Hi Everybody,
it's been a bit since I've been on here last, been busy starting a family and a new layout. Nothing big (24'x20' - double decker). Yeah, it should be maybe halfway done before I retire Anyway, I need some help with an electrical issue. Here's the issue. I've got two tracks that split into 4 (two switches right next to each other). Currently, those two tracks wrap behind a helix (hidden) and come down to 1 track (switch installed on the other end). On both tracks, as soon as the unit crosses over either of the switches, I loose power. Couple of factors to point out. I've soldered every joint (yes, including the switches), I'm using just a Tech throttle for now, I've got a 3 -way switch attached to end of 3 tracks and the north most track has a bumper on the end of it. Here's the kicker though. Before I ballasted the track (yesterday) I had power and no problems. I was able to run the engines all the way through the 3 way switch. Now, I can't. I've looked for anything shunting the tracks (metal hitting both tracks, bad solders, I've ran different units on both tracks with the same problem, hell, I've removed the bumper thinking that was the problem, but that's not it. I'm at a total loss. I had everything soldered and before ballasting, things worked fine, now it doesn't. I can't Imagine that I need to have feeders on tracks after they have been ballasted to prevent dead spots. Do I need to have feeders on those other tracks when everything else is soldered? I 'm not understanding how I can have the power one day, and the next day I don't. Or should I say, how I can have power on one side of the switches and nothing on the other. These are code 83, DCC friendly switches. Am I just missing something?? Please help

This may be old news to some but,it may be exciting news to others that missed the announcement--like me.

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Yet another reason to be trackside with camera in hand.

Swapping hoppers

The Grande Valley Railway became a reality in 1980 based out of the old Grand Rapids & Indiana yard in Grand Rapids Michigan.Since there have been a fair number of predecessor railroads in this yard GVR management decided to do some Heritage scheme locos.They will consist of a variety of different units to honor the predecessor railroads that used this yard to conduct railroad business in the West Michigan.First tailroad up is of course the GR & I which was long gone by dieseldom (but I ain't doing steam).Since I already owned several of these locos I would like to introduce Grand Rapis & Indiana 1980 a SD-9 rebuilt to SD38-3 specs.

I'm going to have to build a bigger "photo booth", and get better lighting.

1:125.5 scale ?? The hull I am using is 36" long, the ship I am modeling is 376' 6" long ( 376.5' divided by 3', = 125.5 )
Her beam is 40', and she draws 18'
The beam of the model is 45' , measured with an N scale ruler. It's that close to an N scale model
This shot is the forward part of the superstructure, including Mount 52, the bridge area, the forward stack, and part of the 01 level deck where the torpedo tubes are mounted.
   
This shot is the full length of the model. Everything that is "dark gray" is part of the "Blue Devil Destroyer" "kit"
Everything white, is scratchbuilt in styrene sheet/rod/strip.

The gun mounts, twin 5" 38, ( starting from the forward mount ) Mount 51, mount 52, and back aft mount 53 ) started out as single barrel mounts...so there were only four barrels :o I had to build a pair for mount 53.
   

I down loaded several drawings to help me with the build. Unfortunately each of them is a different size, and I have had to calculate the size ratios to 1:125.5, so I can use them. In short... every detail is going to be an adventure in research, and calculation.

There is very little of the original kit that I can use, because the details are of an original Sumner class DD, and not one that has gone through Fleet Rehabilitation And Modernization ( FRAM ). There are four *quick action water tight doors*, built and installed at this time. Each of those doors are built up....and there are 29 individual pieces to each door. :o
Yeah, THIS project is going to be "FUN"

The Grand River Western is a small modern day railroad located in in West Michigan.It will have a double track mainline and for the most part be is built on old recycled NTRAK modules.The layout will be dual mode being both DC and DCC compatible with the flip of a switch.

This layout is HO layout number two for the Grand River Valley Model Railroad club.Some oif the pictures posted here will look familiar as in it's last incarnation it was the Reading & Union City Eastern a On30 railroad.The hinged lift beidge is now a thing of the past and one less PITA to put up with, Here are couple pictures of the layout's current status.

This is the final call for layouts for Layout Tour No. 44 on Saturday, August 15.

We're looking for operating layouts in all scales in the West Orange County area. This includes the cities of:

Costa Mesa
Fountain Valley
Garden Grove
Huntington Beach
Los Alamitos
Seal Beach
Westminster

This will be a free, self-guided tour.

Participating in a layout tour is a great way to share your work and meet your fellow model railroaders. You’ve probably worked hard on your layout so you might as well get some recognition from people who will appreciate your efforts.

All you need to do is operate your trains. I will do all the planning, publicity and map preparations, as I have done for forty-three previously tours since 2006.

Please contact me OFF LIST by June 15 at <!-- e --><a href="mailto:chiefbobbb@verizon.net">chiefbobbb@verizon.net</a><!-- e -->
[chiefbobbb AT Verizon DOT net if you are interested in displaying your layout or know someone who may be interested. Also contact me if you have questions before committing to the tour.

Thank you.

Bob Chaparro
Moderator
Model Railroads Of Southern California
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