Brian’s been in touch with his double deck HO scale layout:
“Hello Brian here : I have a nice start on a HO freelance layout with many cool features I wish to have your viewers see, since I have always been on the receiving end I thought I could give you my view of what I’m building.
The layout at this time has no name still working on it . But I think I have it to a place I could share it .. I have a few very general pics right now with more to come when I tell my whole story which I think will amaze most viewers.
Its main section is 25×8 with the upper level 38’ the lower main layout has three intersecting loops which allows operators move trains to all loops and up the grade.
The main industry on the layout will be coal the other will be mixed freight, still putting it altogether but that’s what’s cool it keeps the viewers coming back to see the progress.
I’ll have one passenger train on the layout it’s the walthers dinner bell train the station will be on the second level.. there is a small log camp up there also with many other small and med size industry’s yet to be placed . One I know will be a slaughterhouse for the farm on the lower . People gotta eat !!
So for now I’ll end.
Brian”
Now on to Jan:
“Gday Al,
I have been receiving your posts for quite some time now, some of the tips from your contributors have been very helpful. I thought I would share some photos with you.
My layout was 9 months in the planning and the building of it has been underway for 12 months. My preference for an English layout and OO scale have lead me to creating a town and country setup and for this I have found Metcalf models invaluable. I’m planning my first trip to the UK so up to now it has been episodes of Midsommer Murders/Poirot and suchlike that have inspired my choice of scenery.
I have laid down a double helix track and used some store-bought gear but have also scratch built many of the signals and railway crossings. As an electronic technician I could not help myself and have put lights into all the buildings and designed and built a Control Panel to take care of the 4 main lines and the double helix.
My layout is, as you can imagine, a work in progress and I will send through more photos and information as I progress.
Again thanks for all the help.
Cheers
Jan Watters (Mr)”
Next, Fred:
“Hello Al,
thought this might be of interest the layout has been a long build very stop start ….with the bit of fun filming as the layout is all sorts ….”
Regards Fred’s Wilbury Line
New ebay cheat sheet – still going strong and bagging deals.
“The best tip for everyone involved in Model railroading is, “To not give up!
Sam”
Thats all for today folks. Hope you enjoyed Jan’s, Fred’s tips, and Brian’s double deck HO scale.
And if today is the day you stop dreaming and start doing, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.
Good to see Bongo`s Cousin got on to here Fred …. Dangerous Dave
Hello Alistair.
I like the look of Jan Watters control panel. I wonder if he has a circuit diagram for the train controllers he would be happy to share.
Jan, lovely panel, back of mine look like rats’ nests. British railway and industrial buildings were notoriously poorly lit though, an old pal now deceased loved steam locos but so hated preparing engines under a broken shed roof using only the light of a flare lamp (hand held exposed wick paraffin burner like Aladdin’s) that he packed it in and joined the Post Office!
Brian – Wow!
Rod
Thanks to all for sharing your beautiful work. That control panel was awesome! Cheers! NJ Mark
Hello, I have never posted a comment or opinion until now. I had to do it as I am in awe of the great control panel that is shown in the first position.
It appears that there must be a way to construct a panle such as this one by an amature.
Is there a manual or tutorial for designing and building a panel such as this? Or better still is there a company that can be hired to produce a panel for my layout?
Thanks Mr. Watters for sharing your terrific accomplishment.
Allan
I’m not saying anything, I’m just going to bury my head in the sand and grunge!! It’s great such a fantastic layout – I’m so impressed that it has given me the chance to pull my head out of the sand now. Cheers
Jan, marvelous work! As an electrical engineer, I’m thoroughly impressed with your control panel. It’s great to see someone who knows how to tree the wiring in it. Please send in pics as you progress. Warren
Wonderful layout…..Great imagination. Loved it ! Thanks Paul
Jan, marvelous work! As a long retired electrical engineer, I’m thoroughly impressed with your control panel. It’s great to see someone who knows how to properly tree the wiring in a panel. The face of the panel is beautiful, too. Can you share the details of how you constructed it, materials sources, etc? Please send in pics as you progress. Warren
Jan your wireing on your panel is impressive. Mine works great, looks great but the wireing is a nightmare. I would like to know how it all works. Once again nice job
Steve from Toms River
Just WOW……
It’s always a pleasure to see work done the right way. So it’s no surprise to see a pro’s touch to this layout and panel. I’m sure any trouble shooting and downtime are minimal due to his careful planning. Thank you Jan!
oh to have this type of space to work with
very impressive layout. the electrical board is outstanding. very talented video.thanks for sharing.
Love the video creativity…
I thoroughly enjoyed your video, Fred. I am inspired to attempt one myself when my layout is more complete. Thanks, again.
Very impressive!!!!
Yes I too would really appreciate details of the control panel.
Vincent
Jan:
Don’t.
Ever.
Move.
Great layout. Can’t wait to see a video of the finished layout in operation.
Possible to share some information on how you made the helix? One thing I just can’t wrap my head around.
Thanks, and keep up the good work.
Eustace
Wow, impressive. As a beginner I could use detailed information on lighting the buildings.
Love the long straight runs that’s railroading.
The Critic
Jan,
What a beautifully designed and executed control panel! I gather from the design and controls that it’s DC and not DCC?
Brian,
Nice-looking start on a BIG layout! Love the long mainline runs and the scenery that you’ve completed. Please send more photos and video, if possible, as it progresses. My only suggestion would be to add more lighting panels in the drop ceiling to better illuminate your layout.
Fred,
Wonderful video (despite my aversion to clowns ;-)) I really like the musical background and your delightful storyline. Lookout Dangerous Dave! You’ve got competition in the video world. 🙂
Pretty neat? I hope mine comes out that goods