Menards and Ross Custom Switches #2 ( First Full Layout Test)

Track is unsecured just laying on plywood. Some track joints are lose enough to fall apart, and there is still only one lock-on on the entire layout. Menards track and Ross switches are great!

[@eoTubeID]

One of the most compelling o-gauge layouts on KZbin. Certainly, model railroaders that are returning to the hobby after many years would love to see the overall track plan and design info for this layout. What an interesting and effective use of space! Please share more about this. Congratulations on your achievement!

[@whitmorestrains]

That’s super flattering! The layout has come a long way since this video, but this definitely shows the heart of the extended helix before I added the passing sidings and built the automation. I do have the track plan worked up in SCARM, but I have never found a good way to make a video about it…or thought anyone cared to see it. I will see what I can come up with! Thanks for the comment! -Wes

[@eoTubeID]

@@whitmorestrains SCARM is the software that I have been using for my layout development. Is there a confidential means of forwarding my email address to you? Would love to see the larger view of your layout. Thanks for the reply!

[@whitmorestrains]

@@eoTubeID [e-mail]

[@gusshadleythelunaticfromar7125]

Mighty Fine Benchwork And Track.

[@whitmorestrains]

Thanks Guss!

[@bobsworkshop5181]

What a cool track set-up! And I had no idea how much OSU stuff was out there. I like it a lot.

[@whitmorestrains]

@@bobsworkshop5181 I only know of the 2008 mth set that you are seeing here (plus an additional high cube boxcar, tank car, gondola, and caboose that they released separately later on), and a semi scale Lionel set from around the same year that was exclusively made for one of the stores on OSU campus that I finally located a couple of months ago. About the only way to find anything OSU is at an estate sale or collection buyout because people don’t sell them very often. Robbies Hobbies in Columbus just released a boxcar though, and he has some cars left. Good luck! If you see any OSU train stuff, I’ll happy buy it if you don’t want it :)

[@flyboyu777]

Working flawlessly!

[@whitmorestrains]

…and it still does! The layout has grown since this video but it’s still fun to go back to this one and see where it all began!

[@flyboyu777]

@@whitmorestrains I understand-my layout is a work in progress, sometimes with little progress!

[@cliffordkiehl3959]

That's one version of Lionel's 'disappearing train' layout. Hard to believe you achieved smooth running with only one lock-on.

[@tonyromano6220]

Must be good conductor track.

[@boydwalker161]

I only have a 96” by 77” layout. Wish I had that much room.

[@whitmorestrains]

@@boydwalker161 it started as a 5x9, which is less then you have. You can do a lot with that space!

[@boydwalker161]

@@whitmorestrains yeah if I’m only using 027, 031 or 042 curves unless I make one huge 072 loop which gets old.

[@whitmorestrains]

@@boydwalker161On my new videos you will see an 054/072 and an 072 interconnected loop. It disappears under the back of the layout so it helps keep my interest. I run 2 trains on the outside 072 loop which helps even more with movement. Everything else is 054 or less. My storage shelves are all 031 except for another 072 loop that I found room for.

[@henryszubielski8601]

Very nice use of your space!!!

[@whitmorestrains]

Thanks Henry!

[@Mercatoyd]

neat concept of a track plan for a very long run with options.. Thank for sharing.

[@JJosephS1]

Tubular track rules! It looks great. I love all the interconnected levels. The Ross switches are really smooth. I had never seen them in operation. Thanks.

[@whitmorestrains]

That really are exactly what I wanted in a switch. Every single one is consistent and performs flawlessly.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Wow. That’s an awesome track plan. Nice work.

[@joecampo6430]

Can Ross switches switch automatically like old Lionel tubular track?

[@whitmorestrains]

Yes they have that same powered anti de-detail feature. You can also just remove the little spring that connects the switch motor output to the switch lever arm and the front train wheels will just move it where it needs it. I do that for a couple of my lower loopbacks that I don’t ever need control over. They move so easily and never derail. This video is super old and I have many more switches operating on the newer releases. Thanks for watching!

[@NemesisEnforcer4937]

Oh man I love your multi level layout. Awesome

[@whitmorestrains]

Thanks Randy! This is just something that my son and I work on here and there. We make big strides in the colder months. I have always loved layouts with inclines, trains that disappear, and long layouts that can run all on their own if I want them to. This just came to be after tinkering with different ideas that I had along the way. There is a long way to go, but I enjoy the engineering and building the most in this hobby.

[@d.cthehobbyist2252]

Awesome idea,multiple levels 👏

[@whitmorestrains]

This is a pretty old video…check out some of the newer videos for the updates!

[@davevan8864]

You packed a lot of running into that space. Well done carpentry too.

[@DennyDreadBassMan]

Nice, that's a lot of bench work.

[@chuckchristian2059]

Yes it is

[@chuckchristian2059]

That is so cool how that Lionel train rides on all thoes levels

[@jamesmorgangunsandtrains7132]

Super smoooooth gotta love it!!

[@joeystrains.9316]

That's a good setup. Speed is constant.

[@whitmorestrains]

I like running my trains with speed control set at about 30 mph usually.

[@ItsCheetahTV]

Menards track? what are those switches, I like using tubular over fast track and im looking for switches

[@whitmorestrains]

Ross Custom Switches is who makes the switches. They have a tinplate line. Only available in 072 and #5s I think.

[@richardnelson-ux1zz]

Tubular o gauge track is better than liofastrak and it much more quieter

[@angeloavanti2538]

super nice grade levels. nice idea.

[@joegennari395]

WHERE DID YOU GET THE OHIO STATE CARS???? Great start on the layout!!!

[@whitmorestrains]

The bulk of them were from a 2006 mth starter set. They offered a few extra cars a year or two after that so I picked them up.

[@joegennari395]

@@whitmorestrains Thanks... I tried to find them, any of them....NO LUCK :(:( My daughter went there ONE year. Then became an EMT then a Firefighter and FLIGHT-MEDIC. Now one of my grandsons will start at...."THE" Ohio State in the fall. Thanks again, Stay Safe and Well! God be with you

[@elleryparsons5766]

Looks Good Now But what If You want to go with A different Version of Track?

[@whitmorestrains]

I think this would be the same problem anyone would have if they switched out manufactures or types of track. You box it up and give it to someone who can use it! I have been very happy with the decision of using tubular rail. It should always be available in some form or another, and the Ross switched are American assembled and are easy to work on. Everything has been very reliable.

[@ferrark1]

Nice job 👍

[@gmaneis]

Beautiful build and plan. When you say Ross #2, what do you mean? I can't seem to find them on the Ross tracks outlined on the AnyRail software. Would love to get some, because they look great and probably work really well, too. Thanks in advance.

[@whitmorestrains]

Thanks! rossswitches.com/rossplatetraditionalline.aspx I only have the left snd right O72 tinplate switches on my layout with the standard DZ100 switch machines. The all work great!

[@gmaneis]

@@whitmorestrains Super! Thanks!

[@rcnut5112]

Faster trains and more smoke