Appalachian Southern

This will be the last version of the evening. Getting late here. Thanks for all the help Mike.

Version 13

I have been struggling with the modifications made below. I think I have it worked out now and like the results. This was an idea proposed by Jamie of CSX Dixie Line. This may not be the final revision, but it is getting pretty close for the main level. I like the double ended staging. The two walk-through sections are not the best, but I think I can link the lift up sections so they will come up together to provide access to the layout. Now, I need to get the classification yard in and should be in business for the main level.  I am using Empire Express for the track design. Pretty nifty application.

As usual, you can click the image for a larger version of the plan.

Version 10

Here are a few progress photos. The lower staging yard is complete and the upper level staging yard is framed. I still have to add metal bracing before the plywood is put on. The framework for the helix is also in progress. I am going to consider some lighting options soon.  Everything is proceeding nicely.

Be sure to visit my friend Mike’s – Owens Valley Subdivision; as his latest progress, on his n scale layout,  is quite impressive. He is the creator of the design that I am building. My thanks go out to him for these great ideas.

Getting Ready to Fit the Plywood

1/2" Birch Ply in Place

1/2" Birch Ply in Place

Overview

Helix Base Frame

Another Angle on Helix Base Frame

Excellent Progress For One Day

I have good news to report this morning. The wiring in the yard is complete and all the tortoises and DS64 stationary decoders are functional. Even though it seemed the wiring would never end, it concluded this morning. It makes me very happy to be able to move on to something else now.  I was like a kid running the CSX GP38-2 this morning. I even got a little adventurous and pulled MTLX 1048 through the turnouts. I was thrilled to find no problems with the track work!  I haven’t soldered my rail joints yet, but that can happen any time now.

I have attached some photos of the completed wiring and the first locomotive and the MTLX unit.  Overall, I think my background painting is going to work out well. I didn’t have to edit the photo at all.

CSX 2733 GP38-2 & MTLX 1048

Finished Wiring Switches 9, 10, 11

Finished Wiring Switches 5,6,7,8

Today, I spent many hours wiring tortoises and DS64’s. It was a long day of soldering, building LocoNet cables and wiring in general. I managed to get through 10 of the 11 turnouts / stall motors in the yard I have been working on. I will redo #10 tommorow as I got a little sloppy with it. Sometimes you just have to know when to call the day. I pushed myself too hard to get the entire yard wired today, but it was just too much. I am happy about the progress and the realization that I will finish the electrical portion of the yard tomorrow.

On a more positive note,  I was able to run the first locomotive on the layout today. It was a CSX GP38-2. The track work seems to be solid, but only the addition of some lighter weight rolling stock will confirm this. But, it all looks promising.

Stay tuned for tomorrows update, which will include some photos.