HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
- David Collins
- Train Paparazzi
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HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
I thought since some people are showing off their engines, I thought I might as well too. I have 5 Norfolk Southern engines, 4 Normal Units and a Heritage Unit. I have more engines than this but I’ll post pictures of them on a later date:
My NS fleet consists of:
Scaletrains.com:
NS ET44AC #3606 (loksound 4) (rivet counter)
NS D9-44CW #9672 (Loksound 5) (Rivet Counter)
Walthers:
NS SD60M #6775 (Loksound select) (Walthers Mainline)
Bachmann:
NS SD70ACe #1070 (Wabash Heritage Unit) (Soundtraxx Tsunami)
Athearn:
NS SD80MAC #7205 (Genesis 2.0) (Tsunami 2)
Currently my layout is partially operational, the lower level is 100% functioning but the upper level is currently out of service due to track issues. I’m attempting to model a fictional NS mainline on the lower level and the NS Portland Secondary on the upper level. I know it’s a bit of a mess, but it’s coming along.
My NS fleet consists of:
Scaletrains.com:
NS ET44AC #3606 (loksound 4) (rivet counter)
NS D9-44CW #9672 (Loksound 5) (Rivet Counter)
Walthers:
NS SD60M #6775 (Loksound select) (Walthers Mainline)
Bachmann:
NS SD70ACe #1070 (Wabash Heritage Unit) (Soundtraxx Tsunami)
Athearn:
NS SD80MAC #7205 (Genesis 2.0) (Tsunami 2)
Currently my layout is partially operational, the lower level is 100% functioning but the upper level is currently out of service due to track issues. I’m attempting to model a fictional NS mainline on the lower level and the NS Portland Secondary on the upper level. I know it’s a bit of a mess, but it’s coming along.
Ferris State University’s Train Guy
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
Re: HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
That is a nice looking layout. Looks like it would be fun to run trains on. Nice looking locomitives as well.
Up North TSBY/GLC Fan
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Re: HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
That's a nice-looking layout David!
NS engines look Boss! Too bad the prototype railroad is not being managed very well at this time.
NS engines look Boss! Too bad the prototype railroad is not being managed very well at this time.
PatC created a monster, 'cause nobody wants to see Don Simon no more they want AARR I'm chopped liver, well if you want AARR this is what I'll give ya, bad humor mixed with irrelevant info that'll make you roll your eyes quicker than a ~Z~ banhammer...
- David Collins
- Train Paparazzi
- Posts: 3130
- Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2020 10:46 am
- Location: Bloomfield Hills, Mi
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NS Model Railroad Update 2/18/22
Last weekend, my dad and I finished the coal mine on my semi-freelanced Norfolk Southern model railroad, and yes, that’s the new description for my model railroad, semi-freelanced.
The parts that are freelanced are:
The lower level
The locomotive & car fleet (My dad and myself have a few engines that you wouldn’t see on a normal NS mainline )
Parts that are “attempted to be realistic”
The upper level, which I’m attempting to model the NS Portland Secondary, Which runs between Phillipsburg, NJ to Slateford, PA. So far it’s *pretty* accurate with the ADM grain industry lead in and also downtown Portland, PA.
One thing that’s noteworthy that has happened recently was the addition of the coal mine in the middle of the layout, my dad and I used the New River Mining Complex from Walthers Cornerstone. I’ve included some pictures of my NS #7205 pulling some coal loads out of the NRMC.
More updates coming soon!
The parts that are freelanced are:
The lower level
The locomotive & car fleet (My dad and myself have a few engines that you wouldn’t see on a normal NS mainline )
Parts that are “attempted to be realistic”
The upper level, which I’m attempting to model the NS Portland Secondary, Which runs between Phillipsburg, NJ to Slateford, PA. So far it’s *pretty* accurate with the ADM grain industry lead in and also downtown Portland, PA.
One thing that’s noteworthy that has happened recently was the addition of the coal mine in the middle of the layout, my dad and I used the New River Mining Complex from Walthers Cornerstone. I’ve included some pictures of my NS #7205 pulling some coal loads out of the NRMC.
More updates coming soon!
Ferris State University’s Train Guy
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
- AARR
- Incognito and Irrelevant
- Posts: 38991
- Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 7:39 pm
- Location: Washington, MI
Re: NS Model Railroad Update 2/18/22
Did you weather the mine?
