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 Posted - August 29 2016 : 12:28:54 AM
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So I've been planning a layout for a long time. I built a T-Gauge one a few years back, but haven't done much since then. Sooo, here is my first HO scale benchwork in a decade. I'm building a 4X5 HO layout with a shelf extension to Staging.
Based on the "Turtle Creek Southern", I adapted it to function better as a point-to-point.
(Copyright Kalmbach)
The basic operational schematic is based on my fictional Dullbridge & North Lake Railway, a cottage country Ontario Shortline.
Progress as it develops
Edited by - DanMacK on August 29 2016 12:32:21 AM
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Posted - September 03 2016 : 2:48:34 PM
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Track laid out. Alot of work and such still to do. Need roadbed for under some of the turnouts, but something is starting!
I might add another pair of turnouts to bypass the diamond.
Edited by - DanMacK on September 03 2016 2:58:08 PM
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Posted - September 03 2016 : 6:58:02 PM
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| Looks like you're fittin' a bunch of activity in there. Is the total layout 4 X 5 as we see it in the photos, or is it larger? I'm glad to see your posting. I'm trying to figure out what I can do with a small layout.
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Posted - September 03 2016 : 7:17:36 PM
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Yeah, it's only 4X5. The line in the upper left is going to go to an L shaped shelf. There's alot going on, but it actually has alot of scenery room.
I love small layouts. They have so much of a challenge. It's amazing what you can do in a small space.
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Posted - September 03 2016 : 7:32:13 PM
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quote:
Looks like you're having a lot of fun! I wish I had space for a layout. Please continue to post your progress!
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Posted - September 03 2016 : 7:39:14 PM
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Even a switching layout/shelf layout is something. This is the first HO layout I've built in years. Will definitely continue to post :D
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Posted - September 04 2016 : 3:56:38 PM
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| Looking good. I like the additions you made and the point-to-point plan.
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Posted - September 04 2016 : 11:25:37 PM
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Thanks! I did add a connecting track between the two legs of the diamond. Makes some moves much easier.
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Posted - September 05 2016 : 12:02:10 AM
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| Are you going to go traditional analog or try out DCC? I would try DCC because nowadays it seems like everyone in the hobby does it and its so cheap. But if you are just building your layout to run older models than analog makes sense.
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Posted - September 05 2016 : 03:15:47 AM
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Honestly, with the size of the layout, I'll probably stick with straight DC for now.
If I do anything, it'll probably be Bluerail. Cost is about the same, if not cheaper.
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Posted - September 05 2016 : 7:40:52 PM
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quote:If I do anything, it'll probably be Bluerail. Cost is about the same, if not cheaper.
Originally posted by DanMacKÂ -Â September 05 2016Â :Â 03:15:47 AM
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It occurs to me that Bluerail has the potential to overtake DCC as the advanced way to run trains. It'll handle AC, DC and deadrail battery input, the control unit is just a smart phone, some of which are really cheap, and it doesn't try to transmit signals across dirty wheels and track. At this point, I'd think twice about that before starting from scratch into DCC.
Carpe Manana!
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Posted - September 05 2016 : 9:05:57 PM
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| Hmmm. That Bluerail stuff is pretty interesting. DC > DCC>Bluetooth? Maybe.
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Posted - September 05 2016 : 9:31:47 PM
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I love the idea of it.
So I've swapped out the Tyco switch on the left side of the diamond for an Atlas Snap switch. My passenger test train (Tyco Combine and LL Coach and full dome) wasn't liking the short throw rails. Ironically, the other tyco switch on the other leg is fine.
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Posted - September 06 2016 : 12:27:02 AM
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neato!
don't forget to add a railroad crossing cause its not a good railroad unless you have 1 or more rail/road crossings 
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Posted - September 06 2016 : 9:16:20 PM
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Don't worry MB, They're planned ;)
So I was going to model this as a central Ontario shortline, but my recent obsession with Durango equipment has caused me to rethink this.
I love the "Old West" theme. Getting a 4-6-0 has solidified this choice. I'm aiming more for "movie style" probably (more fun that way). Sooo the branch will probably be somewhere in Kansas (Dodge City anyone?) I might split it and model the staging yard as "Colorado" for a change of scenery, lol
More to come (and building choices!)
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Posted - September 06 2016 : 11:52:04 PM
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| Dig the old west theme Dan. I have problems with turnouts all the time and I've come to believe that it involves which way the locomotive is approaching the frog from, and also, the better quality turnout you buy, the less hassle. Maybe that's not true, I don't know. Keep the photos comin'.
