Layout Tour 2020

[@richardcolemanjr3749]

This layout concept is fantastic. Scenic and simple especially for the space. I'm still at it with my NS layout. It's basically a fictitious line that runs through my town. I called it the Norfolk Southern Hub City line. A Double track main to N. O. The prototype is single track with many sidings. CN crosses the diamond with its North and South bound trains and KCS has track age rights on the CN Line that run North and South also. The hobby is a labor of love and a fun journey.

[@mysticrailroad]

being from new orleans and a big fan of NS i'd be interested in seeing a vid of your layout.

[@railfan220]

Nice! You've inverted the modeler's license that I use. My lines are all double track. But, I've made it single track whereas you went the other way. Sounds like a fun layout with lots of opportunity to see foreign power. -Cam

[@Panzermeister36]

Excellent tour! I enjoy seeing the big picture just as much as I see the more "realistic" shots of the trains running through smaller scenes. You've done a great job using your space to the fullest to portray a wide region of the prototype in a very believable way. Please keep us updated with more videos like this as your progress with the scenery! Thanks for sharing :)

[@thumperjdm]

@13:00 (Nonchalantly stated) "Not enough trees yet...but at least it looks like something." --As my mouth is agape, marveling at your stunning layout! Wow!!

[@kevinbohnenblust5844]

You are building an outstanding model railroad! I'm very impressed with how much railroad you could fit in a modestly sized room.

[@68Jaguar420G]

Great review after quite a bit of work and changing the geographic setting. It's good to finally see a detailed review, with maps, of the new western setting of the lower level so it all makes much more sense now. The upper level scenery is really coming together and yes while there is always more to add what is done to date really reflects the prototype location. I still think you should prioritize completing the siding just west of the lower reverse loop switch which would allow better operation including running meets through that curve. It's also nice to hear of pretty definitive decision on the lower level unsceniced area opposite the Whitefish yard. Always great to see your new videos, nice work as always. Thanks and Cheers Carl

[@railfan220]

Thanks, Carl! I finally got around to explaining those changes. I think completing that siding will definitely add some flexibility to operations, so I need to get around to that. It doesn't accommodate road freights because it's too short. With two locomotives, it only holds roughly 14 cars, and all trains leaving the yard are longer than that. However, it would be useful to allow the Columbia Falls local to enter the siding on the side you're talking about rather than running past the whole thing and then backing down it. -Cam

[@68Jaguar420G]

@@railfan220 2 locos and 14 cars capacity is certainly too short for the manifest freights you are running, I didn't realize the siding is that short. But yes entering Columbia falls eastbound on the siding would be much better, operationally and for reliability, than going past and then backing into the siding. Keep up the good work and putting out these videos as often as practicable. Thanks and Cheers Carl

[@waynemiller7382]

I can see that an awful; lot of planning has gone into building not only the layout but shaping the room to accommodate your plans. Well done and your scenery etc. looks great !

[@jamescraft672]

I find what you have done inspiring. Your layout is similar to mine in some ways. Mine is a 2-level plan in a room that is 13' by 25'. I'm modeling Los Angeles in the late 1950s. The lower level represents LA itself, and the upper level represents the area between LA and Riverside, CA. So it's mostly urban/industrial, but the upper level has some opportunities for rural scenes. One thing I don't have is an adjoining room to use for staging--lucky you! I have a staging yard on the upper level. I'm using a helix to connect the levels, and I have two reverse loops, one on each level. Anyhow, right now, I need some inspiration, and your tour gave me some. I have lots of track to lay, wire, and ballast so I can run trains. I think you've done a great job of "representing" the prototype (my go-to term for what we do). The layout really does give a prototype feel. Thanks.

[@railfan220]

Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad you've enjoyed the layout. Sounds like you've got quite the railroad yourself. There's always a lot to do, and I certainly understand what you're describing. I always get more motivated when someone visits the layout, although that's rare. -Cam

[@hansfriess]

I love you see video of your 1950s Leon.

