Ok so this is what i plan on doing.

[pcctrolleyII]

I'm taking a suggestion from NCE Runner he pointed out that maybe i should start a thread telling you all what my plans are for a layout and stuff so I'm going to.


Well first off i have to get the basement cleaned up since its all messy and junk. Second is to build a lay maybe a trolley lay out or some sort of transition era or maybe just do a museum type thing where i feature different stuff from different eras and stuff. Any suggestions well be appreciated. I do have alot of engines mostly diesel and eletric and i have alot of trolleys mostly of the PCC type.

I would also like to say i take pride in painting some of my stuff if i can't find the road name i just siply paint an engine or trolley in the paint scheme i want.

I hope i didn't rattle one to much for you guys and gals out there. 



PCCtrollyII over and out for now.

[pdlethbridge]

Are you planning a small or large layout? What scale? DC or DCC? Point to point, loop, double track?

[pcctrolleyII]

Its HO most likely a large one and a mix of DCC and DC and DCC with sound.

[OldTimer]

Hey, PCC,
Good for you!  I'm in the finishing the basement stage, too.  I have most of my wiring in, need to insulate one more wall, and then I'll be ready to start my benchwork.  I've always had tremendous respect for trolly modelers...hanging wire is not the easiest thing in the world, but it looks sooooo cool when it's up and running!!!
Old Timer

[jward]

if and when you do get to hanging the overhead, please tell us how you do it. i like the idea of a trolley museum on my layout. i rode the pccs in pittsburgh for many years.

glad you decided to stay with us.....

[CNE Runner]

PCC - Good to hear from you again! I must admit that I am insanely jealous...you have a basement. In the South, basements are very rare - so we make due with spare rooms or garages.

It sounds like you have quite a collection of motive and rolling stock. Since you have the space (and I assume the talent to convert it to your use), your layout choices are endless. I was just on the Model Railroader forum and there is a thread on backdrops that may be of interest to you. Specifically, a chap advised modifying the room - rather than the backdrop. He put curved corners in his basement when he was lining the walls...interesting concept.

You will definitely want to put in some sort of a ceiling as dust will be a real problem. I suppose you could spray some type of waterproofing paint on the walls and let that go. As with all things it depends on the 'thickness of your wallet'. Good luck with the project.

Keep us informed...OK?
Ray

[pcctrolleyII]

I well tell you all how i do hang the wire when i do it thats a promise. I'll post pictures of my museum when i finish it. As for the basement we have a drop cieling and honestly i don't have the space its a small basement but, it'll do. i honestly might have to get rid of some of my stuff because i don't have the room. 

[ebtbob]

PCC,

        I highly recommend that you do not mix DCC and DC.   It is waaaaay to easy to screw up good DC transformers and DC engines.   Pick one way or the other.   If you like sound then plan on doing DCC.   It makes things much easier for you.   

[pdlethbridge]

If you start with DC and a control panel for your different blocks, it is very easy to add a switch to the panel that would give you a choice of DC or DCC but not at the same time. An either / or situation. We did that on my brothers layout that had been DC for 20+ years and it works like a charm. The way it is wired prevents the mix of DC and DCC. He has a MRC power pack for the DC and NCE power cab for DCC.

[pcctrolleyII]

I know not to mix the two found out the hard way and as for a switch to allow me to go from one to the other sounds great i will do that. There are DCC and DCC sound stuff out there that will work with DC so i'm pretty safe there i think. Most of my stuff is DC any way so most likely the museum section will be DC only the mine line parts i'll do either or depending on my mood that day.

[pdlethbridge]

The switch is a DPDT switch. The 2 left terminals are from the DC power pack, the center 2 go to the track blocks, and the right 2 are from the DCC power source. There is no way to mix them this way.

[pcctrolleyII]

Ah ok i'll have to look for it and try it wheni start my layout. thank you for the information.   

[Doneldon]

The advice to not mix DD and DCC is very good.  As pd says, you'll need a DPDT switch, but not just any DPDT.  You need one called a "break before make" switch.  That means there will be a brief moment as you change control systems during which you will be connected to neither system.  That will prevent an inadvertant cross connection during the switching process.

          --D

[pdlethbridge]

You could use a DPDT with center off

[Doneldon]

Absolutely.  The center off would function the same as a break before make switch.  There might even be an advantage to a center off switch because it would allow you to manually place and remove rolling stock without potential electrical shorts. 

pd- Thanks for this good suggestion.

          --D