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Posted - September 07 2016 : 12:41:24 PM
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if you do the Kansas & Colorado
use the Durango set 
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Posted - September 07 2016 : 1:57:56 PM
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quote:I have problems with turnouts all the time and I've come to believe that it involves which way the locomotive is approaching the frog from, and also, the better quality turnout you buy, the less hassle. Maybe that's not true, I don't know. Keep the photos comin'.
Originally posted by Barry - September 06 2016 : 11:52:04 PM
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I tend to use Atlas Snap Track turnouts because I started out with them and the track plan is based on their geometry. There are problems at the frogs, sometimes, because the flange way is too wide between the running rails and the guard rails, allowing wheels to pick the frog. When I have too many problems with this, I glue a strip of plastic to the plastic guard rail to narrow the flange way. If that makes it too narrow, it can be opened up a bit with a fingernail file. It's a case of tuning and tinkering, getting the flange way narrow enough so things don't pick the frog, but wide enough to allow old engines with pizza cutter flanges through.
Carpe Manana!
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Posted - September 07 2016 : 3:06:18 PM
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quote:if you do the Kansas & Colorado
use the Durango set
Originally posted by microbusss - September 07 2016 : 12:41:24 PM
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But of course! That's what inspired me in the first place. They seem to be scarce up here in Canada though, lol
scshaggy, my design is essentially designed around EZ track turnouts (that's what I have the majority of) Other turnouts tend to fit that basic geometry.
Edited by - DanMacK on September 07 2016 3:31:10 PM
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Posted - September 07 2016 : 9:30:32 PM
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quote:
I tend to use Atlas Snap Track turnouts because I started out with them and the track plan is based on their geometry. There are problems at the frogs, sometimes, because the flange way is too wide between the running rails and the guard rails, allowing wheels to pick the frog. When I have too many problems with this, I glue a strip of plastic to the plastic guard rail to narrow the flange way. If that makes it too narrow, it can be opened up a bit with a fingernail file. It's a case of tuning and tinkering, getting the flange way narrow enough so things don't pick the frog, but wide enough to allow old engines with pizza cutter flanges through.
Originally posted by scsshaggy - September 07 2016 : 1:57:56 PM
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That's a great tip, thank you! I will give it a try on some of my picky turnouts.
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Posted - September 12 2016 : 3:44:44 PM
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quote: quote:If I do anything, it'll probably be Bluerail. Cost is about the same, if not cheaper.
Originally posted by DanMacKÂ -Â September 05 2016Â :Â 03:15:47 AM
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It occurs to me that Bluerail has the potential to overtake DCC as the advanced way to run trains. It'll handle AC, DC and deadrail battery input, the control unit is just a smart phone, some of which are really cheap, and it doesn't try to transmit signals across dirty wheels and track. At this point, I'd think twice about that before starting from scratch into DCC.
Originally posted by scsshaggy - September 05 2016 : 7:40:52 PM
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Not at it's current state but yes that can happen. DCC hasn't dominated the market as many expected it would. It's really been an either or with most railroaders. That said, bluerail kind of caters to that in between crowd and just may stick around. Until there is sound onboard (instead of via the phone), Im staying away.
If you are not having fun, you are not doing it right.
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Posted - October 01 2016 : 11:12:59 PM
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So due to unforseen circumstances, I had to downsize. I also wanted a layout I could fit into my compact car to take to shows (at the urging of my wife).
My new layout is 42"X48". The track plan is similar to the one above. I got some 15"R curves in my latest haul (mainly Tyco Trusteel with some brass). The layout is a mix of brass, Trusteel and Nickel Silver. Minumum radius is 15", but my Tycos are comfortable with it. The Super 630 and 4-6-0 may be picky, we'll see.
Added the Tyco unloader. This'll be removable for transport.
The train is a Tyco pig hotshot ;)
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Posted - October 05 2016 : 4:13:28 PM
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I see the Silver Streak on point. Fine looking consist. I love the
ingenuity of small track plans. This will be a gem.
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Posted - October 05 2016 : 7:55:57 PM
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| Thanks! I have a fascination for small model railroads. As much as I like big layouts and shelf pikes, designing a good small tabletop layout is alot more challenging I think.
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Posted - October 06 2016 : 11:19:06 AM
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| Yup!
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Posted - October 06 2016 : 2:36:31 PM
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| I love this forum. The first post after I post a small roundy-round tabletop layout isn't "You could do so much more with a shelf..."
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Posted - August 18 2017 : 10:11:03 PM
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Sooo more progress, I have added a reversing track and small yard.
I want to use Atlas components (because I'm cheap). The Turntable is Manual, How would you wire this thing?
Edited by - DanMacK on August 18 2017 10:12:40 PM
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Posted - September 08 2017 : 9:56:44 PM
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HAH! So much for a small layout! Actually, the addition is very
creative. I always admired the Turtle Creek and wanted to do
its Floridian theme. I have like 200 plastic palm trees in storage
from a Yucatan themed layout.