[@melvinfackler8282]

I'm jealous, Cam. Your layout is coming along so nicely. Great job your doing. Thanks for this update, and along with others, am looking forward to more of them. Mel

[@tomlewis6533]

Very nice layout. You did a great job getting that much mainline in the space you have. You know, You have 80% of the work done for a John Armstrong reverted loop staging on the upper deck! You could put a left hand curved turnout on the upper deck reverse loop in the closet and fan that out to a stub ended staging yard. A train going RR East would go through the tunnel and into staging. Then in between op sessions you back that train out, Run under the overpass entering the loop in the other direction and back the train into the staging yard and park it, ready for the next op session going down grade this time. (See us model railroaders always find a way to add work to another guys layout :) Really nice work and a well thought out concept. I hope you enjoy it for years to come. And thanks for sharing. Best, Tom

[@railfan220]

Thanks, Tom! You know, that's not a bad thought. The problem is that it wouldn't be able to stay in the staging room. If the yard started at the outer apex of the reverse loop, the tracks could only handle about 8-10 cars (not including locomotives). What could work, however, is if I started the yard ladder just outside of the staging room above the scene of Crawford. I'd have to significantly lower the valence and lighting to accommodate that, but that's been floating around in my head. At the moment, though, I don't think I have much need for it. Between the A/D tracks, mainline and siding at Whitefish, and the 2-train reverse loop at Belmont, there are effectively 7 reversing staging tracks at either end of the layout. This still leaves 3 passing opportunities between the two points. The max number of operators that would even run a road freight at one time is 4, and most of the time, it works best if two run road freights while a third handles the yard or local. So, I think the possibility of having 7 road freights staged on the layout is plenty for the moment. However, things always change, so it's good to think about options. -Cam

[@giulius7176]

I always liked what you did with the space you had... now it’s really looking good as it comes together. Nice job.

[@stephenriley9084]

It's a super layout room! Regards Stephen.

[@billlauretti7963]

Great layout, and thoughtful design. You might think the staging room is ugly, but I find it interesting too!

[@FishplateFilms]

Great to see the layout in detail Jason! Some really nice scenes and that bridge will look great once you install it! Rumor has it that UP are considering manned helpers for Tehachapi to alleviate the need for DPU's all the way to Barstow? Thanks for the tour and the inspiration! Cheers Gregg.

[@railfan220]

Thanks, Gregg! That's pretty cool to hear. I'm obviously a big fan of helper operations. My friend was recently mentioning how helper operations on the UP Cascade Subdivision in Oregon have recently brought back helpers to accomplish exactly what you're describing. I always thought more DPUs would go hand in hand with PSR, but I guess it makes sense to only use the help when you need it. It would certainly reduce the number of locomotives you'd need to have active over the whole system. -Cam

[@billbarnes8192]

Having lived and worked in Kalispell area your representation is plausible, Big Mountain is north and west of White Fish and and Columbia Aluminum had a plant in Columbia Falls, now gone.

[@SouthernAlbertaRail]

Nice work. Love to see someone else focusing on helper (Pushers in Canada) operations. I've spent time in both areas. Nebraska looks great. Looking forward to seeing Montana take shape.

[@railfan220]

Thanks! Helpers are super fun. It seems like a thing of the past, so seeing modern 6-axle power tack onto trains and then drift back down the grade by themselves is so cool. Also, thanks for the comment. I've been a big fan of your layout for some time now. When the time comes (and it will) that I switch to N-scale and everyone starts wondering why I abandoned them in HO land, I'm going to point to you. :) -Cam

[@SouthernAlbertaRail]

Come to the Dark Side my friend!!!!!!! grant

[@sd90mac61]

This is such a nice large, layout, thanks for giving us a tour of your big spectacular layout👍😉, more please, and let's see some train run😁

[@mysticrailroad]

very impressive use of the space you have.

[@CPRailSD90]

Awesome layout! Thanks for sharing!

[@zachwisler9976]

Your layout looks great! You can see the hard work you've put in so far and can really start to visualize what you have planned yet. Great job

[@tatetally4198]

I have always wanted you to be layout tour and it finally has come! You have a great layout and once all the scenery is complete you have to do another tour then

[@peavinedownunder8726]

Great planning and logic in the whole layout design, completed scenery looks great and the tour with detailed explanations was awesome. congratulations .

