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Great Northern Cascade Division in N scale
United States
Приєднався 24 лют 2022
Triple-deck N-scale layout based on crossing the Cascades between Spokane and Seattle. Loosely follows the Great Northern route over Stevens Pass and the Cascade Tunnel, but isn't accurately trying to follow the prototype.
Roughly set in the mid-1950s, with a little modeler's discretion to be able to run up the Big Sky Blue in the late 1960s.
Will also run Northern Pacific, Spokane Portland and Seattle (SP&S), and Milwaukee Road trains.
Roughly set in the mid-1950s, with a little modeler's discretion to be able to run up the Big Sky Blue in the late 1960s.
Will also run Northern Pacific, Spokane Portland and Seattle (SP&S), and Milwaukee Road trains.
Trains at Newcastle Central
Video taken on Sunday 7th April, 2024. Includes the following locos:
- LNER class 80x
- Lumo class 80x
- Freightliner class 66
- Northern Railway class 152
- Cross Country class 220
- TransPennine Express class 80x
- LNER class 80x
- Lumo class 80x
- Freightliner class 66
- Northern Railway class 152
- Cross Country class 220
- TransPennine Express class 80x
Переглядів: 427
Відео
Trains at York
Переглядів 2744 місяці тому
Video taken on Monday 1st April, 2024. Includes the following locos: - LNER class 80x - Cross Country class 220 - TransPennine Express class 185 - Northern Railway class 152 - TransPennine Express class 80x - Northern Railway class 195 - Grand Central class 180 - DB class 67 "Queen's Messenger"
37 - Building the Cascade Tunnel helix
Переглядів 3,6 тис.4 місяці тому
In this video I build the Cascade Tunnel helix, a 48" diameter 3 1/2 turn helix at 2% grade, to connect the middle and lower decks of the layout. I can now run trains all the way from Seattle out to Leavenworth.
36 - Skykomish siding and helix prep
Переглядів 9225 місяців тому
In this short update, I added a siding in Skykomish, finished painting the skyboards on the middle deck, and prepared the benchwork ready to build the Cascade Tunnel helix between the middle and lower deck.
Replacing N-scale rolling stock wheels
Переглядів 9745 місяців тому
In this video, I show how to replace the plastic wheels on Micro-Trains rolling stock with 33" diameter 0.540" axle length metal wheels from Eastern Seaboard Models. These replacement wheels run so much smoother on code 55 track, and are great upgrades to your cars. Not a sponsor or paid advertisement, but I've purchased all my wheels from Mike at www.fiferhobby.com/
35 - Cascade Tunnel helix approaches
Переглядів 1,5 тис.5 місяців тому
In this video, I only planned to work on some of the trackwork east of Skykomish and skyboards, but ended up also working on the approaches for both the middle and lower deck ready for the helix that will act as the Cascade Tunnel.
34 - Early 2024 catch-up
Переглядів 3,1 тис.6 місяців тому
It's been a while since I did a video update as life has been getting in the way of playing trains. In this video, I recap some of the smaller projects I've been working on around the basement.
Empire Builder run from Seattle to Skykomish + brief layout tour
Переглядів 3,1 тис.8 місяців тому
In this video, we take the Empire Builder eastbound from Seattle to Skykomish to check out moving between decks on the new helix. I give a guided tour of the layout along the way, and share upcoming plans for completing the rest of the mainlines through 2024.
33 - Building the middle helix
Переглядів 4,3 тис.8 місяців тому
In this video, I connect the middle and upper decks together by building a helix! This video goes through some of the planning and thought process, construction timelapses, and how-to parts.
32 - Middle deck freight train from Monroe to Skykomish
Переглядів 1,4 тис.8 місяців тому
With lights now installed and running on the middle deck, we can help out one of the Hill Lines due to a problem on the Stampede Pass. In this video, we run a 20-car freight train up the hill from Monroe to Skykomish.
31 - Expanding a Digitrax DCC system with a PS-2012E, DB220, and PM74s
Переглядів 4 тис.9 місяців тому
With work on the middle deck progressing, I needed more power on the layout. In this video, I install a Digitrax PS-2012E 20amp power supply, which is enough to power up to four 5amp boosters. I also install a Digitrax DB220, a dual 5amp booster, and off each of those 5amp booster circuits I install a Digitrax PM74.
30 - Middle deck to Skykomish
Переглядів 1,1 тис.9 місяців тому
In this video, I get the subroad bed, track bed, and track down from Monroe through to Skykomish, including three river bridges and a road bridge. The passing siding in Gold Bar is done, and the lights are installed and almost ready to get plugged in.
