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Posted by -=Jeff=- (Member # 285) on :
 
Hello all,

I just stumbled onto this forum..

After 15 years of not having a model railroad (last one was when I was in Jr. High/High School) I now have my own place to build one. I am doing my own design 2 mainlines, 2 reverse loops and yards (TBD where). This is all HO scale

I am not looking for this to be a professional look yet but clean. I do however have a question or 2:

I will be using Atlas code 100 NS track, mostly flex track, I have a bunch of NS atlas switches from years ago I will use as well.. this is why I opted for Code 100.

My Main question is roadbed. I was planning on using Midwest Cork but then saw an ad for the Trackbed by Woodland Scenic. which is better? price seems close and is not the issue

I am not planning for DCC just yet.. I will wire accordingly if I do switch. Since my layout consists of a 10x8 bench and 11x5 bench with a 5x4 connecting bench I will wirein blocks. Even though I am an electronic engineer by trade what are some suggestions for wiring the layout for 2 power packs (MRC TECH II 2500) I was thinking the Toggle switch route, but the only way I see that set up is two switches for Cab A and Cab B then 2 switches for each block one wired to each of the cab switches. What might be a differnet way of approaching things.

I have not decided on a raidroad to model per say but a short list of loco's is:

  • 2- SD40-2 Southern Pac. 1988 Olymic Ed. Athearn
  • 1- SD40-2 SOO line Athearn
  • 2- SD40-2 Burl. Northern Athearn
  • 1- SD40-2 Santa Fe Athearn
  • 1- SD45 Santa Fe Athearn

    Complete Athearn Passenger Train
    and a bunch of Athearn, Roundhouse and Walters cars.

    I am using Kadee Couplers as well

    Thanks,
    Jeff


     

    Posted by millcstl (Member # 60) on :
     
    Jeff, Welcome back to the hobby and to this forum site!. As to your first question, I have used both the roadbed types and I think the midwest brand is somewhat easier to use.
    However when I was making the same decision as yours I chose to go with cork, because once it's ballasted you can't tell the difference and I know that the cork will outlast me. Your track is fine there are still many rr's being built with code 100, I would be real careful of the older turnouts though- make sure they are functioning well before you mount them and mount them replaceably.
    I suggest using the Common Rail system and a single spdt (center off)for each block. You can always change this system over to DCC if you should decide.
    Sounds like you've got a good roster started, don't forget you can always custom re-paint any locos or rolling stock you want to for a single railroad.
    Stick with the Kay Dee's!
    Scott
    Remember the Rio Grande!

     
    Posted by jcater (Member # 31) on :
     
    First,
    Welcome to the forum, and back to the hobby!! I agree with Scott on this one (as I always do !!), go with cork. I must say that my current layout is employing both types, and the cork is much easier to use. The sections are also slightly longer so you get more for your money !!
    I used code 100 and old Atlas switches on my now defunct Colorado and Southwestern RR. (you can still see the old railroad at http://www.jstrainstation.homestead.com ). If you do use the old switches, don't place them anywhere that is out of reach...big trouble happened when I did that on the old layout .
    Finally, KayDee is the only way to go. Good luck, keep us up to date on your layout and Happy Modeling!!
    John

    ------------------
    The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!
     



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