Layout Update - January 2021: Bridge Safety Rails, Lit Searchlight Signals, JMRI Panel Pro...
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- Опубліковано 20 січ 2021
- Here's what we've been up to this past month on the layout:
- Bridge safety rails installed - Micro Engineering Code 55 bulk rail bent to shape, airbrushed and PDC code 55 joint bars added.
- First lit searchlight signals on the layout. The three masts at Banff west are now operational. Installed the SE8C at Divide and the three TSMK's under each mast. The signals can be controlled via a Digitrax throttle using switch IDs or via my laptop running JMRI panel pro. Next steps are to get the automation working and get the signals to respond to the block detection.
- Restarted tree making, using Grant's method from the Southern Alberta Rail channel. Over doubled the amount of trees on the layout and we're now up to 223 trees on this 32 foot section of the layout. Next layout update will include a feature on the tree making as I had shot the footage for this update but ended up being way to long to include.
Layout Tree Count = 223
Thank you very much for watching! - Розваги
Ben this was my favourite spot for train watching in Banff,my wife sat with a book and a Tm Hortons coffee and doughnuts ,,such a lovely spot and a great country Canada is .pete UK
I've sat there myself! Thank you Pete!
In real life, Santa Fe had a way of making the green signals brighter than the other colors. Out in Arizona it made the high green easy to see, and unmistakable.
There's a prototype for everything! That's interesting, thanks for sharing.
And all the while raising a family and working,👍👍👍🇨🇦
Haha yah man! Life is busy, especially with little ones. Cheers!
The layout is coming along nicely
Ben, keep up the awesome work!!
I didn't spot Bigfoot hanging around
Banff though maybe it's too cold
for him right now!! 😂😂😂😂😂
He went into town for a latte :D
@@BArailsystem Yeah he needed
somewhere to hang out until you
get those 500 trees planted!!
Take care Ben!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
What!! Awesome video clip, very nice keep p the good work, let the railroad comes inn.
Thank you very much!
Just a suggestion? To dim the green light, brush you a bit of dull-coat over the diod. That should settle it down, I have seen people to file(with an emoryboard, not alot, just scuff it) to dull the diod.
Just a sugestion. You've got this looking wonderful since the last time I saw this! Great work sir!
Good idea! I wish I would have realized before I put the signal heads together as its too late now that they are all glued and sealed shut. I can just add a 470 ohm resistor to the green lead easy enough and that should tone it down.
Sir, your layout is one of the very best I have seen. Please, now with GREAT respect - NO railroad, not 1 - has gone to the effort to add "...graffiti, road/track grease and dirt, perhaps a little rust and the appearance of some damage," but with that having been said, your railroad is beautiful. I believe that there is an opportunity here for 'someone, for some company' to offer (to SELL) graffiti stick-ons or graffiti stencils. I seldom see REAL railroad rolling stock that is not covered in graffiti, and my, my are these cars/rolling stock dirty. Thank you for this video: you show how it should be done.
Amazing job, really does look like an exact miniature of Banff.
Thanks for the comment!
The photographic backdrop is incredibly effective. You really nailed it. Most other layouts I look at, my eye gets drawn to the backdrop and I realized not in your vid. I went back and looked again and thought this is what I would want in a layout. Sometimes it's not what you notice more what you don't. The depth perception illusion of your scenery and the backdrop is as seamless as I've seen.
Thank you!
Looking great. Always enjoy your updates
Thanks 👍
Once Again.....Excellent work Ben! Thanks for posting the update.
Thank you! My pleasure.
Dude, the bridge and signals look totally awesome! I've been watching your monthly updates for about a year now, and enjoy them very much. Great job!
Awesome, thank you so much!
Enjoying all the videos of this layout! Be safe!
Thanks, you too!
WOW fantastic work it's great to see your signs working! Your layout is looking excellent.
Thank you very much!
Another great update, details are really coming in! I hope all is well and happy new year to you and your family. - Justin
Thanks Justin, we're good. Same to you!
Ben that is just outstanding job on the lights, I really love the way they look...great job...Gary
Thanks Gary!
This thing is looking incredible, awesome job
Thanks!
some layouts are just too good!, unbelievable detail, great video!
Thank you very much!