Empire Builder upper deck run - Seattle to Snohomish
Переглядів 8889 місяців тому
In this video, we take a 14-car Empire Builder from Seattle all the way through the upper deck to Snohomish.
29 - Upper deck mainlines
Переглядів 1,2 тис.9 місяців тому
In this video, we cover a whirlwind of activity of the last few days. The upper deck mainlines are now mostly complete, aside from a minor tweaks that are needed. With Rich visiting, we've gotten the two mainlines done through Interbay, installed a temporary Salmon Bay Bridge, cut in the scenic running along the Puget Sound, and made it down through where industries serving Everett and Snohomis...
Kyoto Railway Museum - October 2023
Переглядів 2009 місяців тому
Fantastic time at the Kyoto Railway Museum. So much to see and do. Needed way more than the 4hrs I had available! Some great trainspotting from the 2nd floor food area and the 3rd floor outside viewing deck, too.
Nozomi 213 service - N700A Tokaido Shinkansen - Oct. 18 2023 - full ride Shinagawa to Kyoto in 4K
Переглядів 1409 місяців тому
Nozomi 213 service - N700A Tokaido Shinkansen - Oct. 18 2023 - full ride Shinagawa to Kyoto in 4K
Hobby Center KATO Tokyo visit - October 2023
Переглядів 8079 місяців тому
Hobby Center KATO Tokyo visit - October 2023
Trainspotting at Shimogoinden Bridge, Nippori station, Tokyo 4K
Переглядів 1579 місяців тому
Trainspotting at Shimogoinden Bridge, Nippori station, Tokyo 4K
Shinkansen trainspotting at Kotsu Kaikan, Yūrakuchō Station, Tokyo 4k
Переглядів 2279 місяців тому
Shinkansen trainspotting at Kotsu Kaikan, Yūrakuchō Station, Tokyo 4k
Japanese model trains from October 2023 trip
Переглядів 5399 місяців тому
Japanese model trains from October 2023 trip
28 - Building Interbay Yard - Part 2
Переглядів 1,6 тис.10 місяців тому
28 - Building Interbay Yard - Part 2
27 - Building Interbay Yard - Part 1
Переглядів 1,1 тис.10 місяців тому
27 - Building Interbay Yard - Part 1
St. Croix Railroad Fall Meet 2023 - 4.75" and 7.5" gauge live steam
Переглядів 1,2 тис.10 місяців тому
St. Croix Railroad Fall Meet 2023 - 4.75" and 7.5" gauge live steam
26 - More skyboards and fascia, plus Interbay Yard plans
Переглядів 77810 місяців тому
26 - More skyboards and fascia, plus Interbay Yard plans
25 - Building the upper return loop - part 2
Переглядів 2,1 тис.11 місяців тому
25 - Building the upper return loop - part 2
24 - Building the upper return loop - part 1
Переглядів 1,8 тис.11 місяців тому
24 - Building the upper return loop - part 1
Triple-deck N scale layout one year recap + layout tour (2023)
Переглядів 1,8 тис.Рік тому
Triple-deck N scale layout one year recap layout tour (2023)
23 - Finishing + painting the skyboards and valance
Переглядів 968Рік тому
23 - Finishing painting the skyboards and valance
22 - Digitrax SE74 - Disappointments for basic turnout and signal control
Переглядів 3,6 тис.Рік тому
22 - Digitrax SE74 - Disappointments for basic turnout and signal control
It's been a minute, just checking in.
1 year later - How is the Digitrax System ? I am in research mode, doing benchwork etc ... for my new layout, about a 1/4 size of yours, but will have about 600' of track. Digitrax seems to be more plug and play and offers accessories within their brand. Nice wiring job by the way. I see the blue and white wires are for DCC track coming out of the PM74 What are the red and black ? - going to terminal strips ??, and it has a power feed ?? Appreciate your response - thanks.
I've had no problems with the Digitrax system, and overall happy I went that way. Was easy to expand. I didn't want to spend lots of time DIY'ing things together, even though I could / have before, as I just want this to work. Blue and white is for DCC, yes, just my preference. Red and black are for DC accessory bus. They run off terminal strips and currently connects to a single 5amp DC power supply. It was more just to pull the wires while I could, nothing is currently hooked up to it. Gives me options in the future, and I could power the separate DC runs if I want / need to at some point. Thanks for following along. All the best with your build! Iain
@@gncascadedivision Thanks and Great to hear, with a layout of your size glad to hear Digitrax is working well. I really like the package they offer.
A most tedious and frustrating thing to do.
