Ken’s been back in touch with the latest on his Kato model railroad:

“Hi Al

Update number 3 coming your way.

My layout is loosely themed on the area known as the Short North – the area immediately north of Sydney which is rich in coal fields which fed the steel industry for a century. Quite a bit of coal was also used to fire the local power stations which are now giving way to renewable energy. Thank goodness.

I’ve made only a few changes since my December update, and mostly in wiring (all DC) and making incremental improvements to track and alignments.

I also built a new through station at Macquarie, based on an Australian prototype. I love these laser-cut timber kits. Lighting is currently LED, however I’ve acquired an optic fibre kit to start experiments as the weather warms through spring.

All of the track is Kato, and mostly with No. 6 turnouts. I have a modified No.4 turnout which gives me problems when shunting cars which are a bit too light. More issues to solve!

The video gives a small snapshot of a running session, starting with 3801 hauling an excursion train, with 4836 in 125 Anniversary livery banking. As an aside, 3801 is one of the most celebrated locos in NSW, and has run from Sydney to Perth along with LNER loco Flying Scotsman in 1988 during the bicentennial celebrations.

The coal train is hauled by two Pacific National current era locos, hauling newly-graffitied coal hoppers. The final scene shows a 44 class backing out of Yanderah (terminus) station with a rake of coaches.

For the future I realised I made a huge mistake in the planning stages by not allowing for sufficient storage sidings. I have heaps of gear stored away. So stay tuned for more!

Ken”

Kato model railroad:

A big thanks to Ken for sharing his Kato model railroad.

If you want to see his last missive, it’s here:

N scale multi line layout.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day you get started on your layout, 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.

Need buildings for your layout? Have a look at the Silly Discount bundle.