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  1. 20250828_220059.jpg

    20250828_220059.jpg

    • catnippertom
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    • Media category: Locomotive and Rolling Stock Construction Photos
  2. catnippertom

    Catnippertom's Locomotive Works

    I am starting this thread to be a place where I can put my custom or WIP locomotives/rolling stock. It might just be a showcase, or it might end up being a place where I can ask questions regarding builds I am working on. I figured this would be better than starting a ton of different threads.
  3. catnippertom

    Shelf Layout Building

    I have considered that, but with the space I have and the boxes that I want/have to check, the loop kind of has to be the way it is.
  4. catnippertom

    Shelf Layout Building

    I have, but that is quite the investment for me at the moment. This is also going to be my first larger layout(see my previous layout builds in my signature for reference), so not taking on something too crazy complicated is also at the forefront of my mind. Additionally, I don't plan to stay in...
  5. catnippertom

    Shelf Layout Building

    The 50" Free-mo might be a good option for me. At times, I do think a sit-down layout could be the way to go since I do like to sit back and watch trains run. However, I can always get some barstools to sit on.
  6. catnippertom

    Shelf Layout Building

    Just messing around in the room, but that styrofoam is 4ft exactly... I could bury the sim rig under the layout. Add some LEDs to light it up or something. 4ft does feel tall, but it would be a great height. I could hide a workbench under a section and even store a bunch of stuff under the...
  7. 20250825_231528.jpg

    20250825_231528.jpg

    • catnippertom
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    • Media category: Layout Design and Construction Photos
  8. catnippertom

    Shelf Layout Building

    Okay to answer the questions: 1. I haven't decided on a height yet, but your questioning about the height may have solved a major issue with the layout. Preliminary height in my mind was around 3ft; however, if I go 4ft, I get to ignore the racing sim since that is how tall the sim itself is...
  9. catnippertom

    Shelf Layout Building

    I like where your head is at! I have been trying to condense all of my hobbies down to one for ages. The mind works in mysterious ways, though, and I can't seem to shake some of them. Maybe as I get working, some will weed themselves out... hopefully.
  10. catnippertom

    Shelf Layout Building

    Working in SCARM, I gained a better understanding of how the track and sections fit together. I tried to use all Atlas code 100 track. My first attempt used a less available track, but I revised it to use the Atlas track, as that should be easier to source. I have some reservations about the...
  11. Screenshot 2025-08-25 143440.png

    Screenshot 2025-08-25 143440.png

    • catnippertom
    • Media item
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    • Media category: Layout Design and Construction Photos
  12. catnippertom

    Shelf Layout Building

    Been drafting a better, cleaner version. I also refined some of the yard action and tried to ground it a bit more into reality. Using a compass, I made each curve have a 24" radius. The only thing I am missing is the yard on the left. I am building the layout in SCARM, and then I am going to...
  13. 20250824_143454 (1).jpg

    20250824_143454 (1).jpg

    • catnippertom
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    • Media category: Layout Design and Construction Photos
  14. catnippertom

    Shelf Layout Building

    Yeah I am also worried about the radius. If I have to reduce it to a single track, I will. I would prefer not to, but it would be okay. I am going to keep dialing this plan in and upload a better version then transfer it to SCARM so I can really see what I am working with.
  15. catnippertom

    Shelf Layout Building

    Working on the railroad: As recommended by diesel: I printed out my room layout and sketched out some ideas that were better than what I had before. I have been playing a lot of the game Railroader to get inspiration for the railway, as it's a great way to gather realistic operational...
  16. 20250822_165957.jpg

    20250822_165957.jpg

    • catnippertom
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    • Comments: 0
    • Media category: Layout Design and Construction Photos
  17. 20250822_165945.jpg

    20250822_165945.jpg

    • catnippertom
    • Media item
    • Comments: 0
    • Media category: Layout Design and Construction Photos
  18. catnippertom

    Shelf Layout Building

    I do resonate with the last point. I would love to put the software down! It infuriates me most of the time. The big thing is it lets me plan before I go spend a bunch of cash on track. It also lets me run some rudimentary ops to get a feel for how things look and ride. It is too useful in my...
  19. catnippertom

    Shelf Layout Building

    Yeah, the track on the outside of the rectangle goes around my racing sim. Check out the first few posts in the thread to see what I am working with there. I don't plan on having those sections really be anything other than track. I just want to watch the train go around the room over there...
  20. catnippertom

    Shelf Layout Building

    Easements are great ways to achieve realistic and smoother operations within a layout. I am using Bachmann EZ Track for my layout, which proves to be a challenge at times, especially when getting the turn radius correct. Realism isn't a huge priority to me, especially when this train is going to...




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