32:19 I'm planning to mount one of those digital levels on an HO-scale depressed-center flatcar and use it as a "track inspection" car for checking grades.
Fantastic to watch your progress.
Do you have a link for those leds?
Hi Ian...I am starting to lay out my yard turnouts and track and want to ask you what track center to center spacing you use between parallel tracks. 1 1/4"? I am also using Atlas code 55 track. Do you use the #5 turnouts in your yards? Thanks for your help! Marc
I'm not going to be able to sleep at night, knowing that extra washer is rattling around under that first helix ring... Ha, ha..On a serious note, why wouldn't you have started that first ring, 45 degrees counter clockwise, so the approach on the bottom ring would have been angled closer to the table approach track?
Beautiful layout. Gutsy to run a train with light weight flat cars in the middle. Everytime I try that, they get dragged of on curve
What size plywood did you use to cut your helix?
What did u use to put your wood pieces together
Love it! 🌟⭐⭐🤩
Wow! Excellent job showing how to connect the units together. Great job explaining each unit and how they work together. Thanks
If this is the St Croix RR near Hudson, WI I have been there a couple of times years ago. Interesting to see it again. I have forgotten what it looks like. Thanks for sharing. Do you live in area?
There are plenty of things to legitimately criticize Digitrax for on their newer products, but not having signaling logic in the SE74 isnt one of them. The only type of signaling that can really use on-node logic is ABS, and with LCC, its possible, although more complex than just doing it theough JMRI. Smails don't provide feedback to the system like the SE74 does. I'm not sure I'd buy much of anythijg Digitrax makes anymore due to their bugginess, poor documentation, and refusal to adopt NMRA standards of LCC abd RailCom, but your main criticism of the SE74 in particular just iant fair.
What happened to the steam engine that was there? #328
Hi, I'm just curious have you had any issues with the PM74 developing an issue with the 2 loconet ports?
The trains in the last two videos are so cool.
Interesting that you managed to catch "Eleanor" at both York and Newcastle. Just shows that she gets around.
Ah hadn't appreciated you'd be at the York show. I should have said hi. Hope you had a great time. I can see a Kato class 800 Azuma making a rule 1 appearance!
Awww my adopted home city of 14 years! Great to see you this side of the pond and I had I known would have been nice to say hello. Enjoy your trip! Did you see Sir Nigel Gresley the day before?
Was great to meet you and chat to you at York
Thanks for sharing your railfanning from your trip. Enjoyed !
This an old video now, so not sure whether notifications of my comment will be seen. I’ve been helping a nearby layout owner to get out some bugs in his track and wiring. He has an NCE dcc system that uses wired NCE throttles. I’d like to have him consider adding wifi capability. In Steve Todd’s website, he has a note #1 for connecting to NCE that states, “Note 1: for NCE USB autoIdentify, remove all jumpers prior to powering on.” Are there jumpers already set that have to be removed? I’ve searched without being able to find a graphic that shows any jumper connection points, yet. In the RP forums, I’ve only seen text discussions. Thanks for any assistance. Hope the shoulder is doing well.
Hi Ian - Like you my layout is in N Gauge but covering Era 3 to 5, Southern Railways in West Sussex, UK. I am fortunate than others over this side of the pond in that I have a loft that is 40' long but only 7' wide with sloping roof, so it has its challenges. Ive always wondered what I would do had I moved to the states and had a large basement, so to a degree I am living my dream through you. First its great that you have converted to N Gauge and we can truly see how awseome a N Gauge layout will look in a large basement. Secondly it amazes me that you have gone down the 3 level layout route. I have hard enough time taking in one level let alone 3. Dont get me wrong I am not knocking it, I think its great but I just cannot imagine me being able to operate on 3 levels. Just your base level would have been enough for me but maybe a lower level just as a fiddle yard, but no scenery. Thank goodness I dont have to worry about a helix in mine. Loved the last bit, all those carriages in that rake, looks magnificent and even more so in N Gauge, sorry Scale in my opinion. Cheers Chris
Howdy from the Midwest of the USA! I cringed every time I read N Gauge in your post. Then laughed at your correction at the end!!!!! no matter how much space one has there never seems to be enough... Cheers!
How can I get in touch with you?
I have been watching this series from the beginning and just have one thing to ask, I know it is your layout and all. Is there any way you can lay track while you talk. Pretty much all we here is what you are doing, then you do it off camera. Me my self is new to this and I need eyes on of how you do it, I don’t want to make you upset. That being said I love your layout
Second helix looks great!
