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miksterr
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« on: June 01, 2008, 06:19:11 AM »
Hi all,

I am ready to put together my first layout.


I have a large assortment of set track pieces from Hornby, Peco and Atlas......My board is 4foot x 8 foot.
We are using DCC and i have 2 young boys that will be assisting with the build and also driving.


The layout is not modelled on anything just an idea.
The loops are so they can set some trains in action, i like the reverse loop in there and the middle section is going to be for picking up and setting down wagons...

I would be very open to ANY and all suggestions for the layout as the middle looks a bit tricky.

Mike.
* new idea.any (62.76 KB - downloaded 116 times.)
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kimbo
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« Reply #1 on: June 01, 2008, 11:23:06 AM »
My feeling upon seeing the layout is that you're a bit overwhelmed with the number of track - doesn't exactly leave you with much space for anything else. Is that your intention? I always think a train is action is most wonderful when it has a backdrop to play against!
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Kim
Living in: Brussels, Belgium
AnyRail user since: 26/12/2007
Dream layout: HO freelance layout set in an imaginary European country bordering to Belgium, Germany, and Netherlands
Personal site: http://kimmetje.rpgnewworlds.net
Chris
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« Reply #2 on: June 01, 2008, 12:44:41 PM »
Looks interesting.

I would support kimbo's comment re the lack of space for scenic enhancements. Personally, I would reduce the mass of reversing spurs in the centre. Unless you are into masses of shunting, I think (no practical experience) that you might get a bit fed up with them after a while.

You need to watch out with that reversing loop. In order to prevent short circuits you will need to have at least two both-rail isolating joins in there. Why two? Because a single isolation joint would still give you shorts as the metal wheels cross the gaps. In addition, you will need to arrange for the section between the two isolations to switch the supply polarity while the train is entirely in that section. (No train should be longer that the isolated section.)

Good luck.

Best wishes,
Chris.
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Chris from Skye
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santerdam
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« Reply #3 on: June 01, 2008, 04:54:51 PM »
miksterr, when using a reverse loop, you will have to take care that you have at least two reverse loops. In your plan, you can drive the reverse loop, get out in a clockwise direction. But now you can't change your driving direction - there is no loop available to reverse again. You end up driving clockwise for ever.

Sander
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miksterr
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« Reply #4 on: June 03, 2008, 12:57:44 PM »
Thanks Chris, Kimber and Sander....

I know the layout is quite busy, but to be honest, it will only last a year or so and i wont be doing any building of medels etc. Maybe the Mark 2!!

Sander, i thought i could "back up" to the loop and enter it, thus changing direction again.

I have done a little update.

Thanks for taking a look.....All it does is makes me want a bigger board!

Mike.
* new idea update.any (56.52 KB - downloaded 31 times.)
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David
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« Reply #5 on: June 04, 2008, 05:12:09 PM »
Hi Mike,

Looks busy, but very nice for the young boys I think.
About the reverse loop, I think you should take care of the short circuit in some way to make it enjoyable for the kids. Maybe this thread can help:

http://www.anyrail.com/forum_en/general_discussion/dog_bone_auto_reverser-t81.0.html

David.
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David Hoogvorst
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miksterr
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« Reply #6 on: June 05, 2008, 12:16:57 PM »
Hi David,

I am awaiting delivery of a DCC Specialities PSX-ARSCFB DCC Auto Reverser w/ Snap Coil Turnout Control & Feedback.

It sorts the short issue as well as controlling the peco solenoid after you have entered the loop, making sure the point is correctly set upon exit.

This looked like the best foolproof method for us all.

Mike.
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David
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« Reply #7 on: June 07, 2008, 09:53:44 AM »
Looks good Mike. Indeed, you don't want to go through the trouble of having to operate this manually, especially not with kids!
Hope you get lots of fun out of this!

David.
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David Hoogvorst
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dijoca
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« Reply #8 on: July 18, 2008, 05:32:40 AM »
Hi just wanted to say I looked at your layout you've managed to make maxium use of the the board.
I have to agree it is very busy with the inner shunting tracks. You'll be going back and forwards for a while to get in or out. Go back a step and have just a couple of lines.
I do agree with you I'm more interested in the track and electronics then the modeling and scenery. Maybe in time to come it may change. I will be interested how the reverse loop goes.
Good Luck and enjoy.
DC
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