[@railhead67_83]

Awesome! Keep up the great work. My dream is to one day do sort of the same thing. Lower level CSX in the southeast climbing into NS territory in the Appalachians. Next house will accommodate that, no settling. Lol. Again, fine job! Very cool!

[@railfan220]

Nice! That sounds like a plan. And honestly, the planning phase is one of the best parts. Easy for me to say now that I have a functioning layout, but I spend a lot of time still thinking about future layouts. -Cam

[@marke.saunders4803]

Very nice! Really looks good and alot of detail in it. Keep up with the update videos and I'll be looking forward to watching them.

[@thomasm519]

Very Interesting in your design of this layout. I love the concept and Local.

[@brtree74]

Hi Cam. Loved this tour of your incredible layout. The portions that you have sceniced so far are incredibly realistic and I am looking forward to following along as you complete the rest of the layout. Really well thought out for operations, and I love how you are modelling two separate geographic locations on the layout. Thanks for sharing your awesome modelling👍👍👍

[@railfan220]

Thanks so much for watching! Glad you enjoyed it. Knowing that other people enjoy the layout too is what keeps me motivated. -Cam

[@joehaddow2746]

My dad works for a railroad in Idaho and one year when I was like in the 3rd or 2nd grade I got pulled out of class because him and my family had to go up to Whitefish because of his work it's honestly a really cute and nice town if you ever get the chance stop by and GO TO THE BUFFALO CAFE BECAUSE OH MY GOD IS IT AWESOME. Nice layout though that's one thing I love about modeling BNSF you can do stuff like Maria's Pass, also at 6:45 my dad works for the railroad that owns that Milwaukee locomotive if actually seen that in person.

[@michaelsullivan3581]

Thanks Cam! It's really lookin' great!

[@RayBoebel]

Cam, I've missed quite a few updates...this is AWESOME!!!! Nicely done!

[@WillJamesRailways]

Awesome work! Can’t wait to see more!

[@vindawg0859]

Absolutely love the layout!!! I've been watching your videos for a while and it's so cool to see how far you've come with the layout. Awesome work.

[@jerrysmith1929]

Thank you for the tour. I've been watching since the beginning of this construction. It is looking great. Looking as if the lower level is going to require hundreds of trees. The single thing I question is the elimination of all staging. Seems to me that will greatly restrict the amount of traffic. Of course, it might be your intention to have low levels of traffic.

[@railfan220]

Thanks! The trees are going to rough, but at least it's mostly limited to one side of the peninsula. The elimination of the staging yards sounds problematic, but what I realized as I got into construction is that I grossly overestimated the length and capacity of those yards. And out of a necessity, they'd have to be stub-end. I don't know for sure, but I could only foresee clumsy slow operations with the unpowered rear half of a train being dragged into a track by hand. So I'm not sure they would allow for better traffic movement. As it is, between the A/D tracks, mainline and siding at Whitefish, and the 2-train reverse loop at Belmont, there are effectively 7 reversing staging tracks at either end of the layout. This still leaves 3 passing opportunities between the two points. The max number of operators that would even run a road freight at one time is 4, and most of the time, it works best if two run road freights while a third handles the yard or local. So, I think the possibility of having 7 road freights staged on the layout is plenty for the moment. But, it's a good point you bring up because I've only had 1 (unsuccessful) operating session. As I get into it more, perhaps it will become apparent that extra staging would help. -Cam

[@johnathanlewis2049]

I like your layout. Looking forward to seeing your progress!

[@HumancityJunction]

This looks so great. This is like a dream layout.

[@williambryant5946]

You have done an amazing job on this layout to this point. You've got a lot done in a relatively short time compared to how long most modelers take to get to a similar point. You're a very, very good modeler. What you have is very impressive. Stay well. -Wil 👍

[@railfan220]

Thanks, Wil! I really feel like I've been slow, but I have to remind myself that everyone, including me, has more than just model railroading to attend to. -Cam

[@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569]

Nice layout update, Cam. Thanks. The layout keeps looking better and better. ...Roy

[@railfan220]

Thanks, Roy! Glad you enjoyed. -Cam

[@SignalLightProductions]

The layout is looking fantastic! Really excited to see the Montana scenery take shape!

