Martin’s been back in touch with his O scale DCC layout:

“Hi Al,

A quick update to the changes at Lake Shore on my US based O gauge DCC Sound Shortline.

Readers might remember to flour discharge plant was a short distance away from the main plant, and the rail connection was a bit of a problem as the headshunt could only hold one hopper and a short wheelbase engine, like an SW9.

I eventually came to the conclusion that this just wouldn’t happen in real life, far too time consuming and costly, so a plan was hatched to extend the layout with an island table, which would hold a lumber yard, ( I’d just got some lumber yard buildings from my Brother), and I figured that the main flour plant could handle all traffic and corn oil loading for the tankers.

I also wanted an excuse for a railroad crossing, complete with flashing lights, but no sound as the layout produces enough sound from the engines.

Anyway, another lightweight adjustable table was bought and insulation foam fitted to it to bring the levels up to the required height.

The crossing warning poles I have are for two tracks, but I really only needed one to operate, so it was decided to have an abandoned siding with the track work still in place over the road crossing.

As the pictures will show, there is still a lot to be done.

The old trackage will become the new road and the large blank area is destined to become a diner and school bus facility, if I can get everything to fit in without looking too cluttered.

The photos show a trial train on the new island, and the buildings in roughly their final positions.

The abandoned track will be shortened and moved so the angle across the road is not so sharp, and the siding might be curved a bit more to enable there to be a straight section at the end so the lumber storage racks are parallel to the siding.

As it used to look with the new island table in place.

Old trackbed removed and the new siding trialled.

The old trackbed will become a road with a two track crossing.

Test positioning of the buildings and trackwork. The line closest to the camera is the abandoned one and will need shortening and repositioning to get the angles right.

This is the proposed site for the diner and school bus garage, if it doesn’t look too cluttered.

I will post more over the coming weeks to show the progress.

Martin

Coventry UK.”

A big thanks to Martin. If you missed his first post it’s really worth have a look it:

O scale layout 17×13

And now on to Steve with this tip – it’s funny how the simple things are always the cleverest:

“Hi Al,

Here is a tip for beginners, and anyone contemplating a rebuild.

Don’t lay your track straight onto the baseboard! Raise the track support above the baseboard leaving a nice area in between.

I use 25mmx50mm (1” x 2”) timber to raise the track support by 25mm. For inclines, I just cut the lengths to suit individual track heights as required.

In this way, all your wiring is concealed under the track support and above the baseboard.

No need for conduits etc , just enclose the sides and its all hidden away. Obviously you need to plan where you place connectors (I use screw strips), for easy access.

Regards

Steve (Sydney)”

A big thanks to Martin and Steve.

I love what Martin is doing – he’s another fine example of your layout can be whatever you want it to be.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day you decide to join in on the fun, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.