Saturday, October 5, 2013

Items for Sale

Today, I went through all my rolling stock and locomotives to determine what I need for the ROCK 3.0.  Attached are photos of the lot of stuff that I will be listing on eBay this weekend.  If you're interested, please make an offer right away.






Thanks!
Steven

Thursday, October 3, 2013

The ROCK 3.0: Progress Report 10.03.13

This evening, I worked on laying out old turnouts to get a final determination on the inventory needed for the layout.  Also, this finalizes the operating plan.  It's looking awesome!!  Now, I just need some turnouts.

The part that made me the most pleased this evening was the fact that this layout (although) modified some to fit the space is definitely going to have many of the key characteristics of the Rock.

Key points that I'm shooting for:

  • Ottawa Silica
    • Three major structures in correct positions
      • Plus various small supporting structures.
    • Sand pit and overhead piping to drying building
    • Scale operations
  • CB&Q Crossing
    • Crossing, signals and locomotive maintenance shed.
  • Ottawa Yard
    • Basic track arrangement
    • Creek running under yard
    • Location/position of locomotive storage track and RIP tracks.
  • Utica - PQ & Belrose Silica
    • Accurate track layout of plants
    • Attempt to model the buildings as close as possible
    • Scale operations
  • LaSalle
    • Westclox loading building 


The ROCK 3.0: Ottawa Silica and LOF Plan

I modified the original plan for Ottawa Silica and LOF when I started laying out the cork and flex track to test various scenarios.  Here's what I have come up with.  The drawing is not to scale, but gives you an idea of what it will look like.


Wednesday, October 2, 2013

The ROCK 3.0: Progress Report 10.02.13

Sorry, I haven't written in a week or so.  I traveled up to Illinois/Missouri for a family wedding.  While driving, I had plenty of time to ponder operations and my wish list for the layout.

As mentioned before, I will have operating crossing gates at two road crossings on the layout: Mill St (Utica) and Ottawa Ave (Ottawa).  I will also have operating signals on the layout governing the crossovers in Utica and interlocking with the CB&Q in East Ottawa.  I have been researching six or seven circuit/control manufacturers.  So far, I'm leaning toward Azatrax.  They seem to have the best support (which a novice like me will need) and quality.  I'm still in the process of researching all this though.

In other news, my initial order of custom built "Fast Tracks" turnouts are expected to ship any day now.  I'm so excited!  I'm ready to start laying track!