Layout Update - February 2021: Athearn Genesis GP40-2, Logic Rail Technologies Circuits, Trees...
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- Опубліковано 20 лют 2021
- Here's what we've been up to this past month on the layout:
Layout Tree Count = 324
- New rolling stock; Athearn Genesis GP40-2. Maiden voyage in the lead of a pair of GP38-2s with Walthers difco dump cars hauling live rip rap loads and a Rapido caboose carrying the markers. Full review & test in the next couple weeks.
- Mount Norquay road grade crossing circuits. Logic Rail Technologies was kind enough to send the hardware for this road crossing for me to try out. I'm especially excited for the ability to swap out bell modules and get different sounds depending on the era of trains I am running. Prior to 2010, this road crossing had the fast classic bell. Sometime after that, it was replaced with a modern E bell type. These circuits are the photocell type and will require a set of photocells installed on both the mainline, passing track and entrance to the yard to protect the road crossing prototypically.
www.logicrailtech.com/
- Tree mass production ongoing. Production line set up making the "bottle brush" type of trees. How to video in the works but in the meantime, check out Grant from Southern Alberta Rail's video on how to make these trees. This is how I learned and Grant's layout shows the excellent results you can get by using this method.
• Video
Thanks for watching! - Розваги
![Lp. Последняя Реальность #107 РОДНОЙ ДОМ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IK3QKzKUlHM/mqdefault.jpg)
Nice. X-Boston and Maine 315. Keep those layout updates coming !! Very interesting. Thank you.
Thanks, will do!
Yep - you can't underestimate the power of trees 😁
Strength in numbers!
1.07, that's the shot I've been waiting for with the train reflected in the river. Awesome update. Take care Ben, David.
Thanks very much David!
great work on the trees and I always make sure to catch your layout update video.
Thanks Scott. Really appreciate your support over the years!
great layout Ben,been to Banff twice a few years ago and can see exactly where you are going with this layout ..such good quality modelling..Peter UK.
Many thanks Peter!
Love the trees !!!! Great closing shot too!!! I really enjoy seeing the progress of your layout. Keep it a spring switch I had to do that on my old layout. My new layout I got over 12 tortoises to install and program. Awesome as always. Happy railroading Mass Coastal Mike.
Thank you Mike! Appreciate your insight.
Great work all around Ben, love those trees, which reminds me, I better get started on mine.
Thanks! Make sure to have some good music or podcasts to listen to : )
I always enjoy watching your videos. Cheers!!!
Thank you very much!
I'm with you Ben, I would leave that
turn out a spring switch just for the
times you want to railfan and not
worry about derailments!! Save the
derailments for Norfolk Southern!!
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
It's definitely the simplest option : )
Nice update Ben your trees look great love the CP Heritage just ordered mine in O scale keep up the good work!
Awesome! Thank you!
Fantastic the trees are great looking
Thank you! Cheers!
I use and love the Logic Rail Technologies Crossing pro. But I use DCC track detection withe resistance wheel sets and SoundCar decoders so I can operate at night. Just need a lockout Switch for brakeman. Layouts looking great!!
Thanks for the info George, maybe one day I will get to a point where we are doing night operations. I do have aisle potlights that I am hoping would provide enough light for the photo cells and still be able to have "nighttime" ops. Definitely going to be getting some sound car decoders. Thanks for the comment. -Ben
nifty! I canoed the Bow River today and went under that bridge in Banff.
mountains and trees look great
Thanks!
Ben great update. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Great work Ben! Looks like I'm taking another tree class!
I'm loving my Genesis Gevo's , they have done a good job on their new locos.
You are spot on with having pictures to look at , a must have and I actually have some now..LOL
Cheers Gregg.
Thanks Gregg! Haha, tree making looks like its going to be a decade long endeavor on my layout. I like mine too, especially the horn and bell on the Tsunami II's is very good and sounds really close to the real thing besides the thundering low ends. Photos are always a good excuse to go on a research trip. Hopefully covid restrictions are lifted somewhat this spring as I am planning another field trip to Banff and Lake Louise for photos. -Ben
@@BArailsystem Lucky you ! I have great memories of walking through the snow covered trails at Lake Louise :-)., and seeing a Moose/ELk at the Station at Banff! Just a lovely country.
Gregg :-)
Great video update. Take care - Kevin
Thanks Kevin!
