Once again the members of EMRIG were invited to see a home layout, this one being heavily under construction at the home of Kevin and Charlene Chamberlain in Ebotse Golf and Country Estate. They have not been in the house for long so after some considerable thinking and planning the model railway construction crew started physical work in October 2012. Progress was slow as Kevin has full time employment which keeps him very busy. However with some pressure from our events manager he agreed to an open day in May, but as time got closer he was on bended knee asking for a one month extension, hence the day was set for the last Sunday in June. Altogether there were 10 visitors all of whom spent considerable time studying what had been built so far. Located in the spare bedroom the layout is up against 2 walls and forms an L shaped layout but with 3 levels of track. Change in elevation between these layers are 2 large, for N gauge, multi turn spirals one at each end. In between them on the bench work are plans for various stations and freight yards, typical industrial areas that are so common to American Railroads. The location is Burlington Northern in the Seattle-Tacoma area in the modern era so heavy Diesels and freight trains are present with several shunting opportunities as well as long runs through the countryside, and of course some massive mountains to hide those 2 spirals.
Control is naturally DCC using 2 Digitrax Zephyr command stations, one of which is set up as a booster. This is considered necessary as the total length of track is over 90 metres, yes 90 metres so volt drop is one issue but power district separation is also considered necessary. So Kevin has his trains running, (on a plank?) with all the scenery and other railroad infrastructure still to come. What fun he is going to have!!
You will notice from the photos and especially when seeing the wood and metal work up close that it has been professionally designed and cut, making a very neat and secure frame. Kevin is a senior “designer” at the company so has access to draughting facilities and the machinery needed to cut and drill the metal frames, beams brackets etc and also the plywood based track base and bench work. The end result is a professional solid base for a reliable model railroad.
So this is how to start a model railroad, gain permission from family for the territory, write up a wish list, a need to have list, much planning, design and build it professionally and carefully. Well done Kevin we look forward to seeing it progress. Many thanks to Charlene as well for allowing us into her home, for the excellent choice of snacks, goodies and drinks for all but mostly for allowing her hubby Kevin to have sole use of the spare room for his passion, the Burlington Northern in N scale in model form.
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