Seeing Banff West with working signals in HO Scale has such a coolness factor to it! Keep up the great work Ben!
Thanks buddy!
Those signals do really add a great touch to the realism of the scene. Thanks for sharing as always!
No problem, thanks for watching!
Very nice Ben the block signals do add such realism I run all O gauge and could not wait to get my signals up and lit people who see them are impressed how they work and look so realistic. Keep up the good work my friend!!
Oh theses would look amazing in O-scale!
Awesome progress my friend and Happy New year .You and your family be safe.
Thanks Chris. Same to you.
Simply amazing. Best layout I’ve ever seen in my life. Love it!! And as I’m a Laggan Subdivision Railfan I love it even more!!!
Thank you very much!
Great work, bridge rails look amazing !
Thank you very much!
I'm really liking those searchlights there!
Thanks!
I’m speechless because that looks awesome man can’t wait til you got it automated man great job
THanks!
Looking good Ben. The signals look so much better when they are lit. I currently have my system running with the signals being approach lit. that is a neat feature that Kevin has added for me. The scenery is very good. Congratulations on a job well done and I am sure you are happy with how things are shaping up.
Thanks Norman, nice to have options!
Nice job on the safety rail guards. Couldn’t catch anything you missed this month lol. Beautiful layout Ben. It’s come a long, long way from when you started. Right to the proto type.
Thank you!! I appreciate it, the great thing about UA-cam is the community for sure, I would have totally forgot to put safety rails on there without you guys. Keep the comments coming please!
Wow 🤩 Nice layout brother.!
Thanks 😁
Great job Ben.. thanks for sharing and keep up the great work.. Lance
Thanks Lance
This looks nicely done!
Thanks!
Inspiring work! I see the tri-color LEDs with 4 leads worked well with the SE8C.
Yep no problem at all. Also, if you use JMRI panel pro, you can have both dark and flashing yellow aspects which is awesome because if you use just the Digitrax hardware, you have to choose one or the other. Not good if you run CROR like us Canucks.
Thanks you for explaining how the Digitrax signal system works. I thought you needed to have a Ph.D in wiring to install them but your video explained how they work in a way I could understand. They do add a great deal of realism and operational effects to when you are running trains. We've got a cold snap coming to Alberta so it's a great time to be working on the layout. Cheers, D
No it's not too bad, just need to follow the instructions carefully during the initial wiring. Especially if you encase said wiring in drywall afterwards like I did.
You betcha, cold doesn't bother me, I just head downstairs : )
Thanks for the comment.
Looking great Ben. Nice attention to detail adding the joint bars on the guard rails. Good to see some trees getting made!!
Thanks Grant and thank you for your How-To video on tree making. I'm using the same process now except I am using floral wire since the motor re-wind place quoted me at $900.00 CAD for a bucket of copper wire LOL!
Yah that's a bit steep. I bought mine 20+ years ago before the price of copper went through the roof. Glad I got the bucket though. Think it's almost 4 miles of wire!!
@@SouthernAlbertaRail You were smart to buy the material in bulk back then, your $/tree must be close to almost nothing and they look fantastic.
Evening Ben and family. Hope your all well and safe? Awesome looking signals on you absolutely fantastic layout of Banff. Love that you’ve made notes underneath your layout so you know what’s what lol 😆 I may do that hehe 😉 Take care Cher’s Stevie 😎🏴
Greetings Stevie! We're doing good over here, hopefully you and yours are safe. Yeah the little notes are a fun way to give the underside some character even through it isn't viewed very often.
Awesome! Your videos keep getting better
Thanks!
Holy scrap this layout is awesome I mean holy cow that is nice! Good job! Hope this layout goes really far!
Thank you!
No problem
The signals are great. The bridge looks good with the safety rail now. I didn't realize they where that far off both ends of the bridge but I believe you when you say you measured them. Looking good. Nice video. Stay well. -Wil 👍
Thanks again for noticing and commenting Wil. Cheers!
Well done Ben. JMRI does have a steep learning curve, but you'll get it going the way you want. Love the nomenclature and milestone notes under the layout. That is a great idea. M
Thanks Michael. Yes it does haha, but amazing what you can do with it once you figure it out. I started adding notes the very first day I started working on it, since then pretty much every milestone, we even put initials depending on which kid was down there with me if it was a train related event (conductor/engineer) and usually I'm the conductor. The "first mainline derailment" one always makes me laugh and brings back good memories. Lots of times I forget they are there and then years later I'm underneath working on something and get a nice reminder :)
@@BArailsystem as it should.
