I hope this process works. I'm attaching a .PNG file of my proposed HO train layout as designed with SCARM.
The left vertical length is 8' long and the top horizontal length is 10' long.
Comments and suggestions are appreciated.
Getting a "URL Not Found" error on that link. If you put the complete URL between [i m g] [/i m g] tags, without the spaces, the pic should show up in your post. You can use the "PREVIEW" button to see if it works.
Len
You could always do what I do: het yourself a FLikr or Imgur account, upload your photos and image files there, then use the generated link for forum posts.
In flickr if you right click on the image, then click 'inspect' the details of the image come up. You'll see links to the small version of the .jpg file and the large version. Clink on the 'large' line, then right click and select 'open link in new tab'. Go to that tab and copy the URL, which should be: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53474461709_2850a3e94d_k.jpg
Put that between the img tags and you should get this in your post:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53474461709_2850a3e94d_k.jpg)
Len
Looking at your plan I do have some constructive suggestions. First, and most likely to impact your enjoyment of the layout is the location of that one crossover and the industrial sidings. I assume due to the design that this will be shoved back in a corner of the room. If so, the switches I mentioned will be out of your reach. If and when things inevitably derail there, how do you intend to retrieve the derailed cars? As a practical matter, anything over 30" from the edge is out of your reach.
Another thing I've noticed is that all your curves are 18" radius. You've asked about running full length passenger cars. Have you considered making your outer loop 22" radius to better accommodate such cars?
Misunderstanding the implication of curves that are too sharp is a common issue with new modelers.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53476679760_d2570de84b_b.jpg)
Based on suggestions, I modified my layout into an outer loop using Bachmann 22"/22.5 deg curved track and the inner loop will remain with Bachmann 18"/30 deg curved track.
I plan on using passenger cars that are specifically compatible with 18" radius track.
JWard - BTW, I was born in PGH on the Southside. My grandfather worked at J&L Steel.
Quote from: RedMt Dave on January 20, 2024, 03:48:46 PM(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53476679760_d2570de84b_b.jpg)
JWard - BTW, I was born in PGH on the Southside. My grandfather worked at J&L Steel.
My grandfather worked in the power plant on the Oakland side of the river at J&L. I lived in the hilltop neighbourhoods for many years. Spent alot of time on the Southside after I moved to Pittsburgh from the mountains.
Small world.
At any rate, I tweaked your plan in SCARM, and was able to find a way to run 22" curves around the layout as in your original plan. It is a sort of hybrid of the two plans, with the rear crossover moved closer to the end of the layout where hopefully it will be a little easier to reach. I also modified the inner siding to eliminate the 18" radius S curve which can cause problems. These mods were made merely in the interest of making your layout operate more reliably. Hope you find this helpful.
(http://i.imgur.com/BkJotHD.jpg) (https://imgur.com/BkJotHD)
With a layout of this size, will I need additional power for the track (separate transformer) or can I simply add an additional terminal section and tie it in to the EZ Command power source?
These are really handy in Your case...it's exactly what I used
Just remember to keep the rails separated and same-same all the way around - red with red and black with black
Place them in pairs wherever You want extra feeder wires to power the track - solder directly to the rails - no extra terminal sections needed and You can actually eliminate the one You have
The EZ Command can run it all - all by itself
Terminal Strips (https://www.ebay.com/itm/116120154935?_skw=terminal+strip&itmmeta=01JE7WV8W5S05T1FET6AYRT6HZ&hash=item1b094cf337:g:K-kAAOSw~X5mAvEM&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKmdtkXGwkM08m%2BJUmMlqnPDMMaU1my%2BS2%2FwZS%2FIQd%2Fj%2F8egoMrPynKX6BQJ%2FITwWK9Fqo7zXwBKWQVNcMw%2B8nvZ6d%2BbdrZFk3amxCt5CDFcb4z6LlSJcTjMzYN8vgX72nW%2F2jwr3WNhbj6xWmGCOAeEx6j3qHaIPAosT3nmJhlo7Yczo6bTxFP0EhBuj1VhSE7tlhX%2BXIH%2FF5AvZvOjwWs1gM750dbg%2BC%2FJFt2eLcFpxUmMzU5kGUtHHdLXKJbE1EI%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5aO7fzxZA)
It should be noted that the advice to solder your feeder wires directly to the track will depend on what type of track you use. In my experience it is almost impossible to solder to steel rail track (black roadbed) and Even if you do manage to get a good joint, the solder flux you'd have to use would rust the rail. It is better to use the terminal sections for feeders to this type of track.
Will I need a second power source or can I power two terminal rail sections from one controller?
Quote from: RedMt Dave on January 12, 2025, 03:36:52 PMWill I need a second power source or can I power two terminal rail sections from one controller?
You can power them from one controller. If you notice the terminal tracks have recepticals on both sides of the track. Only one side connects to the controller, and you can use the other side to connect to another terminal track using an extension wire. https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=258_366_368&products_id=2515
So I purchased the Bachmann 10' Power Extension Cable (#44498) and it came with one male connection and one female connection.
Both of my terminal tracks have male connections on either side. It appears that the extension cable should have two female connections.
Am I missing something?
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54264822846_49898626eb.jpg)
I had the same situation with my layout. I happened to already have a second male/female connector. I had to cut them both in half and splice the two female ends together.
The power extension cable is used for when the red cord that came with the powerpacks of the 90s and early 00s wasn't long enough to reach your track.
The powerpack was plugged into the wall, the red cord screwed onto the power pack, then the male end of the extension cord would plug into the female end of the original red cord, then you plug the newly extended female end into your track.
I suppose you could also use it with the new powercords as well...
But in your case, you'll have to chop the male end off, strip a little of the wires, and wrap/solder them to the male ends on the track.
It's been a while since I did it, but it's either the 3/16" or 1/4" female terminal connector that will fit the rerailer track tabs if you want to make your own extenstion.
(https://static.webshopapp.com/shops/188510/files/124305089/molex-16-14-female-disconnect-crimp-terminal-blue.jpg)
Len
The cable's intended use is to allow the power source to be located further back from the terminal track, not to connect a terminal track to another terminal track.
I have the same thing with two female ends splice together, to allow feeding of power to a remote location where there's a voltage drop. Kind of the southern engineering way to handle the voltage drop instead of a completely organized bus wire system. Why do a lot of work that you don't have to?😂😂
In my layout, I plan on using an LCO #6 DCC and an RCO #6 DCC. I was hoping to save a little cost by using analog remote turnouts (44561 and 44562) instead of the more expensive DCC turnouts (44130 and 44141). I would use a separate 16 VAC power source to operate the turnouts. Am I correct in that this won't cause a problem with the DCC components? Thanks for your assistance.
If you don't mind hitting a button to throw the switches, it's not a problem. And you can add external DCC switch control, e.g., Digitrax DS64, or similar, at a later date if you want.
Len
Quote from: RedMt Dave on January 16, 2025, 04:26:08 PMIn my layout, I plan on using an LCO #6 DCC and an RCO #6 DCC. I was hoping to save a little cost by using analog remote turnouts (44561 and 44562) instead of the more expensive DCC turnouts (44130 and 44141). I would use a separate 16 VAC power source to operate the turnouts. Am I correct in that this won't cause a problem with the DCC components? Thanks for your assistance.
Just because your locomotives are DCC doesn't mean your switches have to be too. Just like your locomotives don't have to have sound to be DCC. DCC is merely a method of controlling your trains. Everything else is an add on.