Thought I'd go ahead and get a thread going again for my layout.

For all previous updates, you can view them at my website <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.upmodelrailroad.com">http://www.upmodelrailroad.com</a><!-- m -->

I'll post future updates here.

In actual layout news, I recently got my order of IDC connectors in so I'm planning on Friday to work on the mainline on the upper level. My goal was to complete the mainline by the new year, so this weekend is pretty my last chance to meet that goal before I leave for vacation for a week on
Christmas day. *crosses fingers*

I've also been busy blasting away and completing some building kits (as previous post shown). Using the Floquil/Testor spray paint has made this a breeze cause I usually dread the whole airbrushing routine. But the spray cans make it a snap and there's no worry about having clean up or anything. So I'm happy as a clam now.

I'm also about to try a new method for powering my staging cassettes. As simple as the copper contact strips are, I can't seem to get them to be reliable 100% of the time on every cassette. So I'm going to try using a 2.5mm plug for getting power to the cassette. More details on that once I get the parts in!

Shaun i was really hoping that you would start up again here with your layout. Ive really enjoyed following your progress in your last layout thread, im really looking forward to following this one as well. Cant wait for some updates

Shaun that is one amazing Helix you built.

I like the storage cassets you have. What are they made of? It has given me an idea for my layout.
I also have to say the helix is really cool. Can't wait to see a picture of it wil 2 trains running up it...

mooreway Wrote:I like the storage cassets you have. What are they made of? It has given me an idea for my layout.
I also have to say the helix is really cool. Can't wait to see a picture of it wil 2 trains running up it...

The cassettes are made out of 1.25"x1.25"x.125" Aluminum channel. Each one is 76.5 inches long.

I ordered them online from here: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?pid=7006&step=4&showunits=inches&id=297&top_cat=60">http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cf ... top_cat=60</a><!-- m -->

I can't take all the credit for the helix since it was a kit purchased from Ashlin Trains

For the very first time since construction started almost 22 months ago, a train rolls onto to the upper level.

Yea, that is exciting! Are you going to make a video of a train going from one level to another?

Jesso Wrote:Yea, that is exciting! Are you going to make a video of a train going from one level to another?

Sure. Lemme put one together now.

alright Shaun!! Glad to hear the 2 levels are now fully connected!!

Here's a mini-tour following the Amtrak train.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWciHbKRYRE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWciHbKRYRE</a><!-- m -->

That was cool to watch that. Thanks, watching that in HD was cool, those Kato Amtrack engines look great. Between watching the empire builder on extreme trains and your video I am really wanting an Amtrack train.

Again thanks for the video!

Shaun , Good to see you here!
Mike

shaun, that was a sweet video, i loved watching that train tackle the helix, that was AWESOME!!

Very nice work. Seems to run very smooth, I like that!

Nice work, I particularly like the gravel plant and the dairy kit structures.
About powering tthe cassette, I remember one modeler uses paperclips as contacts.
Here is the link:
http://www.all-model-railroading.co.uk/f...php?t=7752

Jacques