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 Posted - January 03 2013 : 10:19:36 PM
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Hey there, folks! I am both a (currently) budgeted model railroader, and I also enjoy classic HO-scale train stuff (especially from Life-Like, Tyco and Bachmann.) So I thought that for my basement model train layout I can use a lot of that stuff, yet still continuously update it for the new millenium. So far, I have my trains running on Atlas Code-83 True-Track (I'm not going to bother with Bachmann's E-Z track or Life-Like's Power-Loc track for the layout anymore, and I'm staying away from any of those other companies' brass and steel track sections), which I think turns out to be the most realistic roadbed track I've ever seen. I have even upgraded some of my engines and rolling stock to knuckle couplers. I also use an MRC Tech 4-280 power pack, and I will also probably eventually upgrade to DCC (maybe even retrofit it into some of the older engines!)
Because I will keep continuously adding onto the layout, currently not many things are permanently attached, except for some figures and scenic accessories. Here is what it currently looks like...
A current overview. I currently am working on setting it up ala one of the track plans shown in the final pages of the Tyco Layout Expander System Manual:
Of course I'm not going to get ALL of those Tyco buildings and accessories, though a few of them I may get my hands on (maybe the freight-unloading depot...) I still do need to get a couple Code-83/True-Track left-hand switches though. This track plan is also open to possible expansion ideas...
Life-Like ATSF GP38-2 hi-nose locomotive, upgraded with AccuRail knuckle couplers.
PlasticVille school building kit. Note my "no parking" sign placed in front of the school; I based that off how several schools in my area put up those signs in school-bus-only zones. I also plan to put a playground behind the school.
Life-Like Snap-Loc commuter station on the main line, with the supply house and some freight cars on the siding.
Billboard mounted on a Walthers Cornerstone building kit. I like it because it kinda reminds me of some of the shops in my hometown...
I also practiced with doing drilling and parallel wiring ala demonstrated in my Tyco Layout Expander System manual, so I can have more than one scenic light-up running off the main power pack. In this case, the scenic railroad signal in the foreground and the Life-Like "Milltown Switchman." Once I get a replacement bulb for my Bachmann flashing storage tank, I will wire that up to it as well.
Passengers waiting at the Snap-Loc train station building kit that came with my Life-Like Freight Runner set. I do sometimes run an Amtrak train on my layout. There's an operating Tyco crossing signal is in the background...
The wind-up bell works fine, but I need to fix the connection for the flashing lights. The bulbs are fine, but the lights simply won't flash when the train passes over it...
I used some of my old Power-Loc track for one of the under-construction sidings that also uses the Switchman. That Life-Like F7 also had knuckle couplers installed.
Bachmann action depot that needs repairing (I think a wire needs to be re-soldered...) Note the Tyco RailBox boxcar :)
The lights don't flash; that crossing signal is just one of Life-Like's scenic light-ups. They still offer it, but now it's branded for O or S scale...
Life-Like general store building kit.
Train passes through a Life-Like log dump station.
Check out the custom marquee I added to the Lowe's movie theater...
A freight train hauled by a Life-Like 0-4-0 PRR steam locomotive (newer version; note the red cowcatcher on the front) through some strategically-placed trees. There's also an IHC-branded Tyco ranch house building kit in the background.
Any comments and questions would be appreciated please :)
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Posted - January 03 2013 : 11:15:54 PM
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It's cool how many action accessories and light-ups you have packed in there. The layout looks like a lot of fun  Thanks for posting pics and welcome to the forum! 
Eric
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Posted - January 04 2013 : 12:25:40 PM
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Definitely enjoyed scrolling through all your pics and detailed descriptions. Great motivator for this newbie.
ArtSkull.com: Graphic Design & Illustration
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Posted - January 04 2013 : 1:02:57 PM
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very good I like it & I want your Avis van 
Great idea for the Tyco Loew's Theater too
Someday I'll get a bigger house & use one room for trains 
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Posted - January 04 2013 : 1:45:41 PM
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Wiley,
VERY nice set up for a small 4 by 8 layout! Looks like alot of fun as mentioned and seems to work well for you......
Any plan to add more track from turnouts for "parking" locomotives?
~John
Many have tried to, and failed, ya just can't repair stupid...
Do NOT try to Idiot-Proof anything!!!! God, will simply create a better......IDIOT!
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Posted - January 04 2013 : 3:43:19 PM
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| Yep, I plan to add a couple more turnouts to park some of my locomotives; this is where my Atlas Selector can be useful. I also plan to get a Tyco blocking switch, so I can park one train on the inner loop and run the other train on the outer loop, or vice-versa (can it be used with terminal joiners, or does that require the old-fashioned terminal track sections?)
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Posted - January 04 2013 : 3:48:59 PM
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Looks great. I like all the details and accessories you have there. 
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Posted - January 04 2013 : 4:35:21 PM
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Wiley, glad ya could join! This is THE TYCO MAN from the model train forum. Those guys don't enjoy classic HO like we do!
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - January 04 2013 : 6:10:05 PM
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Very cool setup! There's something about the colorful innocence of "stock" classic HO that's timeless, and not just because it reminds me of my first layout. Well, partially maybe, but not completely Looks like a good start with quite a few seeds for scenes to grow from; are you going to flesh out and finish up the layout to highlight some of your details a bit or keep it mostly as-is?
