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There is a track library that should have come automatically with the software. If you scroll across the top of the workpage where the track pieces are, you will come to the Kato library. You can then select from those pieces. Mike

You will need to make changes, but you can get the basic idea of each layout. Best bet is to use some free track planning software like XtrkCad or similar to see how the Kato track fits together, then you can buy what you need. My layout is a Unitrack version of one from that site as well. mike

Hi all, I am visiting Michigan for about a week and thought it would be fun to find some train stuff. Mostly, I will be northwest of Detroit (Novi, etc.) but can get around to other areas as well. I've been to the Henry Ford Museum a number of times, any other suggestions? Thanks in advance. Mike

Thanks for the comments. I really like warbonnets as well. I picked up a Kato ABA set to pull some SF passenger cars I have. Since Trabuco Canyon is in southern California, I decided to have my freelanced road interchange with SF and others. So, I have and excuse to run lots of road names. I...

Last one for now, had to finish resizing the pics. I think this will be one of my favorite spots on the layout when the scenery is done. All three tracks are at different elevations.

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Well, I took a break from the railroad to actually earn a living, but I have now made some more progress. Plaster cloth is in, portals and bridge supports are in and painted, and the track has been tested again for fit and for no derailments. Of course, the track is still just sitting on the...

That's great to hear, thanks all. I think I will give them a try. I REALLY like the looks of this Southern green 4-8-2, so if they can fix it, it will be worth the hassle. Thanks again. Mike

I ordered a Bachman loco (N scale 4-8-2) that was DOA. The retailer sent me another in exchange. It lasted 30 secs, then also went DOA. The retailer is great and offerred to refund my money, but I would really like a loco that works for more than half a minute. Rather than continuing to make...

I haven't figured out what the road will be yet. I'm not anywhere near ready for that and still need to research. There are some really nice ones in the galleries on this and other forums. I will probably find a couple I like and ask the builders what was used. Mike

Cool, should be fun. I also decided to go with gravel roads, although I am going to use the paving material that came with the kit to make concrete pads for my engine service facilities. One pad under the engine shed, and a more exposed one for the two track diesel service area. Mike

You could certainly go either way. Even though I modified the track plan, all the materials (except the 4% grades) were still useable. You still use the foam risers, portals, foam panels, and all the ground covers, paints, etc. Just an easy way to have everything handy. In my case, the...

Absolutely, you can make the overpasses any shape you want. Mine are curved. You just trace the shape you want on the foam and cut it the same as you normally would. You can use a knife or small sawblade (messy) or you can use a hot wire cutter (not messy.) I found a battery powered hot wire...

I should have mentioned that the Unitrak I used is probably the most expensive way to go. Doing what I did with Atlas would be something like half as much, give or take a bit. The Atlas scenic Ridge track packs can be had on ebay for about $60 or so. You don't need your overpasses to be...

I already had a basic inner and outer Unitrak oval and a pair of turnouts. I think I spent about $350 or so on the rest at Fifer Hobby, which included a whole bunch of turnouts, 5 bridges, spare powered and insulated Unijoiners, and some spare track in case I wanted to make changes. Definitely...

Finally got home. Here is the trackplan I used with my Scenic Ridge kit. MIKES2 You can see it's quite a bit modified and is almost closer to one from Mike's small trackplans website That site is: Mike's Small Trackplans Page Look at the 5th one down in the door layouts section to see...

One thing you could consider is to use the Scenic Ridge kit, but to modify it to get rid of the parts you don't like. I did just that (still doing, actually). Mostly, I modified the track plan to use 2 and 3% grades and 11 inch curves. I added an engine service facility where the town is on...

Ah, I don't think I have the talent to even figure out how to flip my videos. Pretty cool, and nice stuff. Mike

Am I having a dislexic moment, or is that video mirror imaged? Look at about the 45 second mark and you can see the numbers on the loco. Are they backwards? Now, I am completely willing to admit that I have gone batty, but I did check twice. mike