Finally adding the link between the helix and the first (proper) level of the layout. Need to buy some more nuts and install a few more threaded rods, but liking the result so far.
Metra station build update
I’ve finished the initial build of the first Metra station. Still plenty more to do, such as weathering and interior details, but for now it is perfect for testing the initial track plan of Western Yard. The Metra station is on the Western side of the yard, at the back, with the mainline and yard in front, so that is how I will position it on my layout. However, the prototype Western Avenue Metra Station just has two long waiting rooms, no actual station building, so I will purchase a few more of these kits, as well as various other […]
An hour a day?
I’ve started trying to do an hour a day, or a least a half-hour a day in the layout room. I’ve started building the Kato/Faller North American Suburban Station (which is close enough to a few of the Metra stations), mainly because I need to make sure I get the track spacing correct on the next layout board. The next board will be the Western Avenue Yard, including the Western Avenue Metra Station, which is the first board coming off the top of the helix. Building this station will allow me to use it to test the track layout and […]
NEW SERIES: Model Railroad Electronics Showcase: Episode 1
The first episode of my new series on showcasing the electronics I am using on my new model railroad, starting with my DCC Drawer. In each episode I’ll be showcasing various model railroad electronics components in use on my railroad, from basic power supplies to block detectors and signal controllers. I will be giving brief overviews on each item, and where possible will go into a bit more detail (based on my knowledge!!).
LAYOUT UPDATE: Episode 13 – layout build progress update
Follow along as I continue the build of my N scale model railroad. In this episode I give you a brief progress update on my layout build, plus news on a new video series. Be sure to view my Facebook page as I will be adding photos and updates to that as I build my new layout. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicagosubnscaleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagosubnscale
LAYOUT UPDATE: Episode 12 – The electronics under the layout
Follow along as I continue the build of my N scale model railroad. In this episode I show you the electronics that control my yard boards, including the block detectors, accessory decoders and power management. Be sure to view my Facebook page as I will be adding photos and updates to that as I build my new layout. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicagosubnscaleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagosubnscale
LAYOUT UPDATE: Track laying on second staging lower yard board
Not much done on the layout this weekend as the weather was so nice, so plenty of garden time, but I did manage to start the track laying on board two of the lower staging yard. I’ve almost finished laying the track for the Metra yard. The Freight yard will have to wait as I am short of a few turnouts, so need to get those ordered. That will be next week’s project (assuming I can get turnouts as stock has been scarce lately!). Hoping to get another video edited and published this week, so keep an eye out for […]
LAYOUT UPDATE: Signalling
I’ve starting adding the two signals for the lower staging yard. The Metra yard does not really need one as that passenger service will be run automatically by Railroad & Co’s TrainController, but it’s nice to have anyway. I’m using SignaTrak’s SIGM20 signal controller for this as it has all the logic built in for automatic signals (as opposed to Digtrax’s SE8C which requires JMRI to provide the signal logic). These signals will protect movements up and down the helix, making sure there are no cornfield meets…as long as the engineers obey the signal indications! I will be adding another […]
LAYOUT UPDATE: Episode 11 – Track Planning & Track Laying
Follow along as I continue the build of my N scale model railroad. In this episode I finish off with the track planning and show you the track I have laid, along with a limitation I have found with the AnyRail track planning software.
LAYOUT UPDATE: DCC drawer complete
I have added a drawer underneath the lower staging yard to hold the Digitrax Command Station (DCS100) and it’s power supply, my RaspberryPi which runs JMRI , the Tam Valley Depot 5A Booster for the accessory power bus and the power strip for the BDL160 & DAC20 power supplies (with spare for others if needed). I got this idea from a few YouTube channels and thought it was a brilliant idea – provides a place for all the DCC equipment as well as making it easily acccessible by using a drawer.