The addition of that Y makes for a very clever switching challenge.
Plus, I never dreamed of the TC with a turntable, manual or other-
wise.
Also, I like plastic roadbed track, like Trutrack, etc, but found it
very, very hard to make anything of any complexity in a small
space because of the inherent rigidity of the stuff. I never guessed
anyone would ever pull of the TC using it.
How do you get the cross at the southern aspect of the Y?
Looks like an impossible fit, unless you take the loop and
have it descend under the crossing track to the yard.
Please keep us posted on this most interesting project.
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Posted - September 14 2017 : 09:32:01 AM
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Well, I'm using standard track now for the most part. A lot of Atlas brass and Tyco steel. The crossing is a severely cropped Atlas 90 degree crossing. I currently have a bunch of crap on the layout now, but will take pics soon.
It may have started as the Turtle Creek but has since morphed into its own monster. The scenery will probably be generic eastern to double as Kansas for my Durango stuff. I'm really on an Early Rail kick. The 1830's to 1850's are a fascinating time.
More as an n and thanks for the comments. :D
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Posted - September 14 2017 : 11:46:51 AM
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I enlarged the picture and see that it is indeed what you say.
Clever idea to crop the crossing.
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Posted - October 11 2017 : 10:29:25 PM
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| What's new DM?
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Posted - October 12 2017 : 08:59:03 AM
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quote:Sooo more progress, I have added a reversing track and small yard.
I want to use Atlas components (because I'm cheap). The Turntable is Manual, How would you wire this thing?
Originally posted by DanMacKÂ -Â August 18 2017Â :Â 10:11:03 PM
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This drawing has a reverse loop in it and needs some special wiring
toptrain
" It's a Heck of a Day " !!!
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Posted - October 12 2017 : 12:35:22 PM
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Truly a remarkable track plan. What are your thoughts on
using an automatic reverse loop detector? Or do you like
the challenge of switch panels?
You mentioned doing a movie set Old West theme. I see
you have an L shaped space beneath the track. I see
a canyon running through it and a trestle on the curve
above.
This track plan is a jewel. Compact, yet jammed with
switching and operational challenges.
I am tempted to do this myself.
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Posted - October 14 2017 : 11:22:11 PM
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Thanks. I've thought of automatic reversing, but I do have a controller, er'll have to see.
I might extend it a few more feet down the side and put the turntable off to the side and use a normal stub end siding. I'll see how things shape up.
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Posted - October 15 2017 : 12:30:32 PM
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Mmmm, makes sense. True story: I dreamed about making this layout
last night. I found a shabby old piece of plywood and was delighted to
measure it out at 7 x 4 feet. In the dream, another model rail friend
and I were simultaneously banging together a 4 x 8 with a simple
oval and brass Atlas track using 15 inch curves. No more pizza
with anchovies before I go to bed at night!
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Posted - October 15 2017 : 8:33:12 PM
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quote:Mmmm, makes sense. True story: I dreamed about making this layout
last night. I found a shabby old piece of plywood and was delighted to
measure it out at 7 x 4 feet. In the dream, another model rail friend
and I were simultaneously banging together a 4 x 8 with a simple
oval and brass Atlas track using 15 inch curves. No more pizza
with anchovies before I go to bed at night!
Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â October 15 2017Â :Â 12:30:32 PM
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EWWW on the anchovies on pizza 
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Posted - October 15 2017 : 8:56:16 PM
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I not only dream in HO, I dream in Tyco! I measured the extra
slab of plywood, for real, in the garage, and it is 6 x 3.5, just
a little too small, unless I use 15 inch curves to go into the
yard, which might be just OK...
I keep studying and studying this track plan, and it is just
the ticket for short short trains, maybe a Doodle Bug, and
one can be making up a small train while trying to get
around the movement on the main line, bring one in
while taking one out, offers so many possibilities. Throw
in some DCC and this will be slow motion amazing.
BTW, Dan, I spent summers on the Bruce Penninsula. Not
much rail action out there, but the Huron coast was so
beautiful it hurts to remember it.
Edited by - Chops124 on October 15 2017 9:05:21 PM
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Posted - October 15 2017 : 10:28:38 PM
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I love that part of the province.
The layout itself is 3.5X4. The curvwe and yard are on separate shelves. It's actually open between the diamond and the curve. No scenery on the curve ATM as it's just temporaty.
I'm probably going to extend the yard a bit. It's amazing what'll go around a 15" R Curve. My C630's complain a bit, but everything else is awesome.
Edited by - DanMacK on October 15 2017 10:31:14 PM
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