benjy14

Ah, thanks! So I guess then that means there should be a crossbuck or similar on the right side of the road?

I spent the past week concentrating on getting the layout ready for an online presentation to a group of friends on Saturday evening. The effort paid off and for more than an hour, it ran almost faultlessly and at one time, there were five trains on the move simultaneously. The two faults that did occur where an uncoupling and a derailment. I have tweaked the couplers on the miscreant wagons, although there did not appear to be an awful lot wrong with them. The derailment I'll come to later. I did also progress the scenry on the middle level in preparation for the evening, which means that I have now completed the basic ground cover around Dale Junction; this is how it looks from the far corner of the railway room: Above sees Mikado #2483 leading the breakdown train through the Junction. I have also created a little scenic feature in the form a "Gricer's Camp" next to the Hermosa tunnel portals, below: Today, I have tackled a job I've been meaning to do for a while and that was assemble three kits of Rix telegraph poles below: I don't think it'll be enough for the whole layout but it's a start. Unfortunately, trying to source some more is proving difficult and they will probably need to come from the US, which given the changes in VAT rules could be problematic (to say nothing of the delivery charge). I may therefore wait until I have a larger order... Finally, I have also built a scenic feature on the upper level in the form of a grade crossing: The crossing is being guarded by "wig-wag" style crossbucks made by NJ International. However, they seem to be back-to-front, if you see what I mean, with the horizontal arm over the road... But it's how they came so I assume it must be correct! The next job on the upper level will be get the track ballasted, something I expect is going to take quite a while! Installing this crossing has led me to also figure out why I got the derailment... The leading wheelset of the rear power bogie of #4022 rides up on to the central plate of the crossing, so I am pretty certain the back-to-back of at least one set of wheels is wrong. I will look at this in due course. All-in-all, an excellent weekend

Thanks Jack I have been enjoying seeing the progress on your layout as well. This weekend, I have been getting the layout ready for a virtual demonstration. I have resolved a number of small issues, including a derailment problem in one of the helixes that seemed to come out of nowhere(!) and continuing the programme of ensuring the wagons towards the front of each train are properly weighted, and (touch wood), it seems to be running well. I have also been doing some "research" by watching the superb "Big Boy Collection" by Pentrex, which features a program covering all 24 locomotives and "Last of the Giants", which was a publicity film shot by UP in the last year of Big Boy operations on Sherman Hill. One of the things that it showed was that not all eastbound trains crossed from Track 1 to Track 2 at the Junction; indeed, there was footage of Big Boy hauled trains both using the crossing but also streaking through at full speed on Track 1. I have therefore configured iTrain to allow this to happen but under normal operation, the trains will switch tracks. However, it has allowed me to stage the shot below of #4022 on an eastbound manifest freight on Track 1 passing in front of the recently finished rockface:

Today I have been doing more work on the rockface behind Dale Junction. I was not happy with it but after looking at for a while, I realised what was wrong... Not enough rocks! It was neither a hillside nor a rockface, and nothing like the actual location. The only resolution was to add more rocks... So I cast about two dozen new rocks from Lightweight Hydracol using Woodland Scenics moulds and set about filling in the gaps. Below shows the first stage of fitting the new casts, which I secured in place using more Hydracol: I then set about colour washing the rocks to blend them in with the existing rocks, below: After casting more rocks and more colour washing, the final result is shown below: I may add a few more rocks to the right-hand edge but the overall effect is so much better than before. A final photo below showing GP9 #252 passing the rockface working an eastbound freight:

Work has been progressing on applying ground cover on the middle level. This evening, I got most of the way to the junction itself, so decided to reinstate the signals. The photo below was taken with the layout lights in night time mode and shows the signals to good effect, together with the progress on the scenery. I had started to bed the signals in but I've realised that I've been premature in the reinstating the signals because I still have a lot of work to do on the level above and, given how fragile they are, I cannot risk doing that work with them in situ. So I'll leave them in place for the time being but they will have to come out again...

No, although I can see why it may look like that!

