The TrainBoard cars ran on Chuck Baker's layout in Tucson, AZ this morning. Chuck was a wonderful host for Joshua and I. We thank Chuck for sharing his time, his layout, and his expertise today. A few static images below. Videos are currently uploading to youtube. The cars arrived on a siding with a SP unit. Running on the upper deck of the layout. Running down the outdoor helix. This helix hangs off the back of the train room. Trains go through the exterior wall to access the helix. Mark, a friend of Chuck, was also visiting on his spring break today wiring IR occupancy detectors in the helix which you can see in the image below. Trains are through the helix now running on the lower deck.
The Model Railroader video archives shows that method. One method is typically as good as another. One other interesting thing that Chuck did with his helix is that he used all sectional track. I asked why out of curiosity thinking it was a good way to verify a consistent radius but his reply was that he had a ton of it left over from a previous layout. Works for me
Sounds like a good idea. Why spend the money, when this is at hand.... And that cash saved can go for some new item which comes up for sale.
Today we visited Jim's layout in Tucson, AZ. Jim is my mother's neighbor and was a wonderful host. Both Allison and Joshua ran trains on Jim's NCE DCC system. Layout room is something like 30' x 50' IIRC. YouTube videos currently uploading. L-Grider benchwork, track, and much of the wiring is completed. Subroadbed is all homasote. Even the helix (there are between 4 and 6 on the layout). Climate in the train room is very well controlled.
Holy Cow! That looks like some kind of ultimate roller coaster. I bet it'll be even more impressive when it has scenery.
If possible, please see if it might be possible to show us photos or videos, when this layout gets further along.
I feel for him on the scenery, my least favorite part. Man what a bunch of track tho huh? It would be interesting to see how many 100's of feet he has used, I couldn't begin to say with all the yards and such on this 30X50 outfit of mine, I do like the sweeping curves he has too.
Just think how awesome it will be when it does get the scenery touch. I know we at the CGMRC in Portland have a team of people that work just scenery, holy cow I hope he has a army! Nice pic's !
The cars go back to Minnesota tomorrow where they will wait to be sent off to their next destination. While they wait, I may run them at the club a few more times as or spring schedule winds down. With any luck, I will have some track laid on my layout soon and they can run at home. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk