Progress Update

[highrailjon]

Finally, the loop is level and all the track joined!!! What an effort!!!
For my power supply I'm looking at 2 models by Bridgewerks. The 5 amp or the 10 amp. There is a hundred dollar differance between the two. I will only be running one engine at a time, so could you please help me figure out which one would be better? Thanks, Jon (click on pix to enlarge)

[ttrigg]

You say that you will be running only one unit, now Never can tell what the future will hold. My intent was to only have two units on the track with one parked at all times, well that only lasted a year, fortunately for me that year was while I was testing track paterns on the back patio. The larger power supply will give a lot more "wiggle room" later as you change you mind. (Or rather, As you improve the layout)

[Anonymous]

Jon,
See, ya put another row of bricks around the one you have now. Build an outer loop with a cross over. Then you can run two trains at the same time. Yeap,, looks like your gonna need that 10 amper.
[}:)][:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

And then your gonna need a siding for that third train.... Yeap...at least 10 amp![}:)]

[Anonymous]

And then a spur going off up there to your train shed so you don't have to pick the trains up to put them away! Just drive them right on into the shed to the storage yard under the O scale layout[}:)][}:)][:D]

[Anonymous]

Don't ya just wish my keyboard would break?? [:D][:D][:D][:D][:-,][:-,]

[highrailjon]

LOL, Capt!! I was begining to wonder who was at the wheel of the barge with all that typing going on!!!!!![:D]

[John Busby]

Hi highrailjon
Never say you will not double head a train thats what I thought oops! fail[:(]
No problem then I got a lighted gaurds van (Caboose in US speak) then the problems started with the cut out tripping all the time.
The other thing to consider is what buildings you plan on having will the be lit for night operations what about points (switches) will they have electric operation with lit indications ECT ECT
hmm?? My sugestion play it safe get the 10A transformer.
Garden railways seem to grow without the need for water or fertilizer and over time not only will the railway grow but 10A transfrmers will not get any cheaper.
Thats my 50c worth on the topic
regards John

[highrailjon]

QUOTE: Garden railways seem to grow without the need for water or fertilizer and over time

LOL, John!!! That scares me!!![:0][:0][;)]

[Anonymous]

Jon, maybe you oughta think about a 20 amp'er.[:-,][(-D]

And, ain't nobody driv'en, it's on auro-matic pilot![(-D] Scarey,, ain't it? Especially since there are alittle over 2 tons of explosives on the barge.............

[markn]

Jon-noboby said this hobby was going to be easy-just easier to trip over--Mark

[highrailjon]

Franks and burgers on the grill. Frosty mugs of beer. Heat index down here of 106 degree's. 18 wheelbarrow loads of bottom sand for the garden rr and it's time to call it quits!!!!![;)]

[ttrigg]

looks like a bunch of Hard work placing all that sand by hand!!!!!!!!!!!!! Time for you to take a well deserved break.

[Anonymous]

Way to go Jon! Your ahead of me in the track laying ! Of course I only own one section of track.[:D]

[Anonymous]

Lookin good, Jon! I think you'll find that you're going to want at least a passing siding at some point, and perhaps a spur or two as the railroad grows, but you're off to a very good start with a decent run if level track.

I, too, would definitely recommend the 10 amp power supply, even at $100 more. Actually, that extra $100 will more than pay for itself as your railroad expands.

[highrailjon]

Thank you all for the kind words of encouragement!!!![:)] Today was another hot and busy one!!!
19 bags of potting soil
4 bags of hardwood chips
3 nice stones
2 bags of cedar chips
1 frosty cold brew in a pear tree!!!!![:D]
I'll order the 10 amp transformer and engine tomorrow!!!![:)]
(click on pix to enlarge)

[Anonymous]

Jon, I really like the different mulch's for added texture, I'll definately make a note of that one[;)]

[ttrigg]

QUOTE: 1 frosty cold brew in a pear tree!!!!![:D]

Why only 1? With that effort you deserve more than one! Wish I was making as much progress, can't do much until the shoulder cast coes off.

[tmcc man]

hey john quick question
how is the track fastened, and what is used?

[highrailjon]

tmcc man,
I have not fastened it yet. I know that when I do, it needs to be also flexible enough for joint expansion. I have had some great tips here and I'm checking them out:
1. Silicone the ties to the cement every couple of feet.
2. Put a small hook on a piece of brazing(brass) rod and drive it in the ground
3. Use a cement bit to drill into the concrete and fasten with a plastic anchor and screw kit.

[highrailjon]

ttrigg, LOL, Let's just say I started with one!!!!!![:D][:D][:D] (Until I finally fell out of the pear tree)[;)]

[Anonymous]

Look'n good Jon! I didn't figure you'd stop at just one[:D] I've never seen a pear tree with just one pear[(-D]

[Anonymous]

What locomotive did you decide to go with, Jon? In an earlier post, you mentioned that you were getting ready to order that 10 amp pack and a locomotive, but you didn't specify what you were going to get. I'm just kind of curious about what you decided to start out with.

[highrailjon]

Allan, My first choice is the Bachman Climax if it isn't sold out by this weekend, if it is ,my next choice is the 38 ton Shay. As for diesel power I have the SD70MAC on back-order which is due to ship pretty soon, I hope!!

[Anonymous]

Hey Jon,
I just ordered the Bachmann Hiesler today. I also ordered a couple of LGB Mogul drive units. I'm going to use them to scratch build a Beyer Garrett in G scale. The cheapest Garrett I've found is $3,000.00. Way too rich for my blood!
There ain't nut'en cooler than geared steam!!!

[vsmith]

Looks good so far, as far as power if thats still an issue, if this is as big as it will ever get, 5 amps is overkill, but thats a mighty big backyard ya got there and these things are like weeds, they spread without you even looking at them. So if ANY expansion is lurking in the back of your mind anywhere, go for the 10 amp!

Looks like some sidings are next? Got lotsa room for a passing siding and some industry there.[:D]

I'd opt for the Shay over the Climax, unless you get a really good deal on the Climax

[Anonymous]

SEE!!! SEE!!! I told you so![:D][:D] You can't have just one!!! Better make that power supply a 20 amp'er. I know, my count just went to 11 locos ,and 31 cars today, and I'm not even home.........

[highrailjon]

LOL, You guy's!!! All right, I ordered the Bridgewerks 10 amp transformer today along with the 38 ton Shay!!!! [:)]The track may grow bigger at some point, but NOT until the Fall!! The heat index is still 105 degrees for the rest of the week.[:(]
Also the reason I have'nt secured the track yet, is because I need to test it before "loosely" tying it down. The Phoenix sound system will come at a later date, so for now I'll just be happy with my CD player and a disc of steam sounds.[:)]

[Chompers]

if you plan to join the tracks i would sugest doing it soon. after a while the rail joiners will get full of dirt and that meens even more work to keep the electricity flowing.

I also really really really want a bachman climax or shay, but the climax is sold out every where... and the shay is HUGE... i've seen 2 at the colorado railway museum. and thay were not that big!!!

OK.

Get a bunch of rail joiners that go over the stock ones and put them on ASAP!



that's it for know.
Philip

[Anonymous]

[2c] Have you ever thought of just sarting out with battery/RC? TOC AKA, Dave Goodson would be a good guy to talk to about it. By the time you get a twenty AMP you probably could of had battery /RC.

Northwest RCS is the name of his Buisness. Most helpful and Knowlegable fellow.