benjy14

It's been a while since my last update, so time to report on what's been going on with the layout. The motive power and rolling stock for the layout continue to expand and improve. A good friend from the Ffestiniog has helped me to finally sort out my MTH Challenger #3999, which is now running like an absolute dream, and has been enhanced with cab lighting and firebox flicker (even though it would have a mechanical stoker, there were inspection holes to look into the firebox). Below we see #3999 leading #4020 through Dale Junction, heading a heavy eastbound manifest freight that has empty ballast hoppers destined for Granite at the head end. Further research about train formations has shown that double-heading across Sherman Hill was common, even after Track 3 opened, as a way of breaking locomotives that were fresh out of the shops. Part of what I am doing now is finding what models work together well and reliably when running in tandem, so that I have pool of double-headed motive power available for my longer trains. It was my birthday recently, and my present from my wife and in-laws was an Athearn 75th anniversary model of a UP "Veranda" GTEL #67, seen below piloting #4015 on a westbound manifest freight coming off Track 3 at Dale Junction. This model replaces my older Athearn unit, which did not have the fine detail of this one (such as the working mars and classification lights on the front). It is still rather light, so will need to always pilot a Big Boy, definitely is prototypical. Next up is a new addition... Big Boy #4019 was experimentally fitted with smoke deflectors in 1946 for around six months. There is only one known photograph of the engine in this condition. I have always fancied having one but, being very unusual, not many manufacturers have produced a model of it in this condition. However, when a Trix example came up on eBay (the first time I have ever seen one), I leapt at the opportunity to purchase it, even though it was slightly eye-wateringly expensive. It is a fine model but I was not very happy with the performance of the decoder... It would not reliably stop in the correct place under computer control. It therefore went off to Modelyard in Leeds and now has an ESU LokSound 5 decoder, and Rob has also made some other improvements, such as fitting a less obtrusive smoke unit. We see above #4019 leading #4012 westbound on Track 1, with loaded ballast hoppers collected from Granite at the front. Unfortunately, #4019 does not seem to like running double-headed, so will run on its own in the future as it is plenty heavy enough to pull a 22-car train. And finally, another eBay purchase... This stunning Broadway Limited model of #3710 came up at an exceedingly good price. I have always loved the look of the Challengers fitted with smoke deflectors, so even though these locomotives (being oil fitted) would normally have been found working towards Los Angeles, I could not resist and above we see the locomotive heading an eastbound manifest freight away from Dale Junction on Track 2. However, as with #4019, it does not seem to like double-heading, so will have to run on its own. There are more stock updates to come soon hopefully... However, I am trying to understand why I am having issues with some locomotives running in tandem. In particular, I have found one place at the top of Helix A where two BLI Big Boys running together (which you would think would work fine) consistently derail. I don't know if it's a track issue or something else, but I have speed calibrated both locomotives again without any improvement. I have, however, found that there are subtle differences in how different generations of the BLI Paragon decoders behave, so it might be that I will need to start a program of upgraded to ESU LokSound decoders, which is now pretty simple as ESU have launched a plug-and-play adapter board for BLI models: https://www.esu.eu/en/products/accessories/adapterplatinen/adapterboard-bli-steam-paragon-34-decoder/ Of course, this would be expensive and there is not necessarily a guarantee that it would fix the problems but I guess there's only way to find out...

Hello MrTea, If you're after snow powder, I would highly recommend the Deluxe Materials Scenic Snowflakes: https://deluxematerials.co.uk/products/scenic-snowflakes-500ml They also used to do a produce called Shovelled Snow but that sadly seems to be discontinued now. This is the snow scene from my layout, Dale Junction: Hope that helps! Ben