Work over the past couple of weeks has focussed on the scenery on the middle level (Dale Junction), as the following sequence of photos hopefully show... Above and below shows 4-8-2 Mountain #7028 hauling a westbound mixed local train through Dale Junction, heading off Track 1 and onto Track 2. There is very little evidence that such trains actually ran on Sherman Hill but there was a timestabled service that ran south from Cheyenne. I am therefore supposing that this train is running as an extra and is calling at all stations across the Hill. Above shows Big Boy #4022 approaching Dale Junction on the last part of Track 3 with a westbound manifest freight. The ground cover in this area is largely complete; it is supposed to be very barren! Turning the camera to point the other below shows #4022 coming off Track 3 as Challenger #3954 leads Big Boy #4020 on an eastbound manifest freight crossing from Track 1 to Track 2 to complete the climb to Sherman. To show what I've been doing, the wider view below shows the rocky hillside I've constructed on the north side of the junction: The hillside used to exist in real life but has been removed in recent years. It was much "rockier" but this is my first attempt a building a rock face and I'm happy with the impression that it gives. Finally, the photo above shows a wider view of the scenic window on the lower level directly underneath where Track 3 emerges from the helix showing that I now have two levels of (nearly) finished scenery! One day, there will be three levels of scenery in this spot!

Some photos of heavy steam at Dale Junction... BLI Challenger #3942 has been running-in on a light consist. Above sees #3942 heading eastbound on Track 3 and below, a bit further along Track 3. Below shows Challenger #3954 leading Big Boy #4020 on a westbound manifest freight. Immediately behind the locomotives are three hopper cars loaded with ballast from Granite, the UP's ballast pit. This idea was inspired by a photo in Kalmbach's recent book about the Big Boys. I had wanted to model the cars empty as per the original photo but they were simply far too light (even using Liquid Gravity), so I have instead modelled them loaded, allowing me to install plenty of lead weight. So far, the train seems to run very nicely and there is plenty of power pulling it The photo below is possibly my favourite photo of the layout that I've taken to date... One of the main things I wanted to accomplish with the layout was scenery below the track, which is something that I've never managed before. Of course, it's completely correct for the prototype location but it also allows for really stunning photos of the trains to be captured. I am really looking forward to developing the scenery in this area but the textured paint to give some basic ground cover works very well.

Work has been progressing on Dale Junction over the past couple of weeks, concentrating on two areas. The first is painting the fascias, which are finished on all levels, and the backseces, which are finished on the middle level. The photo below is an overview of the layout. It really is starting to look like a proper model railway, rather than an ocean of wood, and it's looking exactly had how I had anticipated The other thing I have been working on is improving the running qualities of the stock, which has been something that's been discussed over the previous few posts. I am continuing the process of updating all stock to Kadee couplers and adding weight to certain cars. My aim is to setup the trains with the heavier cars towards the front and lighter ones towards the rear, as per @PaulRhB's suggestion. as well as recalibrating further locomotives to 126 speed steps in iTrain. So time for some more photos, starting off with some diesel action... Above and below shows GP9ii #252 leading a westbound manifest freight through Dale Junction, approaching on Track 1 and then crossing on to Track 2. I've not taken many photos of my passenger trains, so below is a shot of the westbound City of Los Angeles, heading by an E9A and E9B set, sweeping through the junction. I have reached RMweb's post size limit, so some the next post will feature some steam action...

