Archive for July, 2009

Layout progress update

Friday, July 31st, 2009

For the past few days I’ve been spending my time wiring up the switches on the layout to the AIU so that I can throw them from the DCS remote. I started with the switches that are the hardest the reach by hand and I now have all those wired up. All remaining unwired switches are at least within arm’s reach now, and I’m working on wiring those up as well. However, since the AIU only has 10 switch connections, I will need to add another AIU to the system in order to get all the switches wired up.

In other news, I’ve completed the mounting of the backdrops in the hallway room. I will need to order some more backdrops in order to complete final 2 back rooms.

I’ve also been ballasting track in the Colorado room.

I’ve been working on the ramp from the main level of track to the upper level. I expect to have the ramp structurally complete within the next few weeks.

MTH cancels NOHAB diesels and my Atlas engines are fixed!

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

Sadly, MTH has cancelled production of the NOHAB diesels from the 2008 vol. 2 catalog. I had one of these on order, so I’m bummed about the cancellation. Maybe it’s the economy or maybe they just didn’t get enough pre-orders, or maybe it’s both. Either way, it sucks. If they did cancel them because of a lack of orders, let this be a reminder that pre-ordering trains is vital to the hobby.

On a good note, my 2 Atlas FURX SD40′s are on their way back from Atlas after being fixed. It’ll be nice having them in service again.

Lean month means slower progress

Sunday, July 12th, 2009

I just had a write a big fat check to the IRS (you know, so that the government can go into the automobile business), so this month is gonna be pretty lean in terms of things bought for the layout. I’m spending the time completing the hanging of the backdrops as well as weathering trains. Next month I will get some wood from Home Depot and start working on the ramp up to the upper track level and I’ll also buy some geodesic foam and start working on the interiors for tunnels.