Such a Beautiful layout and SOOOOOOOOOOOO Above My Level LOL.
Great work.
Andy M
Thanks Andy, just lots of time, not a whole lot of skill. Trial and error and a lot of persistence.
Great job Thankyou for sharing this beautiful layout
Thanks for watching!
Patience pays off. I like the signal a lot even the "DV" (slow speed diverging speed) sign, well done!! Very nice bridge. There is a quick intro on "how-to" for trees on my channel. I like the fascia and valence did not noticed it finished before.
Thank you very much Syl!
Wow, great job. Looks amazing
Thank you very much!
I love your videos and we all love you 😘
Love you all too!
Nice Job looks great!!
Thank you! Cheers!
Enjoyed watching this video
Thanks!
What a great update. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Very nicely done. Very nice.🚂🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚂
Thank you very much!
Wow Very nice layout lots of work Like 905
Many thanks!
I love this layout so real looking
Thanks!
I don't use Digitrax for control but the system cannot be beaten for signalling and detection - very intuitive. I have fooled my Prodigy system to integrate with it. Great update. Mark
Yeah I am not a huge fan of their control but it's what the local Free-mo uses so that's what I went with originally. I never use the throttles anyway so it really doesn't matter to me. I use their Wi-fi interface and old iphones running WiThrottle for train control. Thanks for the comment Mark. -Ben
The bridge safety rails look great Ben and the signaling looks terrific and although the electronic controls are some thing I will never get into, it was all very interesting. Regards, David.
Thank you very much David!
Daaaaaang you lead with shots of your layout haha most people shoot a lengthy intro of themselves.
Great video though!! The layout looks awesome
It's all about the trains man, you guys listen to me yap enough as it is. Thanks for the comment! -Ben
Very impressive. Those signals look awesome. I think that green looks pretty good. All my trains have been boxed for about 10 years, your videos make me want to run trains! Sadly, no room or time. Someday I will have a nice plywood prarie again. Might even go "high tech" and get into DCC. Lol
Thanks! They'll be waiting for you when you come across some space again. Mine were all boxed up for a couple years not that long ago, space for a hobby like this comes and goes.
Layout looks awesome, love the lighted signals! Only thing missing was the dimed headlight on the rear DPU (one of my favorite features on the current ESU Loksound V5 decoder), can't wait to see the next phase of the layout, take care!
Yes, definitely need that rear headlight on dim. A lot of these old Kato's of mine can't do it but that's good to know its an option in the V5 Loksounds. I have a few of them.
amazing! Great layout.
Thanks so much!
looks so real!
Thanks!
great to see your layout just enjoy
Many thanks!
Wow thanks for sharing. I think I will use that Signal system.
Thanks, yes it's pretty user friendly.
Amazing detail
Thanks!
Thatsa lot of wiring, good job on making it work
Thanks Joe!
Nice layout and signals
Thanks!
Looks great!
Thank you!
Intense. Love it.
Thanks!
That is so cool.
Thanks!
I really like and admire what you've done and what you're doing. I'm building my own concoction of a model railroad that will have signaling as well, so I'm taking notes, but im reluctant to go digital with my engines. My layout is a 4 1/2 ' x 10' multilevel crossover with 2 small lower staging yards in HO scale (think like an underground parking garage) and switching and a small yard on top.
Thanks! That sounds cool, signalling really adds a lot to it.
Welcome back Ben your layout so awesome buddy I got scale trains dash 9 today in the Union Pacific I am also working my Bnsf cp I been working mind as well
Thank you Taylor!
@@BArailsystem your welcome Ben oh I did mange get cn et44ac 3264 other day
Your layout is looking superb. I think the DPU should be powered and making a sound to be convincing. When you watch video's of the real thing, the follow up roar of the DPU's is very distinctive.
Thanks! It is powered I just have it muted all the time because its an old Kato with the original Loksound and it is ridiculously loud.
Fabulous
Thanks Joe!