Very nice sound (GP-40) Automation can be complex and helpful, on the other hand the 'simple" way works just fine for what you wanted it to do. ....and personally I like 'simple" solution. Just my $0.01. Nice forest , well done. I do the same thing: "shoddy" trees in the back :)
Thanks Syl, I agree with you, sometimes less is more. Good to hear that is the standard operating procedure with the shoddy trees : ) Cheers!
@@BArailsystem Your shoddy trees are better then mine :)
Everything is looking great. Those newest trees especially look nice. A few hundred together will really stand out.. kind of paradoxically speaking.
Thanks haha yes that is a paradox but very true!
I really enjoy your updates and Your great Layout!
Thanks so much!
Hey Ben... love the bridge crossing and the trees.. thanks for sharing and keep up the great work.. Lance
Thank you Lance!
Absolutely outstanding!!!! Very well done! Can’t wait for the next update!
Thanks so much!
Hey Ben. Thanks for posting another fantastic video. You are part of the process and inspiration that keep me going during the difficult parts I encounter on my layout. Much appreciated and well done. Cheers Andrew
My pleasure Andrew, thanks for the comment.
Very nice, like your new toys especially the Athearn Genesis GP40-2 and also cannot wait to see the RR crossings installed!
Thanks!
Fantastic update!
Thanks Deryk!
Great update Ben. Appreciate the shout out on the tree making vid. Looking forward to your take on it. I like the airbrush idea to highlight sunlight. Great touch! For the spring switch... You should still be able to use a Tortoise and maintain the spring switch feature by changing the throw rod to either brass wire or a lighter gauge of steel. Should be easier in HO than N scale!! Cheers! -grant
Thanks and no problem! I want to give credit where it is due, your video has greatly improved my tree making process and I don't hate making them so much anymore : ) Can't take credit for airbrushing them either, my buddy Justin came up with that on his Caramat & Kinghorn subs layout, he actually sprays them in place to better match the backdrop at each spot. The results are very good.
Regarding the spring switch, that's a good idea to just have it gently throw the turnout with a lighter gauge wire. I may have to do something around automation anyway though because small locomotives like 4 axles can't overcome even the small spring they come with. Either way I'm glad I put it out there as there is a great list of options in the comments now haha, I really like the Aurdino that runs JRMI and comes on with layout power. But that is still adding complexity, we'll see. Thanks for the comment Grant.
You are in a league of the best. I always am amazed of your work and how your process moves through so quickly ..Especially you being from Canada with hockey on
Thank you so much for the kind words! Haha that's a good one!
Thank you for your video man that's nice you're doing such a good job keep up the good work
Thanks John, appreciate the comments. -Ben
Looks great man!
Thanks Nick!
Those trees look good dude that look good
Thanks John!
Beautiful!!!
Thank you!!
Making trees can be tedious, but they add a lot to the appearance of a layout.
It sure is tedious but like you say, the results really start to add up.
The trees are very good, Ben. You have gotten much better at it. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Norman!
He is doing a great job and I love the fact that he's focusing on the Banff area, which is my favorite area, period.
There is another Canadian that is also doing great local scenery work(urban Vancouver area) and also produces amazing looking trees.
ua-cam.com/video/RoBF7GR8PCU/v-deo.html
Always looking fwd to more videos!
The layout is coming along really nice. Having those trees blend in the modelled section perfectly with the background and they look goog! You will have a monumental job to cover the whole layout with them. While watching the yet unfinished river scene it struck me that you may add a a few inches of slope on that penisular to add a little more depth, making the slope towards the background as it will make a nice little eye catcher, even when everything is covered with trees. Having all that trees in such a big numbers sistracts the viewer from those "bad trees" so keep the worst ones awray from the foreground as they can not ben seen anyway. Some of them in dense places are very skinny as the trees do not need those branches if they dont have use for them to catch the sun light so they are always good. Many trees offered make great stand alone trees but they dont look good in a forest where they tend to stay skinny. Finally, taht GP40-3 looked good with the GP38.s. I am planning to get some of them when tey are ogffered in eithe in Pacman scheme or in wo flag versions as they sfit better with my plans. Cheers!
Hi Ollie, thanks for the comment! Monumental job is an understatement, it is going to take me years to make enough trees to cover it. War of attrition, I try not to think about the end goal of 5000 trees and just focus on building 3 a day or so. The terrain is just roughed in on the peninsula, I am planning on building it up a bit more once I get there. The dirt always adds a few cm to it as well. Two flag geeps would be awesome, sign me up! Take care! -Ben
there are electromechanical solutions for automatic turn out control. one of the interesting ones I've heard of being used is installing a magnet on the plow of your unit and set reed switch to activate the throw. a guy from one of the clubs near me did this so he did not have to worry about forgetting to set his turnouts on converging side
That's a very interesting solution, thanks for sharing!
