So I've been constructing a layout based on the plans provided in an Atlas track plan book, and then expanded on for the area I have to work with. But I've obviously messed something up...
All track is brand spankin new code 80 Atlas sectional and flex
Brand new Prodigy Express DCC controller
Brand new loco's including Athearn Challanger, Kato RDC1, Bachman Spectrum Lt. Mountain, Lifelike/Walthers 0-8-0
I have filed down and then sanded the track to get rid of bumps, irregularities, and to make things level. I have checked voltage while trains are running/drawing power, while there is nothing on the tracks, and at the sections where there is drop outs... I even went as far as checking voltage on EVERY sectional piece of track...and everything measures out the same. I have cleaned the track using track cleaner, and even the Walthers thing that seems like a soft sanding block.
Track is secured to roadbed by Woodland Scenics, and then secured to 2" thick foam. everything once again is level. All track is soldered together (could that be the issue?!)
Anyways, my trains won't run. The RDC1 will make it a few feet, the Challanger can almost do the whole layout without a gentle push...if it's running at full speed...and the switcher...well it won't even light up. The lt. mountain doesn't have DCC yet so I have not tested her yet.
I run the same loco's on Bachman EZ Track test loop using the Prodigy and have no issues.
So I'm thinking I need to scrap the whole thing and start over.... unless someone has an idea to get this working... but I might do it anyways because this Atlas track plan is crap... here is what my layout is right now:
And this is what I have revised:
The 4x3 section in the bottom left is elevated by 2 1/2 inches or so, with a Walthers cornerstone doubletrack truss connecting it from the 'mountain range' that will be arriving when it comes time to scenic. the 11 radius loop on the right is about a 2.5% grade (according to Atlas pier sections) to get up to the elevated area... which my Challanger and the RDC1 can do without a sweat. The Challanger can even pull at least 18 cars up that without even thinking about it.
There are three major reasons for the new track plan revision...
All track is brand spankin new code 80 Atlas sectional and flex
Brand new Prodigy Express DCC controller
Brand new loco's including Athearn Challanger, Kato RDC1, Bachman Spectrum Lt. Mountain, Lifelike/Walthers 0-8-0
I have filed down and then sanded the track to get rid of bumps, irregularities, and to make things level. I have checked voltage while trains are running/drawing power, while there is nothing on the tracks, and at the sections where there is drop outs... I even went as far as checking voltage on EVERY sectional piece of track...and everything measures out the same. I have cleaned the track using track cleaner, and even the Walthers thing that seems like a soft sanding block.
Track is secured to roadbed by Woodland Scenics, and then secured to 2" thick foam. everything once again is level. All track is soldered together (could that be the issue?!)
Anyways, my trains won't run. The RDC1 will make it a few feet, the Challanger can almost do the whole layout without a gentle push...if it's running at full speed...and the switcher...well it won't even light up. The lt. mountain doesn't have DCC yet so I have not tested her yet.
I run the same loco's on Bachman EZ Track test loop using the Prodigy and have no issues.
So I'm thinking I need to scrap the whole thing and start over.... unless someone has an idea to get this working... but I might do it anyways because this Atlas track plan is crap... here is what my layout is right now:
And this is what I have revised:
The 4x3 section in the bottom left is elevated by 2 1/2 inches or so, with a Walthers cornerstone doubletrack truss connecting it from the 'mountain range' that will be arriving when it comes time to scenic. the 11 radius loop on the right is about a 2.5% grade (according to Atlas pier sections) to get up to the elevated area... which my Challanger and the RDC1 can do without a sweat. The Challanger can even pull at least 18 cars up that without even thinking about it.
There are three major reasons for the new track plan revision...
- More room for scenicing... I wanted to create the illusion of a mountain town
- Better operational potential for switching and longer trains
- I wanna redo my track work because of the issues above
- Mountain town like area. Major industry will be a brewery. But I also will have logging and passenger service up here too.
- I would love to have some nice photo-op of mountain areas in this. So what is a boring straight along the back may become a bit twisty for more exciting entertainment... a couple of avalanche bunkers and what not.
- passenger service pulled by my lt. mountain. consist of: railroad post office and 2 coaches. I'll have an observation car that I can pull out as well. '85 smoothsides in CN green/black/gold paint scheme
- local freight to be pulled by a Mikado. consist: mostly box cars, caboose, maybe a few flats for logging. Most likely BC Rail rolling stock
- through freight pulled by my UP Greyhound Challanger. consist: whatever I wanna put on it...
- RDC1 doing light commuter services
- 0-8-0 handling the switching on the yard. probably going to get a Alco high hood for help in the near future.