In designing the new Wildcat Valley Railway, I wanted to have a two level track plan, but I really don't like the idea of a helix. I do really like mountainous terrain with tunnels and bridges though, so I plan to use a couple of areas with looping track that is mostly open and visible… Continue reading Benchwork Continues
I've decided that the idea of removable sections of layout may not be the way I'd like to go. I'd like a more stable and permanent layout, since in all likelihood that this may be my last. We're going to go with this arrangement... L - Girder for the lower level support and a C-frame… Continue reading A Blank Slate, Continued
After about two weeks of dealing with some sort of flu, cold, sinus infection, or all the above, I have finally been able to finish up the train room! The ceiling is done, carpet is down, the trim is up, and the nail holes caulked. I'm currently enjoying a Beam on the rocks to celebrate!… Continue reading A Blank Slate!
I've been working on the new train room for some time now. The lights are in and the carpet is laid. I just finished up installing the ceiling tiles in the workshop end tonight, including putting in the HVAC ductwork. Once I finish with the ceiling, I can cut, paint, and install the trim. Then… Continue reading Getting Close!
Well, I'm still trying to get the train room in shape so I can get back to workin' on the railroad, someday. Putting up ceiling grid this week. Picked up carpet last night. I have to fill the expansion joints in the floor. Got to pick up some light fixtures and get those in place. Starting to… Continue reading Ramblings
Here we are, sailing off into a new year, but I would be remiss if I failed to consider the events of the previous year before planning for the new one. The wife and I had been discussing selling our house and in February we contacted a realtor. By mid April, we had sold and… Continue reading Thoughts of the New Year?
At this point, I have little experience with railroad signal systems (except maybe grade crossings), but the internet shall provide... I found a great resource for signal implementation with many rulebook pictures from different road names - Railroad Signals of the US. I will be modeling the 1920's and 30's era on the WVR so… Continue reading Mor-on Signaling
At one time, we had a lake house which consumed all our summer and kept us active during the season. When the Indiana winter came around in 2014, I was in emanant danger of becoming a couch potato. Falling back on my days of youth, I decided that model railroading would keep me occupied and… Continue reading The Beginning and End, Sort of
After Months of work on the basement, I never thought I'd get here, but I now have a work area for my hobby. Engineering Central! That benchtop will never be this clean again!
To recap - I plan to stick with Digitrax systems for controlling trains because the WVR has a significant investment in that technology. I've also decided on using local panels, DCC throttle, and a computer with JMRI software to operate turnouts. We will be able to run and route our trains, but Id also like… Continue reading Planning for Control
Wildcat Valley Railway Co. 