Mainline Trains

Here are the pictures of my two main trains, the first is the 2-10-2 Canadian National T-2 model steam engine by Mehano, which is my personal favorite and a flawless runner.  The second, is a 2-6-0 Pennsylvania Mogul steam engine by IHC which is also an impeccable specimen.

My Initial Layout

To begin documenting my process, I will post my layout plan, which is blueprinted to be on a 96 in. x 60 in. table (which I have already constructed).  Now, mind you critics that this is simply a basic layout, I haven't added switches or turnouts at all, all i have included are the two separate main lines, one using  22 inch radius curves and the other using 18 inch radius curves.  I chose to have one with 22 inch radius curves because I want to run a 2-10-2 Canadian national steam engine (Mehano) that is from the President's Choice collectors series, and I don't feel like risking using it on 18 radius curves and it derailing constantly.  On the other mainline, I have a 2-6-0 Mogul steam locomotive (IHC).  I have recently purchased these new from eBay for relatively good prices, since bother were in sets and I got each set for under $100 ( I was especially lucky to get the PC set :) ).  This layout will include a 2% and a 4% incline on the 22 inch radius mainline, since I find it boring to have a train go around in a simple oval, I like variety.  The layout I want is some sort of mountainous scene, and I honestly don't care about geographical, historical, and etc. accuracy as much as many railroaders are, sorry but I'm only 19 and don't have the capital to invest in such specifics, besides everyone has their own right to set up their hobby how they want to, and shouldn't be judged or restricted  by specific accuracies, I like to take some creative liberties in my work.  Sorry about the grammar in the last statement.  Well here is the picture of the layout, I will also be posting pictures of my locos as well soon.  By the way, for those beginners who want to tinker around with layouts, Atlas has a great FREE program to set up a simulated version of track, with lots of great tools.  Here is the link to the site where you can download it:  http://www.atlasrr.com/righttrack.htm

Until next time,

Big Fred #67

Welcome

Hello model train enthusiasts, or even those who are curious of the hobby!  To begin, I'm a 19 year old college student from Southern California, I've been into trains ever since I was a little kid.  For the past 5 or 6 years or so I've been too busy with football, classes, family, friends, and other such things to make myself enough time to set up a serious layout.  However, now I have the time and resources to take what I've collected over my childhood, as well as a few things that I need to build a somewhat successful layout, and am able to begin construction on a layout that I can take pride in and know that I built with my own two hands.  I've been planning this layout and working out all of the kinks along the way, as well as performing vigorous research as to how to compose all of the needed materials into a working layout.  I'm simply a beginner, but i hope that my intermediate knowledge of carpentry and my artistic prospects will combine with my drive to create something to have pride in will allow me to create my first ever layout.