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Posted - January 04 2013 : 6:43:09 PM
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Great layout! I really like all the work you've put into it. I LOVE the AVIS van and the Arco tank. Those are fantastic.
Rus
Starting my Tyco and other favorites collection over again after 37 years.
My still in progress list of inventory and wantlist: tyconut.com
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Posted - January 07 2013 : 1:57:36 PM
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Update time! My mom and I recently constructed a small platform to put my controls, tools and other (eventual) switches on.
The new platform.
One of Life-Like's old "trackside shanties" they'd usually include with some of their train sets.
More upgraded couplers.
Tyco piggyback flat car!
Model Power crossing signals. I plan to wire them up once I get a Walthers crossing signal controller...
Truck terminal that came with the piggyback flat car.
Fruit stand.
Life-Like operating log dump car and station.
This is eventually going to be replaced with an operating crossing gate of some sort...
The PRR steam locomotive parks at the main station...
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Posted - January 07 2013 : 3:08:55 PM
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Lookin good Wiley!!
caboose 1
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Jim
Little Six
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Posted - January 07 2013 : 8:47:34 PM
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| Lookin good, I feel sorry for the poor chap that fell down infront of the fruit stand, looks like hes drunk or somthing....hehe....love all the Tyco buildings :) Nice work!
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Posted - January 07 2013 : 8:52:22 PM
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Nice!
Pokey isn't to scale, though.
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Posted - January 07 2013 : 9:52:58 PM
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I love it! It definitely captures the "retro" feel. Reminds me of my first layout, and that's a good thing! Operating accessories are always fun too.
Maybe Gumby and Pokey are an advertisment billboard :P
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Posted - January 07 2013 : 10:12:07 PM
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quote:Maybe Gumby and Pokey are an advertisment billboard :P
Originally posted by DanMacKÂ -Â January 07 2013Â :Â 9:52:58 PM
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Naw, they probably were just checking things out in Toyland, like they did back in the 1950s:
Pokey: Nah, that's too small for you.
Gumby: That's what you think! *shrinks down and climbs in the cab*
I wonder who made the HO train in that episode...
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Posted - January 07 2013 : 10:51:51 PM
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heh I'm curious about that myself
The van Gumby drives is made by Tonka *geek*
Lots of those toys in those Gumby shows are quite collectable now
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Posted - January 07 2013 : 10:58:34 PM
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At first I thought it was a Mantua, but the red drivers gave it away as Hobbyline.
http://hoseeker.net/gallery/index.php?album=hotrains2%2Fhobby-line-engines&image=Hobbyline1.jpg
I haven't seen that since I was a kid. I should have known to check YouTube. What a a trip.
The Tyco Depot
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Posted - January 08 2013 : 10:07:10 PM
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| OK, I think this should be moved to "Layouts - Planning and Construction" now, as there will be more changes to the layout over time...
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Posted - January 09 2013 : 5:29:23 PM
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| nice layout. Ive got that pennsy loco but motor is burnt up. never got around to fixing it.
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Posted - February 16 2013 : 6:38:46 PM
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| certainly beats the layout I have, its just 3 loops of track, with some scenery, I plan on improving it later
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Posted - January 04 2014 : 11:39:54 PM
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| Terrific layout, it looks like you are having a great deal of fun with it.
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Posted - January 08 2014 : 02:22:11 AM
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quote:It's cool how many action accessories and light-ups you have packed in there. The layout looks like a lot of fun Thanks for posting pics and welcome to the forum!
Eric
Originally posted by DaCheez - January 03 2013 : 11:15:54 PM
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Old school. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT. I tried copying a Tyco Layout Expander using the preformed road bed track and found that it was impossible to make it fit. The Tyco layout shows original sectional track, and LOTS of rerailers, which is helpful, as Tyco derails as easy as pie. At least mine does. Still, Tycomania 4ever!
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Posted - January 08 2014 : 02:24:45 AM
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quote: quote:Maybe Gumby and Pokey are an advertisment billboard :P
Originally posted by DanMacKÂ -Â January 07 2013Â :Â 9:52:58 PM
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Naw, they probably were just checking things out in Toyland, like they did back in the 1950s:
Pokey: Nah, that's too small for you.
Gumby: That's what you think! *shrinks down and climbs in the cab*
I wonder who made the HO train in that episode...
Originally posted by wiley209Â -Â January 07 2013Â :Â 10:12:07 PM
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Posted - January 08 2014 : 02:25:40 AM
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| The more I think on it, those grass streets just look TERRIFIC!
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Posted - January 08 2014 : 9:58:43 PM
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quote:The more I think on it, those grass streets just look TERRIFIC!
Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â January 08 2014Â :Â 02:25:40 AM
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Yep totally diggin the grass streets
Love the layout, looks like a lot of fun keep the pics coming
http://tycodepot.com/
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Posted - January 08 2014 : 10:46:32 PM
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I forgot to mention here, all my updates to my layout are now HERE:
http://www.tycoforums.com/tyco/forum/topic.asp?whichpage=2&TOPIC_ID=12774
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