It took me 19 minutes to realize this way a model railway in the thumbnail
The gap that you point out early [minute marker 2:30sh] in this video (bridge replacement). I've gone from gargraves track to atlas switches (super O uncouplers to various in the switching yards; yeah, l know: toy train/semi-scale/scale hybrid).
Play pseudo-metalurgist; have your main rail clean, piece in a bit of similar metal (honoring track gauge-your wheel-flanges not getting snuggled). 35 watt pen soldering iron (cycle it on/off by plugging, then unplugging) w/ a high quality resin core solder, you can get it to just barely melt and flow-in (like modern automobile "Bondo"; in the '40s, they flowed lead into the imperfect auto body, then shaped it)~it won't look prototypical, yet after you've jeweler-filed the "slightly-bulbous" solder: it makes for an incredibly smooth rail joint.
Yeah I need to spend a bit more time on those, I forgot to mention there is a feeder there as well so that contributes to how thick that joint is as well.
Very nice Ben! As someone who works on prototype signal systems, I can say that having them work on the layout is really cool! But I don't like the idea of chasing signal faults at home.LOL. A tip for clearing signals on the panel...all opposing and adjacent signals at stop, all tracks clear in route and all opposing routes locked!
Cheers Gregg.
Hahah yeah and I bet the prototype ones are a lot easier to troubleshoot when you have a bulb go out. These ones, a flea has to squint to see them LOL. Thanks for the comment Gregg! -Ben
@@BArailsystem Well...it depends Ben! If it's not a lamp, then it can be in the interlocking and if it's a old relay system , that can mean going through pages of circuits and testing dozens of contacts! Not unusual to spend a hour or more on a signal fault ...and usually at 3am..LOL
Gregg.
@@FishplateFilms Ohh yeah you've got a point there, 3am in the relay cabinet on a time crunch wouldn't be fun either.
I'm late to the party, but quite impressed...what did you use for the searchlight signals themselves? I think I heard you mention in the video they're custom? Did you start with kits?
Showcase Miniatures
Your running distributed power i 👀 see😁
Love the signals! Really nice work and they do add a lot to the layout. If you're looking for the modern CTC display like you've created on jMRI, check out a program called CATS. It's a free software that has a modern look and is a bit easier to operate in my opinion. We've used it ton ours for a several years and love it. Look forward to seeing more!
Thanks very much Josh, and thanks for your videos on the subject. I've viewed them many times. I did actually try to get CATS working but ran into IT issues with my laptop and couldn't get any further. I do plan on trying again eventually. -Ben
We use 5000 ohm resistors on one truck on each end of freight cars. Every car has a two resistors. Triggers detection. I am NCE but use JMRI layout editor. Think to get the whole CTC system to work you will have to use layout editor. Go on chat room and ask.
That makes sense, this train had the same thing going as the rear DPU was powered. The issue I'm having is the middle of the train doesn't detect when it's spread across a block, a detected switch in the middle and another block. Apparently, there is a way to fix this in the signal logic so stay tuned. Otherwise, adding many many many resistors will be in my future and that's not something I am super excited about : ) Thanks for the comment Arthur. -Ben
@@BArailsystem Yep you really have to detect every car. With a CTC system your going to have many short blocks around Control Points. CPs
Like the signal system. I belong to the Kansas City Eastern HO club, we are about to start the installation of a signal system . We have selected to go with the Bruce Chubb system, using IR's for train detection so the signals will show ocupancy in both direction, 3 blocks apart. If you go to my channel, and find the video on Signals at Brush Creek & Western you will see signals in operation one block ahead of the train. You can also subback and see the progress we are making. Good luck it's a lot of fun, but time consuming.
Very cool!
Beautiful layout, and an extremely helpful tutorial on signalling with JMRI. Where did you source all the digitrax hardware, cabling and the Loco Buffer? Thanks.
Thanks. I got the hardware from Otter Valley Railroad in Ontario, Canada.
@@BArailsystem thanks. Would you consider doing a video on how you created the panel in JMRI? The look and function is quite prototypical for CP.
I agree the green looks a little bright but based off of the signal we have in our back yard the red always looks darker than yellow or green
Well jeeze if you have one in your back yard I'll take your word for it :) thanks!