Over the last few days of the Christmas holidays, I have been concentrating on progressing the scenery and have accomplished a fair amount: Ballasting completed on the middle level and the track weathered. There is a bit of tidying up to do and I may try to add further shading using an airbrush, but it's sufficient for now. Formed the land contours around the front sections of the middle level using polystyrene and coated with plaster to form a hard shell. I then painted the shell using home-made textured paint made by mixing cheap, tan-coloured paint with sand I dried in the cooker; this will provide a base on which to build up the finished scenery. Undercoated all fascias and applied a first coat of black to the middle two sections. Undercoated the backscenes on the middle level ready for painting. Installed the Hermosa Tunnel portals. Here are some photos to show the work... Above is the eastern portal of the Hermosa Tunnel. This is not an exact model by any means... The portals themselves were left-over from a previous layout, and the real tunnel is approached in a much shallower cutting and is about a mile away from Dale Junction itself. However, the idea was to give a representation of the real place and the most distinctive feature is the twin portals. This photo was taken from the corner of the railway room and is accessed via a duck-under; tuning to the left, you get the view below: This is a view looking east over Dale Junction. The undercoated backscenes are very evident. Back in the middle of the room, the view above shows Track 3 in the foreground, with Tracks 1 and 2 behind. This shows the textured paint to good effect; it was much easier and faster than trying to colour the plaster, which is what I've done previously. The photo below shows a wider shot of the same scene: This demonstrates the effect that I really wanted to achieve with the fascias; that is, the layout is framed and your eye is drawn into the layout. I can't wait to get the backscene painted and the basic landform behind the junction in place; that will really bring the scene to life! Lots still to do of course but really pleased with what I've accomplished and scenery has never been a great skill of mine; indeed, it's the first time I have built scenery below the track level! On the running front, I have received the self-adhesive lead weights and Liquid Gravity to begin the process of adding weight to the freight cars. However, I will take my time over this, as I have already some improvements to the running as discussed in previous posts.

Thanks for the advice Paul. Now that I've added the superelevation, it seems pointless to remove it, so it'll stay for the time being. That being said, I only had one locomotive that was causing an issue and it is being returned to the manufacturer for a warranty repair. I was thinking the same thing myself about the weight distribution in the fixed rakes. One of the things I wish to model, based on a photo I've seen in the Kalmbach's book about the Big Boys, is to marshall some empty hoppers at the head end of a consist that are being returned to Granite. I have a couple and tried them out, but they are (currently) very light and derailed in the helix almost immediately thanks to the twist force being exerted on them. I therefore plan to weight them to the NRMA standard, which (I hope) will resolve this problem. All part of the learning curve! Thanks again, Ben

Thank you for the advice John. I know precisely the device you mean, so I might well order one the next time I see the advert. I do think I've turned the corner in terms of running reliability, which will improve as I sort out the weighting of my freight cars and continue the programme of installing Kadee couplers on all stock. The work for the past few days has focussed on progressing the scenery and I hope to have an update to share in the next couple of days. There is also a new addition to the locomotive fleet to report on... This is a second BLI Paragon3 Challenger, #3942, which was an unexpected find on eBay as a very good price. Currently running in but will take charge of the reefer train to give #844 a well-earned rest! Cheers, Ben

Thanks for your message Keith. Agreed, it's not a massive layout by US standards but definitely a lot for a single person to manage. I am certainly learning and making improvements all the time. I had a read of the NMRA standards and their recommendations did seem quite heavy, especially for a layout like mind with the climbs in the helixes. As an experiment, I weighed a number of my freights cars and they ranged from about 1oz to nearly 4oz, so clearly anything but consistent. I run fixed formations on my layout, so my target is going to be consistency within each train. On that basis, I have ordered some lead weights with self-adhesive backing for the box cars and some Deluxe Materials Liquid Gravity for the hoppers and gondolas. I think the helixes are fine now; it was actually just one locomotive that was causing the problem, so it's going back to the manufacturer for a warranty repair as it has developed a number of faults. However, I really appreciate your ongoing advice and tips; I have track gauages (including an NMRA standards one) and it is generally the joints where I have the problems, so if I get any more issues, I'll know where to start...