About time for a long over-due on the layout, so here goes... As I think most modellers experience, I go through ups-and-downs of my enjoyment with my layout. It seemed recently that every time I got one problem resolved, another would crop up and I wondered (as I sometimes do) if I had bitten off more than I could chew constructing Dale Junction. But then I remembered how lucky I was to have the space that I do to build my dream layout and resolved to get the issues sorted out, so there has been some good progress of late. The first thing to report is that the cross-over in Helix A has gone. The trial with it disabled proved successful, so I ripped it out and replaced it with plain-track, and of course everything ran beautifully. I also updated the routing in iTrain to send eastbound trains down the outer track in Helix A if the inner track is occupied and that has really helped to keep the trains flowing. So until such time that Peco produce curved Code 100 points with a radius approaching 30" (the current options are 60" or 21", with nothing in-between!), it is a compromise I can live with as the layout is operating smoothly. The second thing is that I have made changes to the point-work in the End A ladder of the storage yard, which comprises almost entirely curved points. I had used Insulfrog points, which at the time I thought would be fine because I was not concerned with trying to run short wheelbase locomotives(!), so the dead part of the frog would simply not be an issue. And, of course, they are much simpler (and hence quicker!) to install compared to Electrofrog. However, that decision did come back to bite my on the backside... One of my favourite locomotives is my Broadway Limited Brass-Hybrid 9000-series #9082, which has a (frankly bonkers) 4-12-2 wheel arrangement (it was the longest rigid-framed steam locomotive ever constructed). As per the prototype, the two middle drivers are flangeless and have a lot of side-play to help them negiotiated tight curves. Unfortunately, when they run over these points, these drivers made contact with both rails at the frog and cause a short. The solution to this has been to install insulating rail joiners on both rails leading to the frog (which is what I would have had to do with Electrofrog points) and rely on the blades to conduct the power. Not ideal but it has fixed the short problem and I hope will prove reliable in the long term... There have also been some other wins as well but time for some photos! Above we see Big Boys #4017 and #4005 thundering over Monument Road. These are both Athearn Genesis models and have been giving me some grief... They were both making the most horrendous squealing noise when they were running. I thought I had lubricated them sufficiently but without success, and was seriously contemplating selling them. However, I decided to give it one more go and this time, I used Peco Electrolube on the axleboxes in conjunction with normal model oil on the motion and other bearings, and sure enough, this completely cured the problem and they now run beautifully. They are not quite up there with the Broadway Limited models but they still make a fine sight, and I think this is one of the best photos I have taken on the layout. We've now gone back in time to the 1940s and below, we see #4014 piloting #4002, first heading away from where Dale Junction will one day be located...(!) ...and a little later, heading over Monument Road... #4014 is the Rivarossi 60th Anniversary model, which has been fitted with an ESU Loksound decoder. As it is relatively light, it has to be double-headed (#4002 is another Athearn Genesis model, which has enough weight and power to push #4014 and pull a 22-car train!) but it is a nice runner and double-headed Big Boys were common over Sherman Hill in the 40s and early 50s before Track 3 opened. Before the untimely demise of Model Train Stuff earlier this month (brought down by the closure of Hattons, which makes me really quite angry, as they only purchased the firm in September!), I purchased five Rapido E9 A and B units to replace my ancient Walthers Proto 2000 units. Above we see an A-B-B lash-up leading an eastbound service. Whilst these are stunning models that run beautifully and sound amazing, as this photo shows, Rapido have got UP Armour Yellow badly wrong; it is much too light. The forums made a lot of comment about this but unfortunately, I only found out after I had ordered and paid for them. I am unsure what to do about this but it seems that Walthers are releasing a new range of their models of these stunning locomotives, so it might be that I will have to relegate these Rapido units to freight service, which did happen in real-life but on less steeply graded lines (i.e. quite a large chunk of modeller's licence for them to be pulling freight over Sherman Hill...). The last photo below sees another eastbound City train coming through Dale Junction being piloted by an FEF-3, whilst a westbound manifest freight headed by #4023 runs off Track 3. So that's it for this evening! For Christmas, my wife gave me a DJI gimbal, which I am slowly learning to use to get better, smoother videos of the layout; I hope to post the results in due course. Cheers, Ben

