The Empire

[jbvb]

I've had unpleasant surprises from 8-coupled steam in tight places: Forward was fine, light or under load.  Backing under load made the cab kick out to the side much more than backing light.

[Zephyrus52246]

I'll watch out for that, James.  I've superelevated the curve around the end of the peninsula. To do this I use 3M 6330 1/4 inch masking tape.  I step it in 1 1/2 inch increments up to a 4 inch height.  Then use 4x6 stripwood for the balance of the curve.  After taking the picture, I saw the stripwood didn't curve as much as I'd hoped, so I went back and fixed it.  I use super glue with accelerant to attach the stripwood.  I like the four inch height, it shows enough superelevation without the trains leaning too much.  I didn't do the interior curve in the yard area as it's a yard, and I probably won't do the 90 degree curve on the peninsula as a station will sit there.  All the passenger trains on the system will stop there, and it will be a reason to slow the fast freights down. 


Jeff

[ACL1504]

Jeff,

Looks good. I super elevated the mainline of the old layout but not on the new one. Your location is the perfect spot for the elevation to be visually. In HO scale it doesn't take much for it to look natural.

Tom

[Zephyrus52246]

Thanks, Tom.  I got so excited with the tracklaying, I forgot about the last three feet of homabed.  It's glued/drying in place now.  Time to get ready for Thanksgiving brunch.  Afterward, if I'm not too stuffed, I'll attach the curve and the next pieces of track.   The "test train" is on the completed portion.  No bumps nor derailments.     Sorry about the Coke Zero can, you Diet Pepsi drinkers.   


Jeff

[ACL1504]

Jeff,

It sure is looking good. I like your canned weights.

Tom

[S&S RR]

Jeff


I'm really enjoying watching your layout come to life.

[Zephyrus52246]

Thanks, John and Tom.  After twelve plus years, it's gold spike day!


Jeff

[Janbouli]

  After twelve plus years, it's gold spike day!
Jeff

Jeff , you have no idea how much better I feel after reading this.

[Zephyrus52246]

Thanks, Jan.  I've run the minimum amount of feeders to get the whole section working and the test train has been run several times to be sure the DCC Specialties PSX-AR reverser works.  It throws the Tortoise and reverses correctly.  Huzzah!  More feeders to be added.  Many more.   


Jeff

[Zephyrus52246]

Feeders completed today.  Got the Pioneer Zephyr out to make the first end to end run and return.  Unfortunately the LokSound Decoder which I installed, which seemed to work, until I put the shell back on, then it didn't work any longer.    Put a non sound one in and it runs OK.  Some pics from the first run.


Jeff

[cuse]

Looks great. Nothing like running that first train.

[S&S RR]

Congratulations on the first run!  Looks great.

[GPdemayo]

Pop the bubbly Jeff.....congrats on the first run! 

[ACL1504]

An initial first run is a wonderful thing. And, it's a great feeling to know YOU did it! Congrats Dr. Jeff.

Tom

[Erieman]

Jeff,

Greeting from Arizona and congratulations on the golden spike. I really like the Zephyr. It still looks stylish all these years later. I can't wait to the scenery on your layout. . Keep up the beautiful work.

Frank / Erieman