[@jbll36]

Hi Cam. Looking good!! You've done well. Enjoy the day. Ray L

[@StephanLambAssociates]

Hey Cam, doing a great job on your railroad! I'm looking forward to more updates!

[@fernandobigozz]

Excelent layout. Crear scenery. Very good design plan

[@TheyMakeItLikeThat]

Fantastic layout! You've really crammed a lot in one room!

[@rimodeler7963]

Hi Cam - Great layout tour ........ your railroad is really taking shape. Crawford looks excellent and you are doing a fantastic job with the scenery. FYI, Marias Pass is pronounced with a long i as opposed to a long e ......... Ma-reye-as Pass. Thank you for the nice update! Mike

[@railfan220]

Thanks Mike! The scenery has progressed slowly, but I’m getting back into it now. As all modelers know, time and money are our limiting resources, so I’ve been struggling with whether to tackle signaling/detection or continuing scenery. I think for now, I’m leaning into the TWC/dark territory operations because it’s actually quite fun and lengthens (with time) the mainline run. And you’re right about the pronunciation. I should really know that because I grew up with those narrated VHS tapes about the line, so thanks for the reminder. -Cam

[@rimodeler7963]

@@railfan220 Hi Cam - Keep in mind that you can always go with an ABS (Automatic Block Signal) system and utilize TWC with that operation ....... just an option for consideration. Keep up the excellent effort on your beautiful model railroad! Mike

[@QRoutback]

Cam . that is one fantastic layout , keep up the great work Cheers Glynn

[@BArailsystem]

OK man , you can't just show that can wall and then walk by! Need details! What a top notch layout, love the presentation with the clean lines on the fascia and valence.

[@railfan220]

Haha thanks, Ben! I've been really enjoying your new layout build. I share the model railroading hobby with my dad, so the layout is at the family house. I was able to convince him to steal half the basement, but he reserved the other half for his man cave. He's collected beer cans from a young age and just never did anything with them, so he decided to make a beer can mosaic. Aside from 1 or 2, each one is unique and from all eras. He has some relatives that lived in Australia for a while, so there's a fair number of Australian beers too. He's a creative director/graphic designer with LONG hair and started collecting beer cans when he was like 10...because that was a normal thing children did in the '70s?...so that should paint a picture haha. -Cam

[@BArailsystem]

@@railfan220 I knew there was a great backstory there! Thanks for providing the context Cam. Your dad sounds awesome, give him a high five from me next time you see him.

[@royellis2304]

Nice track cam looks really good

[@nscalefun]

AWESOME!!!!! Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work.

[@johngee5817]

well thought out i love it

[@JoseAntonio-xc3ju]

Layout perfeito Parabéns!

[@garykcs5532]

Cam awesome update, everything looks fantastic...keep it up. .Gary

[@ratled1]

Well done. It's nice to see the layout as a whole. Thanks for not making so jumpy one can't watch or so quick we get whiplash.

[@TouchoftheBrushModelWeathering]

Excellent tour my friend. Stellar work all around and very informative. I can't wait to see more...oh...and your locomotives need some weathering lol!- Joey

[@bertcresta6685]

Very nice layout, my friend!! Congrats!

[@taylorbaggarleyunionpacifi5399]

Cam your layout is amazing I got my scale trains dash 9 in the Union Pacific I really like it I am actually get other start working getting the Bnsf ones

[@jasonboche]

Nice job, love your work and your layout!

[@michaelchristensen6884]

Beautiful layout

[@shlutzday]

Professional scenery!!! Model railroader magazine best take notice :)

[@masmic398]

Beautifully done! New subscriber, can't wait to see this layout progress going forward. 👍👍

[@mrchoo76]

Very cool. Thank you for sharing

[@pzavis25]

Just what I've been waiting for!

[@markdebsauzzietravels]

Hi Mate Awesome job love the layout well done Cheers Mark

[@emilheller5488]

Very nice layout concept .

[@ThePeejRR]

Awesome layout!