Hi J, Sorry it's taken me a while to reply! Those decals would probably work; you could simply leave off the "Automobile" bit and use the numbers individually to get a correct number, and interestingly (this is a new fact on me!), the white lettering actually dates those decals to the correct 1940s period for your #4014... According to this page: "Beginning in July 1947, and through 1956, for new cars and repaint cars, the white Gothic lettering was replaced with all Armour Yellow stencil paste lettering. Slogans were Armour Yellow. "Road of the Streamliners" was always on the right side, with "Serves All the West" on the left side. In November 1949, the "Be Specific" slogan in the original close separation replaced "Road of the Streamliners" on the right side. In January 1951, the "Be Specific" seperation changed to 18”. In November 1953, the "Be Specific" slogan replaced “Road of the Streamliners” on the right side." This is actually the most detailed description of UP's slogans I've managed to find, and will certainly help me with my formations, although given that the chanegs were made between 47 and 56, I can pretty much justify any combination of logos and colours on my freight cars 😉 As for the non-central cupola, I'm afraid that I don't know for certain. However, this article could be of use: https://utahrails.net/pdf/UP-CA-1-Cabooses_Railroad-Model-Craftsman_July-1983.pdf It would seem that the cupola could change position as and when the cabooses were rebuilt, so I think perhaps there is not a 100% correct answer unless you can find a dated, prototype photograph of a specific caboose you wish to model. That article about updating an older Athearn box car is very interesting and detailed, but likely beyond anything I'd attempt! However, if you have the skill to do it, I wish you luck and would love to the see the end result... No problem highjacking my thread, it has provided some useful information for me too! Cheers, Ben PS. I managed to get some photos of the layout taken this evening, so I hope to get a post written in the next couple of days...

Hi J, No problem and sorry it's taken me a little while to reply... Indeed, that "Be Specific - Ship Union Pacific" slogan was introduced in 1950, so just slightly too late for the period of your 4014. The lettering also looks fairly heavy to me, which would indicate a later date. The best-known brand of US decals is Microscale but having looked on their website, they do not see to do a set for 1940s UP freight cars... I'd be interested to know what source you've found, as it's always useful to have alternatives! That does also look like quite an old model to me, with the model ladders and footsteps; newer models have much finer detailing and separately applied grab irons etc. Cabooses do come up every so often on eBay. Alternatively, InterMountain do UP cabooses: https://lombardhobby.com/intermountain-ho-centralia-car-shops-ccs1069-12-union-pacific-ca-4-caboose-up-3874/ I have also been fitting marker lights to my cabooses. There is a US firm called Tomar Industries who do a set; these are ones I've been using: https://tomarindustries.com/products/marker-h-807l Hope that helps! Cheers, Ben

Hi J, Thanks for your lovely post! I am pleased to hear that you've enjoyed reading through my thread and it has provided some inspiration 🙂 Thanks also for the Dobwalls photos, which I've rotated and reproduced here: I am very lucky to have a model of both of these stunning locomotives running on Dale Junction. It was a magical place and, like you say, so very sad that it closed. What a great Christmas present 🙂 I also have the Rivarossi 60th Anniversary Big Boy model and I'd be happy to advise you on suitable liveries for an accurate train. The first thing to note is that the Rivarossi model depicts the locomotive as it was originally delievered by Alco to Union Pacific in 1941; you can tell this by the style of the water cooling equipment on the leading unit. More information here: http://www.trainweb.org/jlsrr/bigboy/information/radiator/radiator.htm All of the Big Boys had been upgraded to Wilson Aftercoolers by the end of the 1940s, so that gives you a timeframe in which to work. On that basis, I'm afraid that the freight car in your photo is of the wrong era, sorry! I have an excellent reference book, UP Color Guide to Feight and Passenger Equipment, which shows that the "Ship & Travel the Automated Rail Way" herald was not introduced until the early 1960s (which is why you won't see it on my layout...). Instead, you should be on the lookout for UP cars with the slogans "Road of the Streamliners" and "Serves All the West", which date from the 1940s and would be perfect behind your 4014: Of course, you can use freight cars from pretty much any railroad suitable for the 1940s. A huge amount of traffic went over Sherman Hill and you'd find examples from virtually all of the railroads of the era in UP's manifest freights. The main thing to avoid is bright colours; pretty much all railroad freight equipment was painted brown in the 1940s, as colourful paints were not widely available at that point. You should also concentrate on 40' box cars (and similar length gondolas etc); whilst there were some 50' box cars in the 1940s, they did not really become prevalent until the late 50s/early 60s. At the end of the train, you'll also need a suitable caboose. Ideally, you'd want an CA-3 or CA-4 caboose, both types of which date from the early 1940s. Finally, you will find this website an essential source of information for anything UP related: https://utahrails.net/up/uprr-index.php I hope that's of help! Keep us posted on your progress of putting your train together! In the meantime, I've not done a huge amount of the layout recently thanks to Christmas and the diversion of helping on the restoration of NG15 #134 at Dinas. However, before Christmas, I took delivery of 18 new 40' UP box cars, so I am now working my way through the layout, replacing older and/or slightly damaged cars (just small things like missing steps below the ladders), with the aim of putting together the final trains (I also have some kits that need completing in order to accomplish this goal). I'll try to get a photo update done in the next couple of weeks... Best wishes, Ben

