I had 4 sheets of 28inch X 24inch 1inch thick pink foam and it begged me to do something with it.
Since I had screwed up 3 times before with small layouts (and not enough space for the larger one I started 2 years ago) it would be different this time.
for starters I read and FOLLOWED the advice given here by all of you guys regarding the track. yes, I built me a simple rail bender and a miracle happened, NO problems in the tight curves......amazing.
If all else fails, READ INSTRUCTIONS right?
Ok , the layout is roughly based on the ore mines in Belgium Luxemburg,Germany in the general area know as the Ardenne. Most mines are quite old and have horizontal entrances and use my beloved electrics for power.This site gives a ton of information about the mines, structures, mine cars and locomotives used:
http://rail.lu/index.php?option=com_wra ... 14&lang=de
Mine is loosely base on this. Before anything happened as to the landscape and structure I made sure this time all track was working.
Here are the first photos.
It is a simple oval with a turnout going in to an other mine entrance.
Oh and it will have a complete overhead wire system (not working,just show)
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On the left is the mountain, in the back, built in to the mountain is the Mine Structure. The only things fixed at this time are the right and left rear supports and the rock in the middle. Building walls, tunnels and the "lid" are just pinned at this time. I want to make sure NOTHING will impede the running of the trains.
I have an other mine entrance planned on the left upper level with the track going through the 2nd story of the mine building. But that is down the road.
I may replace the left hand switch in the front with a 3 way to allow for expansion or find a way to built a crossing in the tunnels.....
so much for the stage of the layout.
My beloved Yellow one was to be used as the main motive power on the layout. Since this is an Iron Ore mine she needed to look accordingly.
Here is the transformation:




She was "VERY" loosely based on this one , influenced by a few more....




Here are some prototype pictures of the mine entrances that inspired me:




Enjoy,
Have a great week everyone.
Chris