Thanks for your reply and advice, much appreciated. With regards to couplers, I am standardising on Kadees throughout; I have a height gauge and trip pin adjuster for consistency. The uncoupling issue was down to cheap, non-Kadee couplers and have now been replaced. I am also improving the ride quality using the car stabilizer system from Proto87: http://www.proto87.com/HO_Proto87_car_stabilizer_help.html Weight is definitely another thing to look at. I know the NMRA publish standards, so I need to ensure I follow them accurately. I also need a good way of adding weight to cars that are too light; I'd welcome any suggestions for a good and simple way to do this. The track issues are all in the helix and, I think, related to twist faults. I am using thin strips of plasticard to provide a small amount of superelevation on the outer edge of the track and this has improved running. The double-heading issues were down to the speed calibration not being fine enough to allow iTrain to accurately match the speed of the locomotives in the consist; one would always be running slightly faster than the other. Switching to 126 speed steps has cured this, although I don't know why #3954 does not like being the train engine (the front unit visible hunts and ultimately derails)... But I completely agree with what you write... The key to reliable running is going to be ensuring that the track and stock are up to standard, and I clearly still have a little way to go to accomplish this.

Season's greetings to everyone! Father Christmas has been rather kind to me this year and waiting under the tree was BLI Paragon3 Big Boy #4022 Over the past few days, I have managed to complete the woodwork on the main part of layout, so my next job is to start fitting the polystyrene that will form the landscape. As this will be above the storage yard, it was prudent to empty it, so all of the trains were moved on to the main part of the layout and I took the opportunity to take a couple of photos... Above, Challenger #3954 is piloting Big Boy #4020 on a westbound manifest freight. They are being held on Track 1 before crossing over to Track 2 because coming the other way... ...above is FEF-3 #844 with an eastbound reefer train, which would have priority as it would be loaded transporting perishable goods to the East Coast. As well as doing the woodwork, I've also been playing trains over the festive period and I became a little despondent because I was having all sorts of running problems... I don't want to dwell on them but at one point, I did wonder if I had bitten off more than I could chew. Of course, any layout of this size is going to have problems and maintenence will be an on-going task. I have therefore tweaked track, replaced couplers and looked at locomotive performance, and I think I've turned a corner. With regards to the locomotives, I have started the process of recalibrating them to use 126 speed steps, which gives iTrain much finer control and means their speed [in the consist] can be much more accurately matched, resulting in much better performance. The final outcome of this work is that that #3964 and #4020 have been swapped round. I don't know why but they seem to run much better like this. Fortunately, looking at many of my books, it is prototypical for the smaller(!) of the locomotives to lead the consist i.e. you would normally find the Big Boy as the train engine. With the recalibration work, it should be possible to assign any locomotive to pilot a Big Boy and the combination to work reliably. Indeed, very occasionally, you even got double-headed Big Boys...(!)

Following on from my post yesterday, I have completed recalibrating #4020 and #3954 using 126 speed steps, and this has resulted a huge improvement in the double-heading performance of the locomotives; absolutely no issues with the front pony truck of #3954 now. I'm therefore going to embark on a programme of recalibrating all of my locomotives to 126 speed steps so that I can consistently double-head trains. I will also ensure that they use linear speed curves so that iTrain can speed match as accurately as possible. I have discovered that ESU Loksound 5 chips come with a non-linear speed curve that (annoyingly) cannot be disabled through CV29, so I am using JMRI DecoderPro to apply a linear speed curve to all of my ESU-equipped locomotives. Likewise, I have a number of older Walthers Lifelike models containing QSI Quantum chips and I am lucky to have a QSI Programmer to configure them (they do not seem to work well with the DR5000 on the programming track and QSI now appears to be defunct). I have made a video to show #4020 and #3954 working an eastbound freight over the layout, which is available on YouTube: I need to work on my tracking shots (I was just holding the camera in my hand!) and #3954 is much louder than #4020, but it shows how well they now run together. I will likely always double-head this train as it's the longest on the layout, so it will be great to be able to change the front-end power... #844 is now recalibrated, so I might well see how it looks with #3954

Having run-in in #3954, it has now entered service and is seen below being piloted by Big Boy #4020 on a westbound manifest freight at Dale Junction. Unfortunately, I have am having an issue with the front pony truck of #3954 derailing. I think the problem is that there is too much descrepency between the speed calibration of the two locomotives, which means that #3954 is constantly pushing #4020 because iTrain cannot match their speeds closely enough. I am therefore recalibrating both locomotives using 128 speed steps, which should allow iTrain to control the speed of both locomotives much more precisely...