That is brilliant modelling and a fabulous photo; I love the sweeeping flow of the track through the station and its environs, and it definitely does look much roomier.

Another productive day at Dinas working on 134 ☺️ First of all, thanks again to everybody for their input. Whilst walking the dog at lunchtime, I reflected on what to do with the layout, based on the very useful feedback I've received. The conclusion I've reached is not to proceed with the return loop idea. In addition to my concerns about the physical construction and the issue of shunting at Granite blocking the mainline, the main issue that will inevitably arise is that I will lose the ability to have two trains passing at speed on the upper level. The reason for this is that it would be impossible to get a second train on to the upper level whilst the first (preceeding) train was coming back from the loop. I do not want to lose this spectacle, so I am going to have to find an alternative way to resolve these problems. And on that score, I came to two realisations: I can simulate removal of the cross-over in the helix by simply disabling the points in iTrain so that the software won't route trains over it. To help resolve the issue of trains getting stuck at Dale Junction, I could create an option to route them down the outer track of the helix as another train is climbing the inner track to acesss the upper level; whilst not ideal (I imagine it did happen on the prototype, I imagine it was very rare), I think it would be better than the trains waiting too long for no apparent reason at the Junction (which is really unprototypical). On that basis, I am going to trial running the layout as though the cross-over was not there and see how it goes before making any further decisions...

Thank you Paul, I will look at all of these suggestions.

Thank you everybody for your replies. I have been working at Dinas today on the restoration of NG15 134 and will be going back tomorrow for more of the same... Thank you Keith, that's very thought-provoking. To take your points: 1) Yes, I agree that it could well lead to disillusionment later on... If the GTEL derails, what else might? Indeed, I have already sold a coach as it could not cope with the sharper radius curves (which I am now regretting) and I have two cabooses with the same problem that I was also going to sell but am holding fire. So whilst viable, not really practical. 2) Indeed, I had considered this, although I have run the layout for more than a year in this configuration and it was not very satisfactory, even if prototypical. However, I completely agree that it would be the least disruptive/severe and some of the track is now better laid, which would open up more options. I should perhaps revert to this configuration and try it again. 3) Agreed, I think that is the general problem! It would be nice if Peco made a curved point with a radius somewhere between 21" (ST-244/5) and 60" (SL-86/7) so that I could test that theory further, as their Code 100 track is basically bullet-proof when laid correctly. 4) You have articulated what I think is my main underlying concern without actually realising it, thank you! I think perhaps this is why I am reluctant to proceed just yet. I also know exactly what you mean about not being a fan of turnbacks; indeed, layouts featuring multiple tracks with trains appearing multiple times are not really my bag (unless they're based on the RhB of course!). As for the current design, it would be envitable that the main line would be blocked by that it also what happened on the prototype as the head-end cars were swapped out... However, I do agree that I could improve the design here. The other thing that concerns me is that if I commit to this change and then I don't like it, I have destroyed what is essentially a finished part of the layout for no purpose. It is a real dilemma! I really appreciate your input on this, thank you! The GTEL runs perfectly through the same type point on the outer track in the opposite direction (so when climbing the helix; the derailure occurs when descending), so it is either an issue with the poinit itself (which I think is the case) or the track on the approach to it. As for a check rail, I don't think that would be possible as the derailure occurs where the blade meets the wing rail. That said, I will check the back-to-backs just to be 100% certain, thanks. Thanks Jamie, that is an intrguing suggestion but is well beyond my capabilities. Of course, I could approach a professional track builder to design and build such a point, but as Keith mentions above, the geometry in the helix (27"/30" radius on a 2.3%/2.1% gradient) could well mean that making a cross-over work reliably is effectively impossible. I guess I am reluctant to spend even more money trying to fix this problem when it might not be fixable... Thank you to everybody for your input and feedback to my post. I think I need to consider my options further before making any decision about what to do next. And of coure, I'd welcome any more input you may have.