I have spent the last two days walking through the forest with my dog. Not every tree is perfect, some have hardly any branches left. Others are very crooked and leaning badly. Alot have lichen hanging off them. Some are broken off half way, together they form a forest. Mix what you think of as your bad trees in with your best and it will all look good.
Very good points Kevin, there is a random element in nature that is important to capture in model form. What's your dogs name?
@@BArailsystem Symba, she is a 2 year old Blue Weimaraner. Loves to chase her nose through the bush. It is amazing how effortless they can move through it.
@@asquithmainlines699 Sounds like a good dog! Give her a scratch on the scruff from us : )
Hey Ben, Solid progress as usual. BTW, I believe CP has rebuilt the cross-over at Divide. And I think the new one crosses over in the direction you have modeled.
Thanks! Yep, I suspect someone high up saw my track plan and thought it was actually a good idea as it allows an eastbound train to be scooped at Lake Louise : )
Instantly recognized that new engine as being a former B&M unit, so I'm liking it!
It is! Thanks!
Making Good Pine Trees becomes a art, I know....I've made a lot them and your look good too. Bob.
Coming from you that means a lot! Thank you Bob
Yea don't fix that is not broke. sounds right to me!
Sometimes that is the easiest thing to do!
Looks like you found your new side hustle - selling model pine trees - nice work!
Oh my goodness, there's got to be better side hustles out there haha thanks!
@@BArailsystem 😁
Bro... you, Pelle Solberg and Eric Brooman are my model railroad heros! I've never been to BC but if the wife and I do travel to BC, would love to meet you and see your layout.
I'm completely humbled that you mention me in the same sentence as those two modellers but I must argue there's no way I am at that level. If I achieve a fraction of the modelling realism those guys produce I will be a happy! Pelle Soeberg has always been a huge inspiration to me.
I'm actually a little further east in Alberta. Maybe one day, post Covid, we will be able to make that happen. Thanks for the comment and kind words. -Ben
Nice, I say no to the automated switch...trees looking great!
Thanks John!
Fantastic layout. I'm very impressed by your realistic looking lodge pole
pine type forest. It is the most realistic looking western Canadian
mountain forest I have seen on any video. I'm working on an N Scale
layout loosely based on Divide to Field. I will literally need a few
thousand of these pines, all shapes and sizes. Can you do a brief
explanation of how you made them and your initial improvements as you
made more (or a video, if you can, would be really helpful). There are
many how to videos for trees but lodge pole pine videos do not seem to
exist.
Thanks Henk. Yes, it is on my to-do list. Hopefully this month.
@@BArailsystem Much appreciated They are unique trees in there tall slender shape which is hard to duplicate.
Nice layout update the layout is looking great the GP40-2 looks awesome i will have to get an American engine for my layout and the trees you made look fantastic.
Thank you! Cheers!
That scenery will look great when you're done.
Thanks Joel!
Super video!
Thank you very much!
IDK if this will be helpful to you or not. The Digitrax DS64 has input options to control switch machines. You would just need a sensor on both tracks and that would "throw" your switch everytime the train triggered it. I know its more sensors and holes in the layout tho...
Layout looks great! Keep up the great work.
-Phil
Thanks for the suggestion, I'll have a look at that. I already have current sensing block detection so it might be easier to explore an option that will leverage on that existing system.
Duuuuddddeeeee!! You'll like the Grade Crossing Pro. I put the infrared version in for night operations and haven't had any regrets since. This is another thought, but boulder Creek Engineering make infrared detectors that have a five volt line that you can wire up as inputs to either the DS64 or SE8C. All you would have to do at that point is just tweak the programming a bit and then it be automatic to be hands free and switch the signals correctly, yet still available to change manually.
Thanks! Interesting, I'm glad I put it out there as there seems to be a lot of options to automate my turnout without having to add too much complexity. I will add your idea to my list. Cheers!
As a few others have mentioned you could use an arduino with ir detection independent of your DCC system to control that crossing. It has been a while since I have watched you videos and your layout is progressing masterfully. You have come a long way since you grand piano layout. As ever - I'm still looking for bears!
Thanks Brian, appreciate you following along all these years. Until I get some actual 3d printed Grizzlies: photoclub.canadiangeographic.ca/media/33981270-Chilling%20on%20the%20tracks!
