Jim's Model Train Site

Last Tuesday I had the opportunity to see how the new configuration for my layout handled more than one operator. And I am glad to say that it is still able to be operated by more than one person at a time.

After settling into our new location I decided I would get motivated and do a Trains of Thought episode about the re-assembled and 'new' C&SFT, so I added a video on YouTube featuring the layout.

Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lVagwLHBoU to view the video.

Over the last 6 months or so I have made a number of significant changes to the Model Railway Programs Suite I have available on this site in the Software link in the menu.

Having recently made my layout smaller, I had to re-construct the train sequence. I thought of just taking some trains out of the old sequence, but in the end I felt it would be better to start the train sequence from scratch. I also felt that to give a little more operational interest that I would re-open the East Branch, so I had to figure out what trains could run along it realistically.

Being a new resident to New South Wales (NSW), the Australian state where Europeans first settled, has been an experience even after a few weeks. The first Sunday in August I took an all day trip to the capital, Sydney.

The layout has been moved to my new location without incident. I made up a frame to hold the layout in place during the trip, and place 2 tarpaulins over it to keep the weather out, and it worked wonderfully.

During the trip we went over some rough sections of road, and I was sure some of the buildings would have come off as a result.

Tomorrow (July 22nd 2008) is the big day! Over the last few weeks I have been preparing the 'new' layout (really just the 4 modules I am keeping of my 'U' 17 x 8 feet C&SFT layout) and working out how I am going to put them in the trailer for the Big Move. And tomorrow I pack the trailer with the layout, and the van with other belongings.