Thank you for your reply 🙂 Yes, I was also thinking I could put the snow scene around the return loop, although it would need a scenic break as it would be right next to Sherman station, which is the summit of the line (i.e. it would look odd if the return loop, below Sherman, had snow but Sherman itself did not!). But that in itself might actually work quite nicely, to isolate Granite from Sherman, which are miles apart in real life. As for the bottom of the helix, it would simply be plain track coming out of Dale Junction and going down into the helix. My idea would be to scenic the entire area, using hills to disguise the fact that it's disappearing on itself, and to make the track disappear into the Hermosa Tunnels in the helix; with a little care, I think it would actually make quite an effect scene...

Once again, it's been quite a while since I last updated this thread. I'll come to the reason for this in a moment but first, there is a new motive power arrival on Dale Junction... This is a stunning Scale Trains Museum Quality 8,500HP GTEL #6, which being delivered in 1958, just fits into the time period for the layout. I have been considering buying one of these models for a while and when I got a 40% discount offer, I could not resist any longer. The details and features are simply unbelievable, as is the sound quality. Both the A unit, which is a "hostler" fitted with a diesel engine for shunting, and the B unit, which is the turbine, are fitted with ESU LokSound 5 decoders. The A unit features working marker lights, which can change colour according to the type of train the engine is pulling. The tender at the back also features working lights. As this photo shows, the A unit has see-thru grills and the B unit has sliding doors, making turbine details visible. Quite exquisite. So, why has it taken so long to update this thread? Well, I am at a bit of a cross-roads with the layout. Ever since I designed it, I knew I was taking a risk with having pointwork in the helix and so, it has proved... Despite my best efforts, I have not been able to find a way of making the cross-over and junction in Helix A 100% reliable, and it was taking delivery of the GTEL that finally proved it; the rear power bogie of the A unit consistently derails on the point on the inner track. I have therefore been considering my options, which I think are as follows: Do nothing. This is a viable option, as I could send the GTEL the other way down the helix but this would, of course, cause traffic jams but it would not always be in use, so the disruption would be limited. Take out the troublesome points and replace with plain track. This is how it was for about 12 months and it worked fine, but operation was limited as the inner track in the lower half of Helix A became bi-directional, causing traffic jams. It did mean that the layout operated more prototypically, with the majority of westbound trains using Track 3 (for which it was designed, of course!) and eastbound trains using Tracks 1 and 2. However, the real spectacle is trains passing at speed on the double track mainline. Try again with different pointwork, but I've tried this with three different types already and not sure I can face trying again. This is the nuclear option... I am considering completely removing the top-half of the helix, removing all of the pointwork, and constructing a return loop where the top of the helix currently is. What would option 4 look like? Well, something like this: The idea would be to create a freight destination on the layout, making a feature of the return loop. Granite Quarry is the Union Pacific's principal ballast pit and, as seen in previous posts, I currently run loaded and empty ballast cars at the head end of two of tge trains coming from and going to Granite. Geographically, it would be in the correct place, being east of Sherman. The return loop would have two tracks to simulate the double track main line past Granite as best possible, as well as providing an additional passive storage siding for a short train. By careful positioning of a long backscene, I believe it should be possible to disguise the loop such that it would not be possible to see both ends of a train, travelling in opposite directions, at the same time. Before committing to such a massive change, I have drawn up a list of advantages and disadvantages... Advantages The issues with pointwork in the helix will be eradicated. Trains will spend longer on the visible part of the layout. I have found that quite frequently, a westbound train will wait a very long time at Dale Junction waiting for other trains to clear the helix; this is not prototypical and would no longer happen. It would provide some operational interest, with a destination for a dedicated ballast train to visit, and to model ballast cars being dropped-off and collected on passing trains. Disadvantages The prototypical operation of eastbound and westbound trains would be lost; this would be particulary noticable for the City passenger trains. Constructing a framework for the return loop to be built on would be challenging. I would be very sad to lose my snow scene after the work that went into it. The finished scenery below the upper level, including very delicate signals, would have to be very carefully protected. I am admittedly starting to lean towards the return loop option, as I think the advantages will outweigh the disadvantages, and I could capture a lot of pictures and video footage before the destruction of what I have built thus far. I am concerned about building the benchwork but I am reasonably certain a way could be found to make it work. As a final note, I am taking inspiration from a stunning US layout modelling the Marias Pass. This layout features a well-disguised return loop at its summit (admittedly on a single track mainline) and the builder has completely changed the location of the layout since construction was started, necessitating ripping out a lot of finished scenery and trackwork. For those interested, some links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/railfan220 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@railfan220 I'd welcome any comments or feedback on my idea...

