Scarpia's MINIVerse - Model Railroading!Scarpia's MINIVerse - Model Railroading!
Current Layout: Name: Test in 4x8 Feet |
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| Proposed Layout: |
I've always wanted a model railroad, and I finally find myself with the space and resources to be able to pursue this hobby. I can't explain the fascination with trains, but there it is.
I will be constructing a layout based on the Central Vermont Railway in the late 1920's and early 1930's. I am planning on modeling a stretch from Waterbury, VT, where I grew up, to White River Junction. I've chosen his era as I intend on also constructing the Mount Mansfield Electric Railway, which ran from the CV station in Waterbury to Stowe VT. I realize that this is ambitious, as the MMER will need to be entirely scratch built, but I think my skills are up to the task.
What's new - December 8 - added a dynamic trackplan link tha shows the current progression of the test layout.
December 6, fixed some dead spots on the Yard, and disguised the feeder wires.
October 25, added a new page for the Yard and Facilities area on the test layout. I have a new track plan posted up for the Planning page as well.
Going to add another siding to the yard (Oct 21, 2008) in the empty space here in the middle; and I have a new picture of the Supertrees as installed. I also have a new trackplan up for the final build; you can find that on the planning page.
I rewired the front of the layout this past weekend (Oct 18, 2008) and added a simple toggle switch that allows me to change from DCC to DC control.
With my workshop kind of a mess, I assembled a quick display and storage case for my locos, to keep them from getting damaged when not in use.
Just $30 in lumber, still waiting on the glass doors.
It's been a quite couple of weeks, as the summer draws to a close. I've added a new Doodlebug marked for the Boston & Maine, this one came DCC ready, a quick hour had a decoder installed and running. More pictues in the Motive Power page.
There is a page up describing my construction of a road crossing at grade, and due to a cliff diving accident, I have a new locomotive conversion, as I've convereted the model to DCC with sound. Besides the conversion page, I have a short 4mb quicktime video of the finished product at this time..
The building page has been updated with the yard office for Crosby's Coal completed, and some new features for the Town and West Hill as I add the Scenic Express Trees. I'm really liking these trees for their cost effectiveness, and appearance.
I also "found" a Spectrum 4-8-2 Mountain that I had forgotten about, it's now running (kind of). See the Motive Power page for details.
There are some ideas on what to build, which you can find on the planning page, updated 24 June 2008
I am initially building a 4x8 layout as a test, while I continue working on the physical space the final layout is going. I decided a test layout would be a good idea to not only keep my interest up, but also try some things like track laying, wiring, etc. I have the layout surface prepared, and should begin laying track in the next couple of weeks.
Here's how it looks as of 6 August 2008
I also recently completed a DCC sound conversion on one of the Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 locomotives (6-10-2008)
You can see the progress of the test layout
here (construction, updated 28 April 2008)
and scenery (broken apart due to the file sizes)
I've been adding building kits, including this Branchline (Laser Art Structures) Enginehouse based on a Central Vermont Prototype which I plan on building for now, and removing from the test layout later, as well as Crosby's Coal, and a couple more DPM models, Shultz's Garage and Kelly's Saloon.
I have purchased a brand new EasyDCC set from CVP, including one of the new (2008) dual Zonemaster boosters with reversing loop capability. I've since added a wired walk around throttle, and have been able to run all of my Bachmann locos, including in consists, with no problems.
I am also accruing both motive power and rolling stock.
Rolling Stock
I have had one real concern, one of the Consolidations jumped a switch, and shorted out enough to melt the plastic of the ties! You can see the damage just in front of the frog. The thing is for hours, trains have run over this with no problem. I need to track down the reason why.