@@BArailsystem Thanks for the amazing photo. Gorgeous creatures (the bears). Im moving next month so that means all new layouts - HO, O and maybe a Garden Outdoor Layout. (Big plans with a small wallet).
Wow awesome video
Thanks!
Great update. I think the switch should be left as-is for simplicity.
Thanks!
Well done pal! Ill take 1500 trees in N Scale ;)
Hahah your gonna need a lot more than 1500! At least yours are shorter.
I like you power lineup
Thanks!
SUPER Video!
Greetings from Switzerland
L______I______K______E_________411
Thank you!
Spring Switch? If it Ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Unless you Want all the extra devices to run it
Timeless wisdom! Thanks
I am not sure what you are using for your reverse loop. But in place of CTC, it may be possible to tie the tortoise to what ever switches your current for the reverse loop to activate the stitch.
Thanks for the suggestion Tommy. I currently use a Digitrax DB200 booster as the autoreverser and I will have to look into if it has that capability.
i say "don't over automate"...less can be more.
That's where I'm at right now, thanks for the comment.
Great update as always! Real nice lashup on the rock train, you just need a couple of the new Bowser CMQ Barns to bring it into the present day ;). As far as the switch at Banff goes, is there any way to have all the signals hooked up and working without putting a power switch in there? Just trying to think of a simple solution - as you mentioned, the ability to run right through it has it's benefits.
Thanks, ohh yeah that would be cool! Outside of my era though, need to draw the line somewhere : ) Yes I think there is a way to run the signals off the block detection and then just leave the switch as is.
@@BArailsystem it just occured to me, would you still have proper signal aspects for the diverging/non diverging route if running it on block detection alone? It would be rather immersion breaking to see a highball at the signal and then enter the siding, at least to me. Since I assume you are running powered frogs is there a way to hook the signals up to that so you still get proper route indications? Just throwing ideas out, I know nowhere near enough about model signals to be any real help lol.
I operated on a layout that had a powered switch with the option to be spring operated. There was a facia mounted rotary switch to control it, though I don't know what kind of motor he used.
Interesting solution, thank you for sharing!
You are already putting in a censer for the crossing gate. can it also throw the switch through the Tortuous? and then from the points end always go to the right via the censer on that end? The censers would just be doing double duty. Just a thought.
That's an interesting solution Vincent. Thank you for sharing!
Block detection, and JMRI can throw it for you.
I've got the block detection already and a couple people have mentioned a Raspberry Pi could run JMRI and control the signals and turnouts. That sounds like a really good option.
You can get a Raspberry Pi for around $100 that can turn on and off with your layout and run JMRI with no issues.
This sounds amazing, I am going to look into this option. Thank you for sharing.
So? What about installing optics/infrared to control that signal? Just for that signal.
Just a thought(I am sure you've had?)
Rock train looks great!
Thanks Mark! I should've mentioned there is already working block detection so I am hoping I can use that to control it if I choose to go that route.
Awesome video. Can’t you just hook the tortoise up to your auto reverser to automatically align when the reverser is triggered?
That I am not sure of, I use a Digitrax DB200 booster as the autoreverser and I don't know if it has that capability.
Hey BA look up DaveCo’s channel he maid and automatic switch with sensors and a tortoise switch machine no lab top required all in all great layout update man keep going
Will do, thank you for the info!
Run a Raspberry Pi with a small touchscreen as a CTC Route controller. JMRI runs great, and can use it as a throttle server.
A couple people have mentioned that a Raspberry Pi could run JMRI and come on with layout power. I really like that idea, thank you!
@@BArailsystem I've used a Raspberry Pi official touchscreen, and the touchscreen mount. I fastened it to the baseboard, and use a Digitrax PR4 to get it onto LocoNet. It works very well. Someone has written a prebuilt image for the Rpi with JMRI setup with auto launch scripts. You can remote into the Pi from your laptop so you dont have to work with asmall screen.
I do have a question. I to got the 4654 and I’m curious if the ex BM GP40s actually had flashing ditch lights? Maybe it was a Guilford thing? Neither the less, I went into the decoder and turned off the flashing ditch lights. If it’s actually prototypical, I’d love to know. Just curious cause CP has almost no units with flashers
I couldn't find a video of 4654 on UA-cam to know for certain if it had the flashing ditch lights or not. Some people have mentioned that it doesn't so I am going to take it off mine as well. Can you share how to do that? I'm struggling to get them to stop flashing using my old version of JMRI that doesn't have this decoder file in it.
@@BArailsystem see I thought so
You can automate it for continuous running with an Arduino that can be disabled when running CTC.