Thank you! Suffice to say I am thrilled with the whole effect and seeing a caboose with its lights on bringing up the rear of a train in the gloom is pretty special. A side (and very useful!) benefit is that it means iTrain now detects both ends of the train; this is especially useful if a train becomes divided (which still very occasionally happens), as it tells iTrain the block is still occupied and prevents it driving another train into the rear of the stricken rear half. That did happen a couple of months ago in the rear-most siding of the storage yard and it was a PITA to get everything back on (although it could have been worse as there was no significant damage to the stock).

Work has been continuing on the project to equip all of my cabooses with marker lights, with some proving harder than others! I have now started to use TCS FL4 decoders to allow the lighting to be controlled by DCC and to add internal lights, and it makes quite a difference. This is not much else to report in terms of progress but I have put together a short video of some trains passing over Monument Road at night-time that hopefully demonstrates the lighting effects. Enjoy!

One of the things I've wanted to have a go at is fitting marker lights to my cabooses. There are two reasons... The first is for the obvious visual improvement, especially when the layout is running in nighttime mode. The second is that with electrical pickup, iTrain will be able to detect the rear of the train, affording protection if the train separates (fortunately, a very rare occurence now). During my trip to the US, I visited a model shop in Los Angeles where I picked up the most expensive item of rolling stock (as opposed to a locomotive) I think I've ever purchased, in the form of a caboose featuring lights and sound... Above shows two images of the caboose running through the snow scene. It is really a little late for my period, as it is a pool caboose and dates from the late 1960s. I also discovered that the sounds are pretty pointless, as you can't really hear them over the noise of the trains running. However, it is a beautiful model and is on the rear of my "modern" train, comprising 50' box cars and hauled exclusively by diesels. Separately, last year I bought a set of marker lights but had not figured out how to get power to them. Again, whilst in the States, I visited a huge model railway and the layout's owner showed me his solution... Kadee produce ready-made trucks with electrical pick-up built-in. I then found, with the help of my brother, some clever little circuit boards to convert DCC track power to the 1.5V DC required by the marker lights. It took a bit of courage to open up a caboose and start drilling holes in it, but I'm very pleased with the results... Above shows two views of the caboose with its marker lights showing; green to the front and side, red to the rear. And below, we see the caboose passing over the Monument Road grade crossing, with another new feature of the layout... On a visit to another shop in the US, I found that it is now possible to purchase HO scale cars pre-fitted with lights! On top of that, one of my friends on the trip was kind enough to purchase the van on the far side of the crossing, as it is an exact model of the real-life truck that he intends to one day purchase. It was an incredibly kind gift and I'm proud to have it on the layout. Which rather neatly brings me on to the last thing to report from the trip. I had been due to take the Amtrak service back to LA but another friend from the FfWHR, who is an American from LA, offered me a lift back to LA and arrange the visit to the large model railway I mentioned earlier. However, we also visited his house and, whilst we were there, he gave me a gift that completely took me by surprise; two Westside brass HO scale steam engines! Above is a Mountain 4-8-2 as an oil burner, which is very handy given my discovery about oil burning engines helping diesels. Below we see a 2-10-2, also known as a TTT (Two-Ten-Two), and a very useful class of locomotive that fills a gap in my roster... As you can imagine, I was absolutely blown away by this gift; they are beautiful models and are wonderful additions to my roster. In due course, they will be professionally painted and DCC sound fitted; I can't wait to get them into service!