Iain, is there a reason you're using 2 inch foam board rather than 1 inch board? You are doing a wonderful job on this layout. Thank you for all these very informative videos!
i do like a helix. I have a 2 track helix and built pretty much the same way
Congratulations on the helix progress! I still think you should experiment on painting the framework white before you do much more work on that lower level, and before you put in the lights, just to see how much it will add to the light dispersion.
Thank you for video. Anyone have trouble with using DS74 controlling routes and then causing loss of control of trains via loconet? (Trains stop responding to any commands from command station/throttle). Using all digitrax.
While in Japan were you interested in Kato only? There are other brands with equal or even better quality. Kato is not No1 in Japan.
This looks very promising. What a layout. 😮 When I built a helix I used tubes over the rods with equal length to keep the spacing level to level equal. No adjustments needed except for the first layer.
Looking good. Still amazed with your progress when compared with my club's build.
This is fun to watch..you are making so much progress. I enjoyed the helix project, it came together so nicely. thanks for all your work.
Thanks! The helixes, especially this one with its east and west approaches, were really what's been weighing on me for the past two years of construction. I'm glad it's finished and it runs so well. Iain
Great work. What are using on the drill to spin the nuts down the all-thread?
NEVERMIND! I asked too soon before watching the full video! Great idea!
Hah, yep, I briefly talked about it later in the video. So much easier and quicker than trying to spin them all by hand, especially now that I've built two helixes for this layout! Iain
That's a beautiful helix, thank you so much for sharing. I didn't see your previous helix build video but I'll have to go back and find it. You're making a lot of really great progress - it's always a pleasure to follow along!
Thank you! In my first helix build video I talked about just using a jigsaw to cut out the helix rings works just as well as anything else, and can still end up looking good. Main thing is how it runs! I'm happy with how this turned out. Iain
Job well done, Layout is looking good.
Making good progress. Helix looks great. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks. I'm happy with how this turned out. Iain
Are you gunna put an access hole in the plywood so you can access inside the Helix incase you need to do work or rescue a train once the terrain is on ?
Probably, yes. That's a long way down the road though! The scenery will also be somewhat removable / lift off if needed. Iain
Really Nice !!!
Thanks, Mike! This was a fun one. Iain
Hey Iain. Great work on your very challenging layout. In regards to your concern about the time trains will spend in your Cascade Tunnel helix, I am building portable N scale layout on a 6 x 9 foot board that has a helix hidden under a mountain on one corner. It's only a two-turn helix but I wanted to see the trains moving on it. I designed a cutout into the mountain side on the top level of the helix for about 12 running inches with a tunnel portal at each end. If you are interested, I can send photos of the layout to your email address. BTW I also am planning a Leavenworth style Bavarian town on my layout which features GN, NP and SP&S trains. Dave in Oregon.
Sounds like an interesting layout! The concern about time in the helix is more that it's then less time actually running on the layout :) I have Digitrax BD4N units installed on both helixes, with each ring on the helix its own block detection zone. This approach lets me keep track of where the train is as it moves through the helix. The Cascade Tunnel helix will end up largely covered in scenery completely, but the helix for the middle and upper deck would be open to side if the operator wanted to peek in and see what's happening. Iain
Hey Iain. Great work on your very challenging layout. In regards to your concern about the time trains will spend in your Cascade Tunnel helix, I am building portable N scale layout on a 6 x 9 foot board that has a helix hidden under a mountain on one corner. It's only a two-turn helix but I wanted to see the trains moving on it. I designed a cutout into the mountain side on the top level of the helix for about 12 running inches with a tunnel portal at each end. If you are interested, I can send photos of the layout to your email address. BTW I also am planning a Leavenworth style Bavarian town on my layout which features GN, NP and SP&S trains.
Nice work mate
Cheers! Especially with the helix now in place, it's coming together nicely. Iain
What brand is your SP&S loco?
It's the Broadway Limited 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado from last year - broadway-limited.com/products/7839-usra-heavy-mikado-sps-509-glacier-green-paragon4-sound-dc-dcc-n-np
Thanks!
I need to do this with my rolling stock, too.
It makes a big difference on the lower profile code 55 rail. On code 80 track, it can help a little, too, but I've found everything runs so much nicer on my layout after replacing wheel sets. Iain
The trestle bridge is going to be amazing! I can’t wait to see it.
Once I figure out exactly what I want to do, sure! I think it'll be quite a while before this one gets more than a curved strip of plywood, as I want to make sure I can really do it justice. Iain
Glad to see you got a chance to get back at it. As always I’m looking forward to seeing more.
Thanks!