HO Modular layout

Bill’s been back in touch with HO modular layout:

“Hi Al

I have been able to spend time in the garage the past several weekends and have made good headway.

Track in glued in place and wiring is done and now I’m adding in ground throws on my turnouts.

This video shows what I’m doing on the new module. Making the modules portable/moveable makes it so easy to work on them.

Tracks are aligned between the sections so when together I enjoy a tremendous amount of switching opportunities.

Once all ground throws are in I’ll make plexiglass stops for each end of the layout but for now on the end opposite I’m working on I’m using long solid craft pins as bumpers in case I get to close to the end of the tracks.

Al thanks for continuing your great work hosting all of us modelers from around the world!

Best

Bill in Virginia”

HO modular layout

HO modular layout



Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

A huge thanks to Bill.

If you’ve missed his earlier posts, you can see them here.

That’s all for today folks. Please do keep ’em coming.

And don’t forget the Beginner’s Guide is here if you want to take the first step on your masterpiece.

Best

Al

12 Responses to HO Modular layout

  1. george zaky says:

    Bill
    Awesome and a million thanx for sharing your thoughts and I like to call it “engineering”. I am a little perplexed about your electrical problems because as I see it there should be no problems with your plan.
    Keep up the excellence and I am anxious to see the attachment of the two modules.
    Best
    George from NY

  2. Tom nichols says:

    Really a nice switching layout.

  3. Chris Sylvester says:

    Thanks for sharing your video and great job on the layout very helpful

  4. Rob Robbins says:

    Curious why you wouldn’t be running DCC with the ease of use and the sound and light effects? The new controllers offer really realistic movement for your switching opportunities.

  5. W C Andderson says:

    PLEASE, take a moment to block those track ends.

  6. Jim AZ says:

    Very nice layout, Bill. Looks like you’ll have a lot of switching going on. Should be great fun when it’s all connected. Thanks for sharing.

    Jim AZ

  7. Terry Miller says:

    Nice layout but if one edge of the modular is up against a wall don’t you have a “reach” problem hand throwing switches?

    Terry/Idaho USA

  8. Gary Manganiello says:

    Love your layout….. its about the trains and running the railroad and the switches.
    Also that modular approach is cool……… I wish I would have seen your original before I started my layout.

    Why did you choose to have manual turnouts? True, in a real railroad yard most of the switches are manual throws but here you have to continually walk around your layout to direct your trains? The use of signals and blocks would help too.

    Anyway…… great layout and your factory buildings I envy.

    Gary M

  9. Sid Pratt says:

    Well done. Will wait till I can see it all together.

  10. Patrick Barry says:

    I am just getting started in this electric trains hobby, something to do with my grandson. Anybody got a suggestion for first time Train model, to begin with? If any of you might have some second hand set’s for sale please let me know.
    I am amazed at these layouts. I am not very talented but I have been inspired by your work. thank you!

  11. Dave Massimi says:

    Bill…a great looking ER that you should have lots of fun with for a long time.
    Your reference to ground throws reminded me of a question I’ve been meaning ask…where does one find “piano wire”….in a music store or a hardware store ? And if it comes in several thicknesses, which is best for ground throws ? Yes, I know that was two questions.

  12. Richard Sappelli, Audio visual director, HHS says:

    Nice layout but your sound is too low. Get a mike and clip it to your shirt so we can all hear. I have the sound on my Mac up to full but can hardly hear what you are saying.
    Otherwise it is nice to watch but hard to hear.

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