Category Archives: Trackwork

Switch control

I’ve got my first servo-controlled switch on the layout. I’m using a Tam Valley servo singlet,

which gets both power and DCC signal from the track. The amperage draw is nominal when the decoder is just listening, and since at most I would ever move two of these simultaneously I think it’s ok. My layout is rather on the small side–small enough that I don’t expect to ever run more than two locomotives at a time.

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Harp stand

I’ve been wanting to have a visual indicator for switch direction and I decided on these Ozark Miniatures harp stands. The points are being moved by a servo on the other side of the track, which also moves the harp stand.

 

Slow progress

Things have been moving along very slowly–both because of our summer vacation and waiting for some parts to arrive. At this point, I’ve received my DCC command station, power connectors, and track joiners, so I’m working my way around the main line getting track joined and power distribution done. Nothing fancy, and not much to see, so no photos for now.

Laying track

OK, I haven’t actually leveled the entire layout area–which you’re supposed to go before starting. But I couldn’t wait πŸ™‚

So here’s my start on track laying: the station siding and rail yard area, plus the first turn on the house end of the layout. I hope to get the full oval laid out this week–but who knows with the crazy Kansas weather?

track-laying

Garden Started

I’m pretty excited to have started on the “garden” part of our garden railroad. Once I get this all sorted, I’ll be able to lay track :o)

First step: outline the terrace (at 20 x 70 feet, it’s not really a “raised bed” in any real sense) These are landscape timbers I got at Menards. Eventually the “wall” will be three timbers high.

garden-started

Doesn’t look like muchΒ πŸ™‚

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Layout Plan

Here’s my current track plan.

The green is industrial, the red are railroad service buildings, and the blue is the “town”

The layout is planned to be about 20′ x 60′