A couple people have mentioned an Arduino could run JMRI and just power up with layout power. I really like that idea. Thanks!
@@BArailsystem An Arduino cannot run JMRI. A Raspberry Pi can though. The Arduino would just be a custom programming job to automatically handle the turnout for continuous running when JMRI isn't connected or what have you. I can help with this if you like.
How good are those atherin Genesis do you buy them with sound and DCC already in them or do you put them in yourself and if so if you buy them with it already and do you have to do anything else to them
I usually buy them with DCC & Sound, I like them, they are very nicely detailed. If you want something cheaper with a little less detail but run flawlessly then go with Kato.
I had a feeling Athearn was sending you GP40-2’s!
: D
Trees are looking great Ben.
Will you be running any passenger services on this layout? I dont believe I've ever seen one?
I plan on bending the era rules occasionally as VIA rail ran passenger service along this line up until the early nineties. The track plan I've modelled is prototypical all the way back to 1981 so there is lot's of opportunity for equipment dating back that far and still closely matching the prototype. Can't remember which video it was but I have ran a passenger train before, still have it sitting in Canmore staging yard, maybe its time to bring it out again?
@@BArailsystem yeh ok, nice. Yeh you should crack it out again ;) I think I've only ever seen freight to date. Might have missed the video you are referring to
Busted it out today just for you! Video uploading :)
@@BArailsystem haha good stuff!
What kind of camera do you use?
Sony Handycam HDX405
@@BArailsystem when this whole pandemic is over can I come over to make some model railroading videos with you?
I was told those crossing detection won’t work if your room is lit with LED’s. Can you confirm this?
We make two versions of the product. Since Ben has constant lighting overhead we sent him the photocell version which doesn't care what type of light is overhead; it just needs constant overhead light! The other version we offer is infrared and in this second generation product we've improved the infrared detection to be less susceptible to certain types of overhead lighting which contain some infrared emission.
Would aisle potlights provide enough light for the photocell version? My layout lighting is dimmable as well as my aisle potlights so even though I am using photocell detection I can probably do "dawn or dusk" operations with lower levels of light and still have the detection work (in theory). -Ben
@@BArailsystem Ben, you'll find that there are photocell sensitivity adjustment "pots" on the boards. Typically you would "calibrate" the photocells one time based on your typical lighting environment. One thing to keep in mind if you only have aisle lights shining down is the potential for shadows (caused by people!) covering the photocells and triggering the action. This would depend on the angle of the light source so there's no magic formula to suggest. Keep in mind that you always have the option to switch over to infrared detection later on if your room lighting conditions end up varying substantially. Of course, switching to infrared means you'd have to replace the photocells, drill more holes between the rails, and redo the sensor wiring - but it's doable!
@@LogicRailTech Thanks! Looking forward to testing! Having those sensitivity pots on the boards should allow me to dial it right in with my layout lighting.
Have you considered using IR detection? Then you can control the exact point where you want to switch to be thrown and you will be able to keep it separate from the signaling system.
ISE has these neat IR detectors that are super duper small:
www.iascaled.com/store/ModelRailroad/BlockDetection/CKT-IRSENSE-2PC
Thank you for the link. I already have current sensing block detection, should've mentioned that in the video. Probably would be easiest to leverage off that system if I want to go the automated route.
Rejected : you didn't get one of the Binghamton repaints
Deleting my account!
Go ahead and do all off detection and everything it will be nice you wiil need digitrax ds 64 to automate the switch
Thanks for the suggestion Charles!
Hey Ben wow you have been busy I got new phone nothing new my layout soon be a lot things new I got iPhone os6 I have new UA-cam so flowing both my new and old channel I been Railfan biggest news for my layout is I getting a camera new cars more new power as well
Hey Taylor, always nice to get more cars and power! Cheers!
@@BArailsystem thanks Ben miss you
Really? Flashing ditchlights? Lol come on Athearn......
I'm not familiar enough with the ex-B&M GP40-2s to know if that is correct or not, but if you don't like it, turn them off. It's a 10 sec CV change. Pretty lame thing to be bashing them over.
I can tell you it's not correct. Not lame at all, Athearn has really dropped the ball lately with some releases.
Like I said, it takes 10 seconds to fix. It takes just as long to complain about it on the internet as it does to make the problem go away.
@@pooleandrew Here he is. The guy that sucks all the fun out of the hobby. I like Athearn’s game by the way. No complaints from me about their stuff.
I am going to assume flashing ditchlights aren't prototypical for this unit?