N Scale PRR 3x4

[ARLawrence]

greetings, just wanted to share my 3x4 layout with everyone, its looks good enough to share at this point, i'm running two loops of code 80, with two sidings in the center, power comes from a Tech 4 260, with momentium and brake control. the layout is currently staying 3x4 do to constriction of size of military base housing, moving every 3-4 years, and keeping the wife happy... haha. i havent really added much of any buildings, i have a small station in the pictures which is just temperary, i really like N scale arcatec's AR tower, that might be it. i'd like to place a gravel road through it, but i need to master making that before i add it to the layout.

I'm trying to go for 1950's pennsylvania... i grew up next to Lancaster train station and would always watch the electrics roll through.. wish i was alive when the mighty GG1's would pull through there!

here's my engine roster so far-
Rivaross-PRR 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado
Life Like-PRR Alco PA-1, PB-1 set dummy B tuscan red
Life Like-PRR C-Liner A/B bruswick green
Arnold GG1 tuscan red 5 stripe #4877
Arnold GG1 Silver w/red stripe #4866

i was thinking of adding a live catanary set up, since the arnold gg1's have power pick up on their pantographs, there isnt many parts available as far as easter corridor poles and lines though... we'll see

let me know what you think of these pictures, tips suggestions? be honest! let me know what you think! sorry they are taken by my blackberry

 

[vato loco]

looks good to me ARL!

By your words you got things well at hand, and your on track! Oh your going to get comments, and here's mine...."Long as your RR makes you happy and it sees to your needs.......It's Great! If it needs stuff add it and don't worry if you think you have the the need skills or not! Just do it!.... Your way further along than I am! BTW: welcome to the boards!

 

[Rico]

Looks great!
It appears that you have it blocked and can run seperate trains.
Definately needs a road and a few buildings, maybe a creek with a bridge?
Small layouts are good test beds to hone your skills as you go along.
Keep us posted!

 

[MRLdave]

Looks like a nice start, probably just what you need for frequent moves and not much space.......I agree it looks a little bare....maybe you could model a missle silo in the middle of nowhere..... But seriously, keep going the way you are.....lots of possibilities to fill that empty area.....a forest, a couple of industries, a small town....decide what YOU'D like and go for it!

 

[ARLawrence]

Hahaha, a missle silo! maybe next time i'll model after North Dakota... just fill the table with snow with one missle silo...

Yeah i agree, i've only been working on this the last few months, i do need more buildings, and things in the center, I just cant make up my mind. a small lake would be nice, i have seen some pretty nice N scale docks...

next month i'm going to dive into N Scale Architecs AR tower (http://blwnscale.com/N Scale Architect.htm) , if i can get the brick detail down right, i'm sure it will look nice. i was reading about using white chauk shaveings dry brushed on after the initial red brick paint. we'll see how it looks. i'm never going to know till i try it!

i need to get my trees in right, i moved the layout over more, and they kinda leaned over... it happens..

on another note, i find it interesting that my two GG1's run in oppisote directions when placed on the same track? can anyone explain this?

and anyone know where i can find congressional coachs to go along with #4866?

Thanks for the imput! i appreciate it!

 

[vato loco]

ARL,

Being your working on a micro layout, you might find this site useful!
http://carendt.com/

 

[ARLawrence]

yeah i like that site. i'm thinking about tearing up my oval and creating a long shelf layout.. with loops on each end... with a good sized switch yard. we'll see... summers' coming up, and that means boating season... less money for trains...

i've been trying to get a 5 car PRR seanator set off ebay.. theres been two sets the last week, but some jack hole keeps out bidding me... guess thats the way ebay works. haha

 

[sarge]

looks good - nice to see photos of smaller layouts as that's what I'm in the planning stages of designing!

keep it up!

 

[ARLawrence]

Thanks Sarge,
yeah i should of built a switching yard into... i'll post updates, when i have time.

 

[ARLawrence]

so i found a turn table and roundhouse on ebay. the walthers roundhouse, already assembled with 6 stalls.... it just barly fits in the center of my layout. i'll make it work... i'll post pictures when i get it finished... anyway. heres some updated pictures, with my camera, better then my blackberrys camera.

 

[Dameon]

Your layout looks nice, but the photos seam very unflattering.

If I may suggest how you can improve your photos: Use a tripod if you have one (even one of those cheap miniature tripods is good) and set your camera timer to take the photo. That way you are not touching the camera and it won't blur the photo. 2ndly, stop using the flash and instead shine a few lights on your layout, like from reading lamps or something, when you go to take your pictures.