02-26-2010, 02:08 PM
Wow... I sure am slacking. So I finally got around to working on the upper level and mocked up the grade to see if what it would look like and if my motive power was up to the task.....
URGH! my steamers even with a helper could barely move themselves with 3 cars up the grade and it just didn't look right even with spreading the grade over as much of the run as I could (nearly 15') of the layout so nuts on it. Revamped with almost no grades resulting in more scenery, quicker completion 
and still reasonable operation. The completed layout will probably end up in our store as my kid is finally finished school in a few short months and will move out of my basement giving me back my 8 x 12 + layout room as well as the 8 x 8 separate shop area and giving my wife back her guest room... Not sure why she is so excited about a guest room considering I hate having guests.
Anyhow without further fanfare my changes.
URGH! my steamers even with a helper could barely move themselves with 3 cars up the grade and it just didn't look right even with spreading the grade over as much of the run as I could (nearly 15') of the layout so nuts on it. Revamped with almost no grades resulting in more scenery, quicker completion and still reasonable operation. The completed layout will probably end up in our store as my kid is finally finished school in a few short months and will move out of my basement giving me back my 8 x 12 + layout room as well as the 8 x 8 separate shop area and giving my wife back her guest room... Not sure why she is so excited about a guest room considering I hate having guests.Anyhow without further fanfare my changes.