[@benmack1334]

This is amazing, when did you start getting good or serious with detail in the hobby?

[@railfan220]

Thanks! I still have a long way to go before I feel comfortable with my ever-changing scenery methods, but I really made a mindset switch when I started this layout in December 2014. My old layout was a fun thing, but it wasn't well-modeled in my opinion. I gathered inspiration from nice layouts and made the decision that I wouldn't settle for much less than that. It's not all great, but I've definitely learned a lot, and it can only get better, I think. I also always think about what I'll take out of this layout and apply to the next to make it even better. -Cam

[@EmPtySworld1]

Cam what a great update.. Thanks for sharing

[@TheTrainFreak]

Layout is looking awesome! Keep sharing those great videos!

[@3006USMC]

Great update.!

[@GMTX-kg8ep]

This is one of the coolest layouts around! Have you seen this rail line in person before or did you get it from google maps?

[@railfan220]

Thanks! I saw Crawford Hill back in 2014. I took that trip because I knew that's what I'd model on the upper level, so we drove out there to do some research. I didn't see the lower level area until last summer, but we didn't actually stop at Whitefish or Columbia Falls. I'd love to see it in more detail at some point. -Cam

[@GMTX-kg8ep]

railfan220 nice!

[@brian102256]

Hey Cam, nice update! You have done an amazing job on your layout. Is your upper reversing loop auto reversing? If so did you cover that in a previous video? - Brian

[@railfan220]

Thanks! It is. I'll do a video on that sometime soon, but I'm currently in the midst of switching DCC systems. So once everything is settled and working, I'll do a video on how my reverse loops are set up for autoreversing. What I can tell you, though, is that I originally used Digitrax AR-1s for both reverse loops, and I switched to PSX-ARs from DCC Specialties. They are more expensive, but they work on my layout better. Both of my reverse loops are on a grade, and this has proven to be quite problematic. The auto-reversers rely on a set trip current, so when the current draw is different when a train enters and leaves the loop, it makes it tough to find that operating window. I think the cheaper AR-1s would do just fine if you have a flat reverse loop, but the PSX-ARs have a bit more internal logic that I think helps them handle my hilly reversing sections. -Cam

[@Timrathmore]

Exceptional layout!!! I give you a big thumbs up!! Fortunately you have all kinds of space for recreating a place like Marias pass!! And much more. If there is one thing I can take from your layout to implement on mine.... it would have to be tidiness and a well lit layout. Outstanding. How big of a room do you have? For operation sessions what's your plan of action. Was that little secluded room for a dispatcher lol ??

[@railfan220]

Thank you! Apologies for never responding. I actually just had my first successful operating session. The 2nd half was documented in a live stream that I just uploaded if you want to check it out. For this session, there were 3 operators in the layout room, and 1 dispatcher upstairs. Right now the layout is dark territory with no block detection, so we're using track warrants and an analog track schematic for the dispatcher to keep track. -Cam

[@mikehumphrey7413]

Great layout, how long are you planning to complete this layout? Mike from Aussie HO

[@railfan220]

Thanks! No idea, and I'm not sure it actually will get complete. For now, I'm prioritizing scenery so that I can make cool videos. Eventually, I'll get detection and signaling in, but for now track warrant control over dark territory works for operations. -Cam

[@mikehumphrey7413]

@@railfan220 Thanks Cam, stay safe. Mike from Australia. (We are in stage 3 Lockdown.)

[@islandofmisfittrains5114]

Awesome layout

[@ericbengtson2822]

Hey railfan220, that was a cool Railroad map you had at min 2:34. Where did you get it, can I get a copy? Thanks,, Eric-

[@railfan220]

www.bnsf.com/ship-with-bnsf/maps-and-shipping-locations/pdf/subdivisions-map.pdf

[@railfan220]

That should be it. -Cam

[@dc1038]

Hey on your layout where do you get your trees that are glue to the back drop? I like what you got going on great work.

[@railfan220]

The modeled trees are Scenic Express Super Trees spray painted brown and coated with Scenic Express Super Leaf material. The backdrops themselves were made by me in Photoshop and then printed at home. I cover that process in Layout Update 61. -Cam

[@rodneykantorski736]

Looks like it will be an excellent layout for operations. Do you eventually plan for a CTC Signal System?