AWESOME!!!😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁
Thanks! 😄
HELLO BEN ITS IS RANDY AND A COOL LAYOUT UPDATE THANKS FRIENDS RANDY AND MY TRAIN IS MONCTON GORDON YARD THANKS
Hey Randy! Thanks buddy, that's cool, keep 'em rolling! -Ben
Love the guard rail, plus the trees. Do you make the trees or buy them?
Home made sisal trees and floral wire. Check out the channel Southern Alberta Rail, he has a great how-to video on the subject.
excellent video friend, when are you going to make a Cabride of your layout? It would be super nice to meet her at the road level.
If you go back in my videos there is a cabride around the entire layout. But its pretty old, I should make a new one. Thanks!
Is the dwarf signal on the siding lit? Didn't see any videos of that
Yep, its near the end, one of the heads was out though for some reason I need to fire my electrician :P oh wait, that's me...
@@BArailsystem ahhh ok i saw it now. Gotta give it more time than 5 seconds lol. It's part of the layout after all
the CP unit on the end of your consist is that powered or a dummy?
Powered, its an old Kato with Loksound but I always have it on mute because it's ridiculously loud.
put a hockey rink in lol
What are the safety rails for never thought of those I see them but never question why they are put there
If cars derail the hope is that the safety rails will at least keep the wheels trapped in between the mainline and safety rails. Preventing the cars from sliding off the right of way and potentially destroying the bridge or whatever else they could be protecting.
Do you have resistors on each car? 1 per truck.
I do not.
😊
:D
Great update, question...did the train stop automatically at the red signal?
Thanks, no it didn't I stopped it there.
@@BArailsystem thanks. I’m going to look into it more. Possibly also using the CATS system(pretty sure that’s what it’s called) with the JMRI. But still pretty awesome that you can change them with the Digitrax controller.
@@Drennan1 Yep, check out NSmodeler24's channel he covers JMRI and CATS extensively. Yes, all you need to control the signals with the throttle is the digitrax hardware. It automatically assings a switch address depending on which outlet you plug into. One switch ie:266 (closed or thrown) will change from red to green and 277 will do yellow, flashing yellow or dark.
@@BArailsystem Just like real then...if you blow the signal your boots are walking and this is not funny in the real world cause it's a career and that one thing can blow everything up if dealt with a supervisor that has a grade 8 skill set with a big ego and a negative attitude.
Curious what you do for a living
I’ve always thought this is one impressive layout
I work in petrochemical manufacturing; have had many different roles over the years but mainly operations, thanks!
Hey What is your take on CANZUK?
The free trade zone? I had to look it up haha I don't know, this is the first I've heard of it.
Question how long is your Banff section, also what size points did you use ?
The Banff section occupies one side of a 32' peninsula. Points as in turnouts? The mainline switch is #8 and the yard switches are #6.
@@BArailsystem 32 feet tad longer than I can do :(
@@James-rg4kv You could compress it? Mine is only slightly compressed. Have you considered any other locations along the Laggan sub? Exshaw would be really cool and has the cement industry there for an element of switching.
@@BArailsystem kind of i model Cp rail the period of the sd40-2. Also having visited Banff. Any suggestions
@@James-rg4kv If your heart is set on the station scene then you could omit the creek and bridge and that would save 5' or so and not compromise the scene.
So good buddy! Now come do mine ;)
Thanks man! Tell you what, buy the winning lotto max ticket for tonight, we'll split it and I'll come set up your signalling for ya :P
@@BArailsystem Got a deal pal! Cant wait till we can hang out again!
were are the conductors walking , HAHA
He's in the lead unit with his boots up on the dash.
@@BArailsystem thats funny , hope the boss doesnt see him HAHA
Need a rail car cam view of your layout
ua-cam.com/video/o8zwNEEPmSE/v-deo.html
This one's a bit old, I did it right after I completed laying track. I'll add making an updated cabride to the list, thanks!
HELLO BEN I CAN I PUT A SOUND CHIP IN HO SCALE EMD SD45 CP RAIL #5493 . BOUSHT SECONAL HANDS AND HAVE ON PARTS SHEER TO CHECK WITH THANKS . FRINED RANDY AND MY TRAIN NAMES MONCTON GORDON YARD THANKS BEN FRIENDS RANDY
Hi Randy!