I have a hidden staging yard below my layout. There is about 26 feet of track to get to it of this 26 feet of track about 3 feet of it is easily accessible. Now we all know where problems will arise. This evening a train got stuck on it and started to tear it out!
Thi is very difficult to do as I really like where it begins on the layout.


this is not a tunnel

But it is history. I have come up with another route and destruction/construction has begun. With the new route there will be about 4 feet that is difficult to get to. For me that means I will have to crawl about 4 feet under my layout to get to it and that is very hard to do. I will get pics tommorrow and keep you up to date. I can't wait to get it done, I am excited about this.

...but it's not a fake or "photoshopped" photo. While I was working on my wall paneling in my train room, I accidently dropped one of my brad point drill bits. I looked around, but couldn't see where it had fallen. Here's why...    

The bit had fallen on the floor and the brad point had buried itself into the wood!!

The other night at the N Scale club we was discussing layouts in general and I causally mention my temporary switching layout on my 30" x 60" dinning room table...After the usual good natured ribbing(yeah,I can see it now,here comes the mash potatoes express etc) the discussion then turn toward using a table/2" insulation foam combination..

Then the usual questions came up such as lighting,Fascia board,control panel etc-far more questions then I believe necessary and thinking well within the normal box of "proper" layout designs elements...I contend such a layout will call for out of the box thinking..

Lighting could be similar to to that of a pool table but,use a row of incandescent lights mounted on a overhead track.

Control panel..This could be mounted in the usual fashion.However,if one will be using Kato's Unitrack then all that would be needed is a schematic with the location and number of the turnout-the switch controls mount on the Unitrack power pack..DCC users would need to wire the controls for DCC or perhaps use the power pack for switch power.

As far as the Fascia one could use plastic or wood molding strips.

Then the cost of the table came up and many thought a HCD with folding legs would be cheaper..It was mention that the table could be bought use at a yard sale or perhaps a estate auction.

What do you think?

Would such a layout be feasible?

Frankly I am not exactly sold on the idea of a table layout because IMHO it would be no more then a glorified HCD.

I have not quite decided which kit I am going to build. It will either be a coaling tower, freight transfer, or a cinder pit and conveyor. Not nearly as ambitious as some of the others I have seen listed thus far, but it is getting me off my butt. Pics to come when I actually pick one.

Matt

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Hey all,
So I'm currently in the process of rebuilding my layout. Currently the bencwork is in place and I've got the basic plan...but now I need more than just the track plan... I need a 'region' to mimic for scenery and industrial purposes.

The plan is:



My motive power consists of a lot of steam and some early diesel locos. 2/3's are Canadian National, 1/3 is Canadian Pacific... I got some other locos that I got because their gorgeous (Challenger, Daylight) but are not prototypical of Canadian operations.... Out of my buildings, all I currently have thats not directly related to the main terminal is a Forestry Co. kit from Walthers.

Obviously I'm modeling Canada... but what would be a good area to use as an inspiration for my layout's scenery...and what should I call it? The Pacific South Eastern really doesn't work without the mountains. And this layout only has gentle rolling hills....

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The Wilmington & Western Historic Tourist Railway derailed yesterday...

I got a question for all who want to put in thier 2 cents. Is it possible for Thrall 4750 Covered Hoppers to be bought out bya company or private owner and be used to carry plastic pellets?

HO Scale Concrete Segmental Bridge Side-by-Side Comparison:
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Please let me know what you think, this one has been a work in progress for a month or so now, just finally got around to properly finishing up. Its not too in depth, but will give you a good sense of what the products offer.