[@FE428Power]

beer can collection?

[@hansfriess]

Something I was fine interesting to know is “what inspired you to model this particular area”. ? Also what is the minimum and medium radius that you have been able to use on your layout?

[@espeeanaheim]

Great layout! Any plans on block detection and/or signaling?

[@tracksiderailproductions802]

Don’t forget if you are running loaded auto racks put them right behind the locomotives

[@jdesilva100]

Great layout tour where did you get, what brand are the carpet squares that are on the floor they look great......

[@railfan220]

Thanks! I actually have no idea where we got them from. They're also not that great. The adhesive isn't great, and a number of them are peeling up... -Cam

[@christophergalvan8]

So what type of track an code did you use or would recomend ?

[@ontariorail1251]

What did you use for the dirt/sand like for the roads on the upper horseshoe curve?

[@michaelchristensen6884]

Where did you get you subdivision map?

[@robbeberhard7725]

👌Alrighty then .. So its a reverse loop room ! .... Haha😜

[@RFMCabooseNP1713]

Very nice.

[@CSX_Bennett_Subdivision]

Hi Cam, what radius do you use for the horseshoe curves, like around breezy point? Your layout is awesome! I've been reviewing a lot of your old videos for inspiration in planning my new layout. I'm specifically trying to incorporate the double deck peninsula into my plans now, a great look you've created! If you have a video you'd recommend I watch to find these radii and such please let me know, as I may have just missed it, lots of good content! Also I think you said in one video you didn't use a formal track plan for most of the layout? Cheers! -Derek

[@railfan220]

Thanks, Derek! The curves at the end of the peninsula, the inside curve at the end of the aisle near Columbia Falls, and parts of the curves back in the staging room are all a 26" minimum radius. It's quite tight for my taste, but it sounded plenty wide when I was initially designing the layout. Coming from a tabletop layout where 18" was the minimum, 26" was definitely an improvement. In the future, I don't think I'll go this tight just for the aesthetics of it, and that's where I might find myself switching to N-scale. Also, it is true that I never developed a complete track plan because I was too cheap to pay for the full version of Empire Express, the planning software I've used for years. The demo version has most of the functionality and allowed me to play around with a limited number of track pieces at one time. So I basically just used it as a virtual measurement tool to assess whether a certain concept would work with enough clearance and things along those lines. I did have a complete plan in my head, but it has certainly evolved. HOWEVER, I just last week or so bought the full version and drew up a complete track plan of the layout. I posted it to my FaceBook page (@railfan220 or search BNSF Plains Division Layout). It's pinned to the top of the page. I'll also be going over it in the next layout update, so good timing on that question. -Cam

[@CSX_Bennett_Subdivision]

@@railfan220 Thanks for the info! Honestly I'm shocked it's only 26"rad, you did great work with that space and I've never thought it looked too tight on camera. I'm planning to do a similar double deck peninsula (100% inspired by you haha) with 28" radius, and 3" from center of track to edge of table. I believe you have 30" aisle ways but had said you'd go for a bit larger if you could have? I'm shooting for that as well but can only seem to get 24" at the tightest at on one side so I'm working thru that now. It does widen immediately around this spot, but that's the choke point of the layout walkway. Awesome! I bought scarm and have been having fun but it seems to be very laggy as the number of track pieces gets higher, hopefully your program is better with that. I look forward to the next video! Your insight is always appreciated and you are really making a positive impact on this hobby with your videos, thank you!

[@andrewsolano-coles1725]

What's the maximum length for trains to run around the reverse loop?

[@railfan220]

It would be right around 60 coal cars for the upper reverse loop. The lower reverse loop is a little less traditional, so the length limit is much higher. I've never actually mathed it out, but it's probably 80+ cars. The only time I could max out the reverse loop is if I was making a layout railfanning video and I wanted to make more realistic length trains. For operations, trains will typically run around 1/2 reverse loop length so that 2 trains can be staged at Belmont. -Cam

[@minutemanmac]

What are you using for LED lighting?

