Oh definitely. Maybe it didn't come across well enough in the video - the "siding" in Monroe isn't glued down at all right now because I haven't figured out where I want to add a couple of turnouts to serve some industries. And even then, it'll also mostly serve as a passing siding for traffic in the helix if there's multiple trains running on the layout. What are the industries in Monroe, do you know? Iain
This is wayne from unw. If you dont know but work on plan which are made for gn line from mt veron to Wenatchee over railroad pass going though haden. Manatha is where the apex yard is goig to be the focus point.
I have a bigger shelf for the DCC equipment, but definitely no computer for automation. I spend all day working with them - I have zero interest in spending time on an evening and weekend fighting with them instead of playing with trains! Iain
@@gncascadedivision LOL I can feel the pain Iain. I'm in the same boat as I'm a embedded systems engineer and I have little to no automation on my layout other than basic logic at grade crossings and signals.
Thanks for following along for so long! It's definitely all come a long way. So I did the math (which I'm terrible at, so this might be wrong!), and it's probably about 250ft of running from Seattle to Skykomish including the helix, but excluding the reverse loop on the south side of the stations that would add another 50ft or so. That means for this train leaving Seattle, it's about 7.5 scale miles by the time it pulls into Skykomish. We're maybe 2/3 of the way layout-wise to Spokane, so it'll probably end up about 400ft or so, around 11-12 scale miles in total. The Spokane reversing loop would add another 25ft. Iain
It does, but I knew the middle deck was always a compromise. The latest video touches on this. Basically I need / want to 2" to accommodate all the bridges. Otherwise I'd have to constantly raise and lower the track, or depress the rivers / roads down into the benchwork (which was possible, but wouldn't leave any way to show embankments down from the tracks). Iain
It would also be nice if the ceiling was finished where the can lights are maybe all in blue like the sky that look kinda neat just finishing touches on the ceiling before you get all that modeling done and then you can’t go back and do the ceiling because the scenery all finished This is in a basement, isn’t it?
I've never understood the fascination some people have on the ceiling with a layout that has 7.5 scale miles of track to focus on instead, but ruclips.net/video/m2PiXvLqq_4/видео.html
I found the Atlas turnouts vary greatly in quality. The last batch I ordered were bowed to the point that I had to bend the other direction to lay flat. My intermountain SD40s don't have a lot of flotation in the trucks and actually teater / rock side to side when using the diverging route. I wouldn't be surprised if the points are losing power in this case.
Both locos are powered, yes, but I think it is likely more so the points. Either that slight bending, or just not cleaned enough. Some points, both locos go through just fine, on some the trailing locos bogs down. Where possible, I'm buying the turnouts locally now because of the slight bow I encountered in some of the Atlas turnouts. I also hate the packaging the Atlas turnouts come in - you have to very carefully cut them out to get to them without adding additional flex. Overall, not a big deal, and once the frogs are powered it'll be fine. Iain
...But the N scale Atlas turnouts look relatively good for North American track. ME is probably the next best alternative but they cost an arm and a leg and only available in # 6 as im sure you know. I have been handlaying turnouts in place using the" www.youtube.com/@ModularRailroading" method. You are a fantastic ambassador for N scale RRing Thanks!!!
It’s so cool to see how far you can run the trains now. Can’t wait for more.!
I'm so constantly impressed with your progress! Thank you for sharing! The layout is looking incredible!
Glad you like it! Iain
Really enjoyed this, watched whilst wrapping Christmas presents.
Hopefully Santa brings you something good, too! Iain
You could do a bit of switching in Monroe. We still have a couple industries west of main street that get cars delivered by the Boeng switchers.
Oh definitely. Maybe it didn't come across well enough in the video - the "siding" in Monroe isn't glued down at all right now because I haven't figured out where I want to add a couple of turnouts to serve some industries. And even then, it'll also mostly serve as a passing siding for traffic in the helix if there's multiple trains running on the layout. What are the industries in Monroe, do you know? Iain
This is wayne from unw. If you dont know but work on plan which are made for gn line from mt veron to Wenatchee over railroad pass going though haden. Manatha is where the apex yard is goig to be the focus point.
A walled 19inch rack eleclosue would be nice to hold your DCC system and maybe a computer for automation.
I have a bigger shelf for the DCC equipment, but definitely no computer for automation. I spend all day working with them - I have zero interest in spending time on an evening and weekend fighting with them instead of playing with trains! Iain
@@gncascadedivision LOL I can feel the pain Iain. I'm in the same boat as I'm a embedded systems engineer and I have little to no automation on my layout other than basic logic at grade crossings and signals.
Been lurking since your first video. And it paid off. Absolutely terrific lay-out. How many scale miles are we talking about here, Iain?
Thanks for following along for so long! It's definitely all come a long way.
So I did the math (which I'm terrible at, so this might be wrong!), and it's probably about 250ft of running from Seattle to Skykomish including the helix, but excluding the reverse loop on the south side of the stations that would add another 50ft or so. That means for this train leaving Seattle, it's about 7.5 scale miles by the time it pulls into Skykomish. We're maybe 2/3 of the way layout-wise to Spokane, so it'll probably end up about 400ft or so, around 11-12 scale miles in total. The Spokane reversing loop would add another 25ft. Iain
Wow. Lots of work ahead. Great to see this come together. Merry Christmas.
Do you need that thick of a foam base? Seems to take alot of space between the levels.
It does, but I knew the middle deck was always a compromise. The latest video touches on this. Basically I need / want to 2" to accommodate all the bridges. Otherwise I'd have to constantly raise and lower the track, or depress the rivers / roads down into the benchwork (which was possible, but wouldn't leave any way to show embankments down from the tracks). Iain
It would also be nice if the ceiling was finished where the can lights are maybe all in blue like the sky that look kinda neat just finishing touches on the ceiling before you get all that modeling done and then you can’t go back and do the ceiling because the scenery all finished This is in a basement, isn’t it?
I've never understood the fascination some people have on the ceiling with a layout that has 7.5 scale miles of track to focus on instead, but ruclips.net/video/m2PiXvLqq_4/видео.html
It's been awhile. How is everything going?
Latest video covers some random updates over the last few weeks :) Iain
Are both engines powered? Or is #46 a dummy?
I found the Atlas turnouts vary greatly in quality. The last batch I ordered were bowed to the point that I had to bend the other direction to lay flat. My intermountain SD40s don't have a lot of flotation in the trucks and actually teater / rock side to side when using the diverging route. I wouldn't be surprised if the points are losing power in this case.
Both locos are powered, yes, but I think it is likely more so the points. Either that slight bending, or just not cleaned enough. Some points, both locos go through just fine, on some the trailing locos bogs down. Where possible, I'm buying the turnouts locally now because of the slight bow I encountered in some of the Atlas turnouts. I also hate the packaging the Atlas turnouts come in - you have to very carefully cut them out to get to them without adding additional flex. Overall, not a big deal, and once the frogs are powered it'll be fine. Iain
...But the N scale Atlas turnouts look relatively good for North American track. ME is probably the next best alternative but they cost an arm and a leg and only available in # 6 as im sure you know. I have been handlaying turnouts in place using the" www.youtube.com/@ModularRailroading" method. You are a fantastic ambassador for N scale RRing Thanks!!!
02-07-24 We need a update please.
Latest video covers some random updates over the last few weeks :) Iain