My adventures in Ho Scale.

[Smudge617]

I had that thought as well. I have purchased several printed industrial buildings that were glued to 1/4" foamboard from an Ebay vendor. They look really nice, especially if stacked.

So looks like that's settled at 8 stub ends then

 

[migalyto]

So looks like that's settled at 8 stub ends then

Its looking that way! I was leaning towards 8 anyways!

 

[Smudge617]

Its looking that way! I was leaning towards 8 anyways!

Nice thing about having half relief, if you get bored, easy to swap out for something else, easy to change if something nicer comes along.

 

[migalyto]

Nice thing about having half relief, if you get bored, easy to swap out for something else, easy to change if something nicer comes along.

Plus, I don't think it would be too hard to find my own photos, and put them on a memory stick, and have printed at a printing shop. I can buy foamcore at the local Dollar Store. Probably be way more cost-effective vs buying everything pre-done!

 

[Rico]

7 for sure, still contemplating if I want 8. There's room but would severely hinder any types of structures. That would only leave me 4" to the backdrop with 8 tracks.

I had six tracks and dropped down to four.
I know staging yards can’t have enough track but sometimes a “regular” yard can get overcrowned.
It all depends what your plan is, ie store cars, switch out cuts, or make up trains.
Personally I’m enjoying the added space for buildings, vehicles, scenery etc.
Just keep rule one in mind and it’s all good!

 

[dgrafix]

Wow, I wish i had a space like that. Will be following this project, as it looks like it is going to be great!

 

[migalyto]

Track laying has continued for the last couple of days.

Here's the progress so far.

 

[Smudge617]

Track laying has continued for the last couple of days.

Here's the progress so far.




View attachment 169639View attachment 169640

WOW, that's come along way in a few day's Mike, looks great. Are you soldering feeder wires to the track ?

 

[migalyto]

WOW, that's come along way in a few day's Mike, looks great. Are you soldering feeder wires to the track ?

I haven't yet, but yes there will be a ton of feeders in that yard. I was thinking on wiring, running 4 bus wires the length of the yard and feeding 2 tracks per bus. I think 4 tracks per bus will be too crowded.

 

[TLOC]

I haven't yet, but yes there will be a ton of feeders in that yard. I was thinking on wiring, running 4 bus wires the length of the yard and feeding 2 tracks per bus. I think 4 tracks per bus will be too crowded.

Mike, I just did 2 bus wires for power around my whole layout for DCC. All my track power feeders are attached to that bus. IMO don’t believe you need that many bus wire wire(4) to power those eight tracks. I also soldered the feeders to every 4’ of track run. I used 14ga wire for the bus and 20 ga for the feeders. For the power it was the 7 amp ESU system. My layout like my visits to the diner are down!

I did have 2 other bus though. A 5 amp for Led lights to my paper mill and another bus I never found a need for.

 

[migalyto]

Mike, I just did 2 bus wires for power around my whole layout for DCC. All my track power feeders are attached to that bus. IMO don’t believe you need that many bus wire wire(4) to power those eight tracks. I also soldered the feeders to every 4’ of track run. I used 14ga wire for the bus and 20 ga for the feeders. For the power it was the 7 amp ESU system. My layout like my visits to the diner are down!

I did have 2 other bus though. A 5 amp for Led lights to my paper mill and another bus I never found a need for.

Thanks Tom,

My gut instinct was to have two 12G bus wires with 22G feeders, which I have always used that combo.

I was just worried about crowding that bus, Plus it will save 50Ft of 12G wire to be used elsewhere.

 

[Smudge617]

I haven't yet, but yes there will be a ton of feeders in that yard. I was thinking on wiring, running 4 bus wires the length of the yard and feeding 2 tracks per bus. I think 4 tracks per bus will be too crowded.

I think that's overkill, two at a maximum would suffice, I think TomO suggestion would work quite nicely for you.

 

[Rico]

I think 4 tracks per bus will be too crowded.

Keep in mind Mike that you likely won’t have draw like sound equipped locos on each yard track.
My previous layout had quite a few tracks (forget the number) and was “permanently” temporarily fed by just two alligator clips, no issues believe it or not.

 

[migalyto]

I think that's overkill, two at a maximum would suffice, I think TomO suggestion would work quite nicely for you.

Agree, I'm taking that advice.

 

[migalyto]

Keep in mind Mike that you likely won’t have draw like sound equipped locos on each yard track.
My previous layout had quite a few tracks (forget the number) and was “permanently” temporarily fed by just two alligator clips, no issues believe it or not.

Your correct. This yard is strictly for unit train storage, so only locos will be if its to bring a train or taking one away.

The last (8th track) will have a turnout off of it going to the loco service facility. That will be isolated and, on a switch, when not in use.

 

[Smudge617]

Your correct. This yard is strictly for unit train storage, so only locos will be if its bring a train, or taking one away.

The last (8th track) will have a turnout off of it going to the loco service facility. That will be isolated and, on a switch, when not in use.

Sounds like you have a pretty clear idea of what you want to do with them, I'll be interested to see what else you have planned.

 

[migalyto]

This is where the turnout on the last track will go to feed the engine maintenace/fuel island

 

[AirbrushNo5]

I wish I had your space Mike… excellent work!

 

[migalyto]

This is the kit that will be used as the facility. It will have 3 tracks, and 2 more for fuel island, and 1 storage on the other side the building.

 

[migalyto]

I figured since I was needing to test track so I didn’t get too far ahead of myself. I built my power panel today to get some power to the newly laid track.