I have begun a new project in the basement... A model railroad!

I had a hard time choosing between HO and N scale, but, since I am getting older and like to see what I am working on, I decided on HO. That, and there is simply a whole lot more available for HO scale.

Right now, I have the platform built, and the workshop is also complete. I am now in the "get everything you need" stage of the project. I am going to show pictures of the platform in before and after shots, as well as some of the stuff I have obtained for this project. Then, after that, we will keep you updated on the project. Most of the work will be done in the winters, for now until I decide to retire, then no one will find me!

I have found that train shows and bellieve it or not, Facebook Marketplace can be excellent sources to find things for future use. EBay is another wonderful source, but some (not all) sellers like to over inflate shipping costs!

Without further adeu, let's take a look...

 

This is the track plan, Yellow is the main, which connects with the red line, which a good part of that is elevated. And since I am a former trolley operator, that is what the blue line is. I am not 100% sure if I like the "figure 8" in what is planned downtown area. I may widen that out into more of a half rectangle shape, just like city streets, but I'm not really sure how to approach this. Also, to avoid an eletrical nightmare, I will be eliminating the blue line single track and make a double track.

 

The Beginnings!

 

Yep, a big old basement. Not much to look at here, and a lot of work to be done, Lots of cleanup and painting!

 

Working on the end of the layout which is the widest. I did eventually may a cutout on the angle (which I now regret) to allow access to the back of the layout.

 

Progress is being made! Slow but sure. I think that small wall at the end will get removed after I verify it is NOT a load bearing wall.

 

Platform top installed.

 

We installed a ceiling and did in fact remove that little wall. Lots more space now!

 

Decided to build a workshop. Doing painting and planning a table top.

 

Workshop is complete, I need to add a test/programming track here and not on the main line.

 

Looking better all the time!

 

Also added another section of 4X8 wood to the platform. This gives me a area of 28' lengthwise and between 4' and 7.5' from the wall. Should be good for me!

 

Stuff I have accumulated

 

Now, lets take a look at some of the stuff I have added, going to be adding all kinds of neat stuff here.

 

Amtrak Acella Trainset. Can't wait to try this!

 

This layout is going to be dual controled, both DC and DCC. And for the DCC end, I chose the NCE Power cab.

 

And for the DC side, I have 2 controls I picked up at a trainshow, not sure yet which one I'm going to use, but both are excellent choices.

 

Some of the older DC equipment.

 

Some custom painted PCC trolley shells. Very well done by the painter!

 

Another DCC Locomotive to add to the list.

 

GE Demonstrator, Also DCC and I snagged the matching caboose!

 

Also, I can't wait to see how well this performs.

 

More to come, soon!