Layout Details

Below are some statistics and data about the layout.

• Room size-35' x 37' - walkout basement.
• Minimum radius = 28 "
• Maximum grade = 1.8%.
• Layout consists of three peninsulas.
• Hidden staging yard to hidden staging yard with optional continuous running.
• The East Staging yard can hold 10 trains and the west staging yard can hold 7 trains.
• 2.5 loop Ovlix (Ovlix = oval + helix) drops trains 13" down to the hidden East Staging yard.
  
• Mainline length = 500' (excluding the staging yards)- ~7 scale miles.
  
• Code 100 flex track with Shinohara and Peco switches. Track and ties are weathered using an air brush.
  
• Passing sidings are a minimum of 16' allowing trains to be approx. 2 engines, 18 cars (50') and caboose.
  
• Lynx City yard can hold 180-50' cars.
  
• Wolverine Falls yard can hold 55-50' cars.
  
• Eagle Cove yard can hold 35-50' cars.
  
• There are 2 receiving/departure tracks at Lynx City.
  
• There are 7 receiving/departure tracks at Eagle Cove. Some of these tracks are used as visible staging tracks.
  
• There are ~450 cars on the layout. There are another 60 cars on a shelf that is used as a 'fiddle yard'.
• There are ~90 engines on the layout.
  
• Digitrax Chief system with radio throttles.
• Switch machines in the East Hidden Yard are routed using Digitrax DS64's.
• Car routing system used is called MINIRAIL.
• ~95% of the rolling stock and engines are weathered, as are all buildings and track.
• Ballast is children's play sand purchased at the local home hardware depot (50 lb bag costs $4.50). Once the ballast is glued in place, I weather it using my air brush.
• Most flat cars have detailed loads. Photos of these cars will be uploaded soon.
• Some cars have graffiti decals applied on them.
• I paint, decal and weather cars and engines. Photos to follow.