[@TheNorthwestWind]

What mateiral did you use for the fascia? I want to get curves like that

[@christophergalvan8]

What the size of layout room?

[@railfan220]

It's 12'x28' including the back room. -Cam

[@MonsterRailroad]

Those isles are Way too tight and the room gives a claustrophobic feel for sure.

[@SimulationFarms]

I think you said it but what is the room size of your layout and the layout is looking real good bud

[@railfan220]

Thanks! The room is 12'x28'. -Cam

[@jsleee1146]

Nice video and great layout! hey where did you buy those backdrops at? What brand?

[@railfan220]

Thanks! I actually developed and printed them at home. I cover the process in Layout Update 61. I still would like to do an in-depth tutorial at some point. -Cam

[@MarkAHHDvideostreaming]

Nice work

[@bertcresta6685]

👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@socalscalemodels]

Nice layout and use of the space available! I see you switched over to Digitrax, why the switch? I've been thinking of using the ESU Cabcontrol, did you find it lacking?

[@railfan220]

Thanks! Are you ready for a novel? This is definitely my longest comment ever... Yes, I just received all of my Digitrax equipment today. I actually really liked the ESU system, and it has even improved with time. Initially, I was disappointed that you couldn't program on the main, but with a software update that I installed, that feature was added. Here's the reason I'm switching systems: I just started to get serious about having operations on the layout. Most people don't have this system, so they can't bring their own throttles. Given that ESU only offers the Mobile Control II that goes for about $265, I don't want to spend $500+ to have enough throttles for everyone. But conveniently, it's easy to hook the system up to the internet and create a WiThrottle server with JMRI. When done successfully, anyone can use their smart phone as a throttle. I just had an operating session this past weekend where I arrogantly thought things would go smoothly, but two of the guys on their phones kept getting disconnected from the WiThrottle server. It was extremely disruptive, and there seemed to be no pattern whatsoever to the disconnection. I was quite upset because I had a similar issue in January when one of the operators visited the layout for the first time. I vowed to fix the issue, and with extensive testing, I really thought I had. Murphy's law though, and it all went to hell. Turns out, the issue was with my WiFi repeater settings, but I found this out one day too late. In order to run a WiThrottle server, you need to run the ESU system on your home network, which requires a physical ethernet connection. I don't have ethernet ports in the basement, so I used a TP Link RE205 WiFi repeater that turns a wireless signal into a wired connection. The problem was that I programmed that repeater to have the exact same SSID and password as the home network, but they effectively operate as 2 separate networks. This isn't an issue if you're just trying to load web pages because devices can switch back and forth without a hiccup, but whether it was the phones or my computer with the WiThrottle server, I believe some combination of those devices was flipping back and forth between the repeated network and the home network, breaking the continuous connection needed for operation. I stayed up until 4am tearing my hair out thinking about any possible solution, when I thought that maybe I could rename the repeated network and run all train operations (throttles and JMRI server) off of that. I tested it the next day, and it worked so smoothly. MY POINT: there's nothing wrong with the ESU system. However, my only option to have multiple operators is to rely on a wireless connection. Even though I think I've resolved the issue, I can't in good conscience ask people to drive in one case 4 hours to come see if MAYBE I fixed the problem this time. So, it turned out that my best option was to just switch systems so that my friends can come run their equipment on a tried and true solution with radio or physical connections. Hope that makes sense. Again, the ESU system has great features and a decent interface. It's not always as responsive as I'd like it to be, but I had lots of fun with it. If I weren't trying to have operating sessions, I'd still keep it. In fact, had I resolved my WiFi issue prior to this weekend and everything went smoothly, I'd still keep it. It's fear that my WiFi repeater will fail me that's making this decision for me. -Cam

[@railfan220]

Also, I'm looking to sell my system for $325 if you're still alive and interested after reading that.

[@slepey_]

Woah.

[@rdanscale3416]

I'd like to Run my Athearn Genesis GP50 Burlington Northern with its Gyro light on your layout it would let it Stretch its Legs...

[@planeslovergabe19]

Is this Ho Scale

[@johnboy265254]

Hi My name is John M. Schwehr, Sr.