Been a little while since my last post... Have not had much of a chance to work on the layout recently as work has been exceptionally busy but given the current sutuation in the country, I consider myself very lucky to have a job. I do also find breaks every once in a while can be useful to avoid burnout... There are, however, two additions to the locomotive roster to report Above is Broadway Limited Imports Paragon3 Big Boy #4022. I believe this is an earlier Paragon3 version as the packaging is different to my other examples but no less impressive! This brings the tally of Bog Boys on the layout to six (2 x #4014, #4020, #4022, and 2 x #4023)...(!) I do have a slightly mad idea to try to collect the entire class but more on that next year if plans I have come to fruition. Two of the models will change identity thanks to the services of Simon Howard at S H Modelmaking (mentioned purely as an exceptionally happy customer of his); my MTH #4014 will become #4012 (my other #4014 is the Rivarossi 60th Anniversary Edition, which requires sound fitting but will otherwise remain unchange) and my older Precision Craft Models (which later became BLI) #4023 is to become #4008, which is the running number of the Dobwalls Big Boy... Above is another BLI Paragon3 model, this time Challenger #3954. Whilst Dale Junction will focus on Big Boys. the Challengers are still mightily impressive locomotives. I am hoping the adhesion of the BLI version is better than the MTH version but I am still planning to double-head it, hence fitting the coupler to the front, but it will be interesting to see how it performs. Both locomotives will need running-in and speed calibrating before entering service; I'll do #3954 this weekend but #4022 will have to wait because it is, strictly speaking, a Christmas present from my wonderful wife but it obvioiusly need to be tested to ensure it was working order before being wrapped up...

Hi Martin, It is really good to see you posting again. I have followed your layout with interest and whilst it must have been a very diifcult decision, I think that you're doing the right thing; if you're not happy with it now, you never will be. As you've taken your decision, I was hoping to offer a little friendly advice... I am in the process of constructing a large US layout depecting the Union Pacific over Sherman Hill. I spent about three years designing it, first in my head and then, when the room became available, on the computer (using XTrkCad as it happens but that's not relevant). As part of this process, I followed the advice of famous American professional layout designer John Armstrong. When he was contracted by a customer, he would always ask them to draw up a list of "givens and druthers"; that is, a list of things that the layout must (or must not) have and a list of things that it would be nice to have. This would allow Armstong to ensure that his design fulfilled his customers' expectations and it was very successful. When I was planning my layout, I wrote my own list to ensure that the design I ended up met my expectations. For example (and I don't say this to rub salt in the wound), it was essential for me to avoid a duck-under to access the layout; whilst this meant two helixes, it was a compromise that I was prepared to make to ensure my "givens" were met. I would therefore like to suggest that you consider doing this yourself with the plans for your new layout. I know you already have a plan but perhaps it would be worth making your own "givens and druthers" list, and seeing how your new plan fits with that list. You may well have already done this but if not, it could also be beneficial. For what it's worth. I have constructed my layout almost precisely as I designed it (aside from tweaking some of the sidings in the storage yard and getting the measurements of my room slightly wrong!) and it is panning out exactly how I hoped it would. The only thing that has come as a surprise is just how good it is under the control of the computer... If you're interested in reading more, I go into a bit more depth in the opening post of my Dale Junction thread. All the very best with planning and construction of your new layout! I'll be watching with interest Best wishes, Ben

With the layout lighting completed, I've been able to take some properly lit photographs; I'm going to try not to get too distracted from constructing the layout! Here are some first photographs, chasing GP9 #252 leading two GP7s on an eastbound manifest freight. Above shows Extra 252 crossing from Track 1 to Track 2 at Dale Junction. The ground is really starting to shake because coming the other way, below, is Big Boy #4020 on a westbound manifest freight leaving Track 3 and heading on to Track 2 to descend the Hill to Laramie. Below shows #4020 again heading through the points. A few miles further east, Extra 252 is cresting the summit at Sherman: Coming the other way is Big Boy #4023 on yet another westbound manifest freight. I have some woodwork to finish and I'm then going to return to ballasting... There is a lot to do but it really does start to bring the whole scene to life...

