Page updated on Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Latest work completed:
SHEN, LAUGHLIN JCT, DEMMLER, SINNS. CP17Y, VISTA wired.
Duck-under bridge wired.
Next work to do:
Running wires and soldering feeder wires PYLE block.
Overview of the Layout
Golden spike is in place (11/23/2025). This spike was the golden spike from my last layout in Maryland.
Wiring for the command station and power boosters. I use the computer power supply for any circuits and
LED lighting (5 VDC) and 12 VDC for incadescent bulbs around the layout.
Duck-under bridge painted and wired.
Wiring for power to the tracks and detection current sensors for Laughlin Jct, Demmler, and the URR track.
Shenley block wiring and detection for the three-track mainline.
"CP17Y" Interlocking and the bridge over the Youghiogheny River to Versailles
Layout Specifications:
Mainline Length:
Track 1: 177.5 ft (2.93 scale miles)
Track 2: 181.5 ft (2.99 scale miles)
Minimum Walkway Width: 35"
Minimum Subroadbed Height: 44.5"
Maximum Subroadbed Height: 48.75"
Minimum Radius: 30"
Curve Easements: 18" transition, 0.5" offset
Super Elevation: 0.030"
Atlas Code 100 Flex Track and Switches
Tangent Track Center to Center: 2"
Curved Track Center to Center 2.25"
Yard Track Center to Center: 2"
Mainline Maximum Grade: 1.5%
Mainline Crossovers: #8
Spurs off of the Mainline: #6
Yard/Industrial Switches: #4
DCC: NCE Powerhouse Pro System with 3 power districts
JMRI Software
Track charts showing the location of switches, tunnels, bridges, elevation, grade, and the interlockings and blocks.
Some of the track is not totally accurate due to space, but all the tunnels and bridges are properly located.
Train room dimensions along with the approximate dimensions of the layout.
The size changed a bit as I was laying out the track. The room is approximately 755 sqft.
A photo from my old layout in Maryland (2001 - 2019).
Three Chessie locomotives pass by the post office in Markleton PA.
I am a member of the following railroad historical societies.
