Building the North Texas Railroad


NTR, you may have already views these sites as well but in case not, here is a really good one that I just came across yesterday. This is a quote from another thread I am following on another forum but I found it very useful.

I can't comment on Unitrack but if you're building the Grand Valley layout I'd highly recommend watching some of the fabulous youtube videos especially lesson learned. Search Dan's Grand Valley Layout and Copterdude. I built the layout and it's really nice. I'd highly recommend you add another loop and a switching/storage yard. It only requires about a 5X9 platform vs 4X8. We call it the Grand Valley PLUS. Good luck.
 
MilwRoader_Steve said:
Looking good!

It looks like you have access to all sides of the table. Very, very nice. Stay manual control - no need to automate unless you just want to. I am not familiar with the EZ track - do the turnouts have nice reliable positive point control? In other words, when you throw or close the turnout, does it have a spring or something to hold the points securely against the rails? If so - - you're golden.

I am automating my yard turnouts for route selection ability and because I have some long reaches. But the main table is easy reach, so I just rely on the positive action of the Peco TOs and I put Caboose ground throws on the Walthers. Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy. The automation project, on the other hand ... ... .... has me bogged down for months!! It will be nice when it is done!

Steve
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Steve,
Yes all the turnouts are manual. Not sure if I'll use the remote controls or not, but that's the least of my worries for now. I'm not sure that the EZ Track turnouts have the positive point control, but I'm guessing yes? The points seem to stay put. Access all around so that hasn't presented a problem.
 
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BigGRacing said:
NTR, you may have already views these sites as well but in case not, here is a really good one that I just came across yesterday. This is a quote from another thread I am following on another forum but I found it very useful.

I can't comment on Unitrack but if you're building the Grand Valley layout I'd highly recommend watching some of the fabulous youtube videos especially lesson learned. Search Dan's Grand Valley Layout and Copterdude. I built the layout and it's really nice. I'd highly recommend you add another loop and a switching/storage yard. It only requires about a 5X9 platform vs 4X8. We call it the Grand Valley PLUS. Good luck.
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Gary,
I had not seen the Dan's grand valley channel or Copterdude, but I've added them to my subscription list. Thank you for the suggestion!
 


Also, I've done my first track redo. 😕 Testing running cars last night I noticed that my longer 60ft boxcars were derailing on the runaround. It appears that the 3" straight pieces between the turnouts were not enough for the longer cars, so I went ahead and inserted 9" straights instead. So far that appears to have corrected the issue. Reading before I had seen a need for a straight piece in between turnouts that created an S-curve, but I guess that I underestimated the needed length.
 
Layout Update! I've completed a spur on the backside and the interchange track. The runaround stubs are complete minus the addition of bumpers at each end. Just need to fill in the curves at either end inside the loop and it'll be complete. Feels good to have it come together more to see what I've only been able to visualize in my mind and SCARM.

Layout Update 8-15-23-1.jpg

Layout Update 8-15-23-3.jpg

Layout Update 8-15-23-4.jpg

Layout Update 8-15-23-5.jpg
 
IMG-6030.jpg

Introducing my first DCC locomotive TRE#121 (F59PH) rom Rapido. Had it for a bit, but only used it on my starter set track. I tried it out this morning on the layout and seems to be working fine. DCC control is SO much nicer! Just have to get some Trinity Railway Express passenger cars for it to pull. Below is a picture of her namesake that I took at the beginning of the year at T&P Station in downtown Fort Worth.
TRE121 TP Station.jpg
 
Working on a revamp of the layout with the base. Do you have a particular position that have a DCC controller mounted? I'm trying to figure out where to mount the plate for my Powercab.
 
James, just saw this thread for the first time. You're coming along nicely!

As for the PCP panel, I can tell you the wire that tethers the cab to the panel is 6' or 7' long. You can purchase longer ones separately.

You can also buy additional panels and place them anywhere. However, if you want to move the cab from panel to panel without killing power to the layout you will need to expand the system with the NCE SB-5. That's what I did and I'm very happy with it. The SB-5 also allows you to go wireless down the road if you choose.
 


PMW said:
James, just saw this thread for the first time. You're coming along nicely!

As for the PCP panel, I can tell you the wire that tethers the cab to the panel is 6' or 7' long. You can purchase longer ones separately.

You can also buy additional panels and place them anywhere. However, if you want to move the cab from panel to panel without killing power to the layout you will need to expand the system with the NCE SB-5. That's what I did and I'm very happy with it. The SB-5 also allows you to go wireless down the road if you choose.
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Thank you Paul! Haven't done much lately, but working up plans to better handle DCC operations on a more permanent basis (getting old having to get everything out each time I want to run trains). Paul that's good to know about the additional panels. Fortunately I should just need the one which will be center mounted on long side with the most operations action planned.
 
Posting here since I didn't buy any of these items for the layout (birthday presents).

Railbox Boxcar RBOX 30116.jpeg

Walthers Mainline Railbox 50' ACF Boxcar with small logo

Centerbeam Flatcar UP 217007.jpeg

Walthers Mainline Union Pacific 72' Centerbeam Flatcar (might have to start a lumber industry now)

Waldo.jpeg

A HO scale figure of Waldo from the Where's Waldo series of books. Much kudos and thanks to my wife for the neat find!
 
So it is seeming more and more likely that my wife and I are going to move in the next few months. That means that I will need to take down the existing layout in 1-2 months. :(

That also means that I'm already thinking about the North Texas RR 2.0. :D We're looking to get a somewhat differently proportioned house that would have a spare room where I could build a new layout. That likely will mean a spare bedroom, so I'm thinking of things to do with an around the walls layout in a roughly 10x10ft space. I'm looking at getting a copy of "Building the Right-Sized Layout: Designing and Operating a Small Switching Layout" by Thomas Klimoski to help. Any thoughts, advices, pointers?

​

 
NorthTexasRailroad said:
So it is seeming more and more likely that my wife and I are going to move in the next few months. That means that I will need to take down the existing layout in 1-2 months. :(

That also means that I'm already thinking about the North Texas RR 2.0. :D We're looking to get a somewhat differently proportioned house that would have a spare room where I could build a new layout. That likely will mean a spare bedroom, so I'm thinking of things to do with an around the walls layout in a roughly 10x10ft space. I'm looking at getting a copy of "Building the Right-Sized Layout: Designing and Operating a Small Switching Layout" by Thomas Klimoski to help. Any thoughts, advices, pointers?

​

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I'm not moving but just took apart my layout and am starting over. It's a big step backward but also exciting to have a fresh start! Good luck with your move and your next layout :)
 


First render at a new layout track plan (notional for a 10x10ft room). Actual future space unknown. Planning for continuous running, a couple industries, a commuter rail passenger station, and one side as mostly scenery with a couple bridges.

Thoughts?

Layout 2 Idea.gif
 
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