Where i am at

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Mike Nowakowski

Mike Nowakowski

Member
I have the table (16ftby4ft) almost done i just need to caulk around the outside. I would like to represent a modern powder river coal basin, a UP and BNSF joint line its all coal. This is my first layout and i am just keeping it simple. I have many questions about HO because i am new to it. I am currently working on getting track i am going to use all atlas track, In code 83.

I have one question for now whats the difference between Atlas snap-switch and custom line switch, In code 83.
And i have been looking for the best place to find Atlas code 83 track, but where do you people find it at on the internet.

Thanks for everyone's help so far.
 
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Hi Mike!

Nice start on the benchwork!

Do you have a way to access the back of the table next to the wall? I'm thinking that 48" is a rrreeeaaalll far reach for most of us!
 


I have one question for now whats the difference between Atlas snap-switch and custom line switch, In code 83.
Click to expand...

Snap switches have a sharp diverging track, like a #3 or something. Custom Line have the various, less sharp, more gentle diverging track, from #4 to #8. If you are running anything over 50' or 6 axle locomotives, then you will likely have problems with Snap Track. #4 is better, but your trackwork skills need to be spot on. #6 is even better, and #8 is pretty good. Most people I know use the largest number they can, which may be #6 on the mainline and #4 on some industrial spurs.

MB Klein (modeltrainstuff.com) usually has good prices on track.
 
That little space from the wall is just enough for me to fit in. Thanks for the switch tips. And i have been looking for "decoy" remote switch machines like the ones found on the powder river basin any body found one. I am going to put an under table switch machine under each switch except in the yards.
 
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Mike Nowakowski said:
And i have been looking for "decoy" remote switch machines like the ones found on the powder river basin any body found one. I am going to put an under table switch machine under each switch except in the yards.
Click to expand...

Do you have a link? I've never heard of "decoy" switch machines.
 
Details West also has relay cabinets as well. You would probably benefit from buying a Walthers Catalog. It's so much better to just page through it and see all the good stuff that is available.

Come to think of it, I should buy a new one too. It's been a few years......

Kerry
 


If you mean the tall gray boxes, they hold radio receivers that activate the switches remotely from the yard tower. The lower duct work covers the linkage that leads to actual switch motors, which I believe are buried and heated. The LED lights show the switch position. These were built by the Union Pacific especially for the Bill
Yard and there are no models of them that I've ever seen.
 
That picture is just one of the great ones on Railpictures.net in the Wyoming category. I wish i took that picture. Thanks for the help so far cant wait to get laying track. Anybody use super glue to secure foam roadbed to foam table.
 
the big gray boxes are actually switch heaters. they blow hot air through a flex duct to the switch points and activator rods or whatever they are called. usually you will see a propane tank nearby. if you look really closely, see the galvanized duct running towards the track, then a dirty rounded piece of metal? that's where the hot air runs. the big cabinet just holds the blower motor, fresh air intake (high up so it doesn't get covered by snow) usually a yardmaster won't throw switches in the yard over the radio since their main purpose is to help out the yard crews. it does happen, but it's pretty rare and the crew running over the switch has to verify it's been lined properly. with power switches in the ayrd on the UP they usually have a stand with a box about chest high that houses a button with a lockable cover over it. this runs to a small motor that actuates the switch and throws the points. most have a solar panel on a pole mounted nearby. you can throw some switches by radio, you enter a code on your radio keypad and the switch will tell you over the radio which way it's lined, or by entering another code it will throw for you (that is, if it's actually working). on the mainline and leading out from a busy yard to the main, or at some interlockings they have the big heavy duty switch machines that are thrown from a remote location like an interlocking tower or dispatcher. they are hard wired to a junction box and, at least up where snow is common like here, they also are equipped with switch heaters
 
Kerry, the UP modified those switch heaters to combine the heater and remote control functions. I think the propane supply is fed by underground pipes in the Bill Yard but it would be a good starting point.

Mike, super glue and foam don't mix. It will eat a hole right through the foam. Just buy the cheapest latex caulk in a tube you can find at Wallyworld. it will hold the tracks fine and not hurt the foam.
 
Yes. Make sure it is the adhesive latex caulk, because plain latex caulk won't hold for more than a day.
 


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