout is completed.
For photos and videos of this marvelous achievment, click here: AGTTA Lionel D-27 layout
Great job! Please post more pictures as you get time.
Wouldn't it be easier on the trains to run them counter-clockwise? That way, they would face a steep DOWN grade and a longer but less steep UP grade?
Modeling the D&H in 1984: http://dandhcoloniemain.blogspot.com/
It's about equal. The train does get pushed up by the cars behind it that are descending, in either direction. Clockwise will put more cars going down on a gentle slope, CCW will put fewer cars going down a steeper one. When the entire train is in the tunnel with the loco just emerging, the engine is doing very little extra work beyond that when it's on a level field.
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