Day and Night Today, I completed the installation of the lighting on the upper level of the layout using a second DR4050. It is so nice to see the complete layout fully lit and what a difference it has made. The fist picture below was taken from the far corner of the room (accessed via the duck-under) and the layout is in daytime mode (the main room lights are switched off): The DR4050s were running in automatic mode and after a few minutes, the transition to nighttime mode was finished: I've made a short video demonstrating the transitions between its various modes: It really is a fantastic piece of kit and a huge thanks to James at DCC Train Automation for suggesting it (mentioned purely as a very happy customer!).

Every once in a while, I get some done on Dale Junction that takes it to the next level... Following a chance remark on Facebook, I purchased the Digikeijs DR4050 LED lighting system and installed it on the middle level over the weekend. The effects it creates are nothing short of astonishing. Not only does it have normal daytime mode, but evening, morning and nighttime modes as well. It can automatically cycle through them or be controlled via iTrain. The night mode, in particular, creates an astonishing effect, although it's very hard to photograph. Now that I have some better lighting, I can finally show the work that I've been doing doing on the ballasting. It's taking a long time but getting there slowly, and the middle level is now about 2/3 complete. The photo below shows Big Boy #4023 coming off Track 1 and on to Track 2 to drift westbound down the hill to Laramie. The lighting was set to evening mode, hence the slightly subdued colour palette.

Hi, I have been really enjoying following the (rapid!) construction of your layout. I travelled on the Jacobite many years ago and I think you are really capturing the atmosphere of the real thing. I have a quick question if you don't mind... I really like you how you weather your track using an airbrush. I'd like to do the same but I am not sure what sort of paint to use. Thinning down Humbrol enamels would seem to be a very long-winded way of doing it and could produce variable results if the dilution is not always the same. I was therefore wondering if you could tell me what sort of paint you use in your airbrush please? Thanks! Ben

Over the weekend, I've managed to finish installing the fascia and backscenes on the middle level of the layout. Below shows the exit from Hermosa Tunnel: In real life, the tunnel portals are at the end of a long cutting, which I am not goiing to be able to model in any length. The best viewing angle for this bit of the layout will be best viewed from ther other side, which is easily reached via a duck-under. However, I am considering constructing a removable backscene for this section. Moving round, below shows the main part of Dale Junction itself: This photo clearly shows how deparately I need to get some lighting sorted out, especially for the middle level. This is in hand and I have two Digikeijs DR4050 LED lighting units on order with DCC Train Automation (I mentiod them purely as a very satisfied customer). Moving round again, below shows the sweeping curves on the east side of the junction: This photo also shows that ballasting has been advancing and about two-thirds of the middle level is now done. I want to get the lighting sorted before returning to this! Finally, a look at where Track 3 emerges from the Helix: I am rather pleased with how this has turned out; I think it will make a very nice scene. I will install lights into the lower scenic window as it's now very much in the dark! Next job is to complete the fascia for the lower level, and on the window-side of the middle and upper levels; I do not expect this to take too long. I also want to do something about diguising the supports in the helix; this will probably simply be vertical strips of 3" 4mm plywood. The lighting syste, should arrive this week and I am looking forward to getting it installed.

Over the past few evenings, I've done some further wotk installing the fascias on the layout and I think the upper level is now complete. Below is an oveview of the railway room: As part of this, I have had to consider how to frame where Track 3 emerges from the middle of Helix B. Below shows what I've fitted so far: I want to be able to see the trains in the helix (as it is quite mesmerising) but i always wanted to have a clear demarcation between the scenic part of the layout and the helix... The next step is to add a "floor" beneath Track 3 and above the scenic window, and then I can add the fascia to form cutting from which the trains will emerge. It really is amazing how adding the fascias is transforming the appearence of the layout. Of course, I now realise how much painting I'm going to have to do!