Overview of the Layout - December 10, 2006
The layout covers an overall area (32 x 24 ft) in my basement.
The double track mainline is all Atlas
code 100 flextrack and is approximately 160 feet in length. Cross-overs are #6
switches. The minmum curve radius is 30 inches, and the maximum grade is 2.4%.


The benchwork is supported using the L-girder system. The subroadbed is 5/8" plywood with cork roadbed.

This is the same view today of the previous picture. This is the
larger of the two rooms which cover the line from Cumberland, MD to
Confluence.

This is the opposite view of the above picture. You can see the
entire layout that fills the larger room. You can also see the
difference in elevation between the highest (duck under) and lowest
point of the layout.

This is the smaller room that covers the areas from Pittsburgh to
Confluence. You can see Pittsburgh in the foreground on the
right. The truss bridge in the background is the railroad bridge
in McKeesport.

The layout is powered with NCE's PowerPro DCC system. There are
three power districts which power over 25 electrically isolated blocks.

Power is delivered to each block via #12 house wiring to a terminal strip. Wire feeders to the rails are #18 gage wires.

This is the track diagram for the layout. The names of the
individual blocks are listed along with the percent of grade. For
a larger view, click the image.