How many of our members have a layout?

What a terrific POLL and subject matter. This should be very interesting.

Indeed we have a layout and no plans to build another.

Denny,

I see a lot of that too, it leads to dead batteries in MTH Proto 2 locos, which leads to locos that don’t want to add to the club DCS remotes, or act strangely.

Denny,

After years of dealing with the lost time and frustration of members having trouble getting there locos started, we put in a “Programming Track” which is about three feet long, bumpers on each end, powered by a separate transformer handle, with a separate DCS TiU Channel and a DCS remote with a tether.

If the member has trouble they can put the engine on the programming track, give it juice and let it sit and charge, usually after 20 minutes the engine will load and is ready for the mainline. The programming track is also good for programming for MU (multiple unit) operation. Also on the Programming track engines can be readdressed and other changes can be made.

My small, 88 sq. ft. layout has a winter theme and was built for the Polar Express train. But I added a freight section to it and run other trains on it after the holidays. Had thoughts of expanding it, but the grandkids seem happy with the way it is. So we're all happy. 

I love my small but mighty layout, but hope to someday take all of the great things I have learned from friends on this forum and create a bigger one.  I’ve started thinking about what I want but it will be a few years before I will have the time and can dedicate the funds.

Uh, gee that is a lot of choices.

But how about those of us “ under construction”?

Not great, doing okay, but nowhere close either. A lot has been accomplished but there is a loonnngggg way to go.

We started building structures six years ago. All structures are lighted with interiors.

Garage added on to and now is a train room. Interior done including wall shelves. Backdrop is up. Track lighting is in using Phillips bulbs and Alexa control for all lighting and exhaust far.

Level one Benchwork is 99% complete. Level one track is in place and 95% ballasted. All track is airbrushed, clean. Ross turnouts installed and Tortoise motors in and working. Touch toggles for yard finally working, Turnout lanterns converted to LEDs and working.

DCS fully installed as is Legacy. TIU, 2 AIU, relays for turnouts and tracks installed and working. Board installed for electrical, all wiring done and labeled. All main line turnouts are loaded into DCS, as are all yard and station tracks that needed relays to control power.

All engines and rolling stock in the train room has been cataloged, oiled and greased.

Level 2 was started just after Christmas with the first work on the right side which is going to be the engine service area. Mill House turntable has been installed, working, all accessories are in place,

Projects under way include:

Front shelf completion Including lighting and glass

Trim board around first level

Roundhouse construction and installation. Dennis Brennan 7 stall roundhouse walls, windows and clerestory, are painted, joined as much as possible and ready for install.

Engine service small parts are 2/3 painted with machinery left to complete.

We had fished offshore and enjoyed boating for 35+ years, sold the boat, and embarked on the train layout. Things have changed so we knew very little. Paula and I have made lots of new friends who have been a tremendous help. But, we are still Under Construction.

I would some day build a better layout someday npow that I have learned alot about switch out trains at factories and yards. If I did it now I might be in divorce court. haha