Some steam on the layout, this is my first steam loco with sound. This is factory sound fitted by Hornby, its no. R2990XS.
Observant viewers might notice the ‘magic’ uncoupling operation, or the lack of green on one of the signals. Really observant viewers might even notice the MK1s are not actually BR…
Next video will be Weekend Engieering update/episode 5, expect it next week. The layout updates will then resume from then on now its a bit warmer.
An Athearn SD40 and a 70 ton GE switcher in Southern Pacific colours with various rolling stock. Most of the rolling stock is by Walthers, either Proto or mainline.
Originally this was meant to be up sometime around WE layout update 3 but I was already late with the next update video and didn’t want to delay that further, so if the layout looks like its gone back in time, that is why. When I recorded the running session, I ended up with a lot of shots of the SD40 going over the bridge, as I only had a single track running at the time, I decided to mix in some of the bridge shots to try make it look a little more interesting with multiple trains running. You may also spot the ‘Katy’ heritage unit sitting by the track in one of the shots, its by MTH and may feature in the next video.
No layout update this week, so here are some pictures and a video from the summer that I had forgotten to share, this is the first run of an Athearn Genesis Southern Pacific SDP45 road number 3200 with DCC Sound. The part number is ATHG63651. As you can see from the first pictures, sadly the trip from the US was not kind to the loco, the air tank had come off and the fuel tank screw was damaged. I suspect the blame for this falls onto the ebay global shipping program, who decided to re-pack the loco from its original box done by the seller and then didnt put sufficent packing in – it was loose in the box. I managed to get the air tank to push back on and the fuel tank I had to add some glue to the screw, quite disapointing when you have to repair a brand new loco.
The pictures of the loco in the green bridge were originally to check the clearance from the snow plough to the bridge walk ways, as I’d had some issues with a previous loco not making it through easily, however this turned out to be a track issue later, but the pictures look nice so there included here.
A bit late with this update as I had limited internet access, and this was actually posted while away in Canada, as I didn’t have enough time to upload it before leaving. This will be the last ‘Weekend Engineering’ (layout update) episode until I return in 3 months time. I will continue to provide videos while I am away, but they will be mostly running sessions I recorded just before I left.
In this update I cover the need to paint the MDF boards with MDF sealer, and this ofcourse meant I had to tidy up a lot, which has certainly made it look better and made it easier to work. I also cover some changes to the bench work – its now more sturdy and a little higher. I also fitted an extension socket to the front of the bench and had the wall socket moved up ready for adding in back boards later. I also splashed some grey paint around where the track will go just to make a background for when the ballast is done.
Demo and tests of Block Signaling using Lenz BM3 block modules. Here is how to make trains stop at red signals and to automate block control on your model railway. Also I include some other things you can do with it such as protection for lift up bridges or points.
My intention is to have the entire layout operating with block signals, and to get these to work with the points automatically. At this stage its mainly testing it and giving a demo. When I get in a more final setup I’ll make another post and video on it.
