Layout Construction

[Southern4449]

Hello everyone,
Here are some pics of my 35 x 15 HO layout
This one is the layout plan
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/jwey71/layoutcurrent.jpg

Here some benchwork is being constructed
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/jwey71/Picture001.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/jwey71/Picture003.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/jwey71/Picture005.jpg

Here are some of the track layed
This one is to the lumber mill. There is a 4% grade to the middle track that uses a helper district, and a 6% grade to the top for the Shays.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/jwey71/Picture001-1.jpg

The triple bridge area
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/jwey71/Picture005-1.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/jwey71/Picture002.jpg

and the yard area, it still needs some roadbed but you get the idea..
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/jwey71/Picture007-1.jpg

Here is the cable that I use to power the layout, its a great deal at $.30 a foot!! It allows power drops to the rail and wire for switches,lights,etc...
http://cgi.ebay.com/Multiconductor-Hybrid-Cable-22-16c-12-2c-BLUE-jacket_W0QQitemZ290006679509QQihZ019QQcategoryZ4667 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Does anyone see concerns on the 6% grade using Shays???


Well I got impatient and had to run some trains. Still all of the scenery to do but it is wired and running with no derails!!!
I took a quick video with sound...I'd say the diesel was goin a little fast...LOL
http://s63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/jwey71/?action=view¤t=Picture002.flv

 

[pgandw]

I think all the HO model Shays will go up a 6% grade just fine, but they will probably only pull 1-3 cars doing it (depends on cars and weight of Shay). Of the 3 non-brass HO Shays I know of (Bachmann, Roundhouse, Keystone), the Keystone will have the most pulling power, and the Bachmann probably has the least. Your results may vary widely.

yours in gearing down

 

[fsm1000]

My tboiler bachman On30 shay will haul 11 ounces up an 8 % grade. That's about 2 cars in On30 weight, which I ignore by the way. I use the NMRA's weight for HO for my cars. Anyhow, I loaded a gondola with pennies and then weighed it. That's how I know how much it can haul.
I hope that helps