Update

I've been re-working the layout design in my head over the past month. I sat down this week-end and put it down on paper using the XTrackCAD software. For the most part, the software works well enough, but there are some tasks that are buggy on my Mac. For example, it won't export to a bitmap correctly. It turns out that this feature works perfectly fine on a PC and I managed to get an acceptable picture to post. 

I drew in the table sections to get a feel for the modules that I still need to construct. I also sketched in the structures as well. You can see the canal section between the residential buildings and the station. This is the part that had kept me frustrated for over a year. Most of the frustration was focused on how to make the table structurally strong due to the big gaping hole in the middle of the module. The table will be weak in the middle and have a tendency to twist and warp if I don't design it correctly. This still worries me. I may have to abandon this if I can't work out how to make it rigid.

The other concern is the conversion to DCC from analog now that I've changed the layout to a teardrop. I'm going to have to re-visit Alan Gartner's blog again on how to do the conversion on the Kato unitrack turnouts. Anyways, here's the output of XTrackCAD...

Track plan update

I'm glad I went to the model train show this weekend as it gave me the motivation to work on the layout again. At least to revisit the layout design. Nothing drastic, but I think I've come up with a better track plan. The previous design had a dog bone, but I couldn't reconcile the second branch line that didn't connect anywhere. But after a few iterations, I think I have something that is esthetically pleasing and functional so that I can run my trains at full speed. I can visualize trains going in and out of the Hel hauptbahnhof with departures announced over the intercom. However, in order for it to work correctly, I would need to convert everything to DCC and computer automated.

Variation A

Variation B

Supertrain 2014

It's been four years since I last attended the model train show. I found out from many of the exhibitors that this show is the largest one in Canada. That surprised me as I thought shows in Vancouver or Toronto would be much larger than Calgary. Interest in the show has changed for me as I'm more focused on landscaping and structures than the trains. There are a lot of hobbyists doing some cool stuff and they're more than happy to share their knowledge with anyone who shares the same passion. That's one of the reasons I like this hobby. Lots of nice people who love trains. Here are some pictures from the show.

 

The signal lights on this layout caught my eye.

 

I love the autumn look of this landscape.

 

I have the same cathedral, but mine doesn't look as good.

 

I really liked the look of this station.

 

There are 3000 pieces in the arched bridge and it took 2 months to build. I don't feel so bad about how long it took for me to build my bridge now.

 

Getting some good ideas for my canal module. I still need to figure out how to make the module rigid enough. But I think I have an idea what to do with the water.

 

Getting some ideas on my long run track module. Still not sure if I'm going to do a pastoral look with grass or do a Spirited Away motif. I always liked the scene where Sen rides the train as it makes its way across the flooded rural landscape.

 

As always, the lego layout was popular with the kids. They did a great job with the C-train.

 

I spent quite a bit of time talking with Ngineering guys about lighting. I want to light up my structures, but I'm still intimidated by the wiring.

 

This was a layout based on T-Trak specifications. I was talking to Don about his set up. I really liked how he set up his tables using aluminum rails. He showed me how well the modules aligned with each other. I was trying to figure out how to use them on my layout, but I wouldn't be able to retrofit them on my curved modules.