N scale 2x4 "Project Layout" w/ Kato Unitrack

[SimRacin14]

Update, since there hasn't been one lately:

Layout as of November 12th:

Looking better with each detail added. I recently painted a few of the telegraph poles and installed a few on the layout. Also painted the stone walls lining the road, they look better than they did unpainted. I also bought some soft pastels and ground up the black pastel into powder to "weather" the overpasses...they look better with the effect added. I also crushed up some of the white pastel and used it on the depot to simulate the "mortar" between the bricks.




I got some signals in my last order, trying to decide where to put them, though I think I might need one or two other types since I have a pair of turnouts near the platform to allow trains to cross over between mains (though I probably won't actually do that, this is more of a watch 'em run layout)


I started painting the coal dealer kit by Ratio that I have. Used acrylics for the brick and roof, haven't painted the additional building details yet. I will also need to find something to paint the brass details with, the stuff I have won't obviously work(acrylics). Was going to go with green for the doors/windows.



A turnout replacement might also be in my future as the inside rails on the outer main have gotten bent somehow. Already pulled the switch up once before to level the track out since trains would derail every so often. They run better now but still derail. Anything with small lead trucks derails anytime they go over this switch, my 0-6-0 J39 will make a random number of laps over it before it too decides that it doesn't want to go over it and derails. Photographed a normal switch next to it for comparison.

[sid]

double check the switch is not twisted in any way . i had one derailing to an it was a combo of things one was the turn was twisted a bit and two the joint where the tracks connect was pulled up just a bit and that would bounce the cars and derail. i make it a habit to push down on those connections with a flat piece of wood as to seat them in the unijoiner .
edit:: i see that bent part, cant you just bend it back a bit ?

[SimRacin14]

I replaced the switch the other day and locomotives with smaller lead trucks now run over it without any issues.

The layout also has a new fan, Puck, who comes running when he hears the trains. The other kitten is terrified of the models. Guess I have another assistant now.

[wombat457]

The layout also has a new fan, Puck, who comes running when he hears the trains.

Great pic Sim - just hope he doesn't decide to chase them as they go by

[SimRacin14]

Great pic Sim - just hope he doesn't decide to chase them as they go by

I think he kinda wants to but he's small enough I have no problem holding him back. I've let him check out cars and what not to see that there's nothing edible on the table. (He likes his food.)