David Collins wrote: ↑Fri Feb 18, 2022 2:17 pmOne thing that’s noteworthy that has happened recently was the addition of the coal mine in the middle of the layout, my dad and I used the New River Mining Complex from Walthers Cornerstone. I’ve included some pictures of my NS #7205 pulling some coal loads out of the NRMC.
PatC created a monster, 'cause nobody wants to see Don Simon no more they want AARR I'm chopped liver, well if you want AARR this is what I'll give ya, bad humor mixed with irrelevant info that'll make you roll your eyes quicker than a ~Z~ banhammer...
- David Collins
- Train Paparazzi
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- Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2020 10:46 am
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Re: NS Model Railroad Update 2/18/22
Not yetAARR wrote: ↑Sat Feb 19, 2022 8:15 amDid you weather the mine?David Collins wrote: ↑Fri Feb 18, 2022 2:17 pmOne thing that’s noteworthy that has happened recently was the addition of the coal mine in the middle of the layout, my dad and I used the New River Mining Complex from Walthers Cornerstone. I’ve included some pictures of my NS #7205 pulling some coal loads out of the NRMC.
Ferris State University’s Train Guy
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
Re: HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
looks good, I would like to see your track plan and maybe some overview pics of the layout if possible.
Up North TSBY/GLC Fan
- AARR
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- Location: Washington, MI
Re: HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
Me too
PatC created a monster, 'cause nobody wants to see Don Simon no more they want AARR I'm chopped liver, well if you want AARR this is what I'll give ya, bad humor mixed with irrelevant info that'll make you roll your eyes quicker than a ~Z~ banhammer...
- David Collins
- Train Paparazzi
- Posts: 3130
- Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2020 10:46 am
- Location: Bloomfield Hills, Mi
- Contact:
Re: HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
Here’s the plan for KVERBERK and AARR, the layout is simply too big to do three photos of (since the website doesn’t take more than three photos at a time), so maybe that’s a video idea. My layout was based on a CNW model railroad track plan that my dad and I found in model railroader. The layout is 8 1/2 x 18
We made a few modifications, such as making the spur on the far southeast side of the layout one track instead of two. Adding an additional yard track on the first level, and that’s pretty much it.
The two far tracks on the west side of the layout lead to the upper level (The Portland Secondary), the far left track starts on the Northwest part of the layout the second tracks starts on the southwest corner of the layout. The second track leading up the hill is very convenient for the H76 job which just comes out of the south end yard, goes up the grade for a short distance and works the downtown Bangor industrial lead.
Note: The inner tracks (or inner rings , except the diagonal one that runs Northwest-Southeast, which runs under the mine) is the upper level.
My dad and I use woodland scenics 2% foam risers, they work pretty well, maybe I’ll do a video on the YouTube channel as to how to make a section of foam riser with tracks (yes, it’s more complicated than just putting some roadbed and track down and calling it a day ).
I know this may have been pretty complicated, because it is a pretty complicated layout.
We made a few modifications, such as making the spur on the far southeast side of the layout one track instead of two. Adding an additional yard track on the first level, and that’s pretty much it.
The two far tracks on the west side of the layout lead to the upper level (The Portland Secondary), the far left track starts on the Northwest part of the layout the second tracks starts on the southwest corner of the layout. The second track leading up the hill is very convenient for the H76 job which just comes out of the south end yard, goes up the grade for a short distance and works the downtown Bangor industrial lead.
Note: The inner tracks (or inner rings , except the diagonal one that runs Northwest-Southeast, which runs under the mine) is the upper level.
My dad and I use woodland scenics 2% foam risers, they work pretty well, maybe I’ll do a video on the YouTube channel as to how to make a section of foam riser with tracks (yes, it’s more complicated than just putting some roadbed and track down and calling it a day ).
I know this may have been pretty complicated, because it is a pretty complicated layout.
Ferris State University’s Train Guy
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
- David Collins
- Train Paparazzi
- Posts: 3130
- Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2020 10:46 am
- Location: Bloomfield Hills, Mi
- Contact:
Re: HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
I just uploaded a video with some random trains with my friends' CSX 1776 making an appearance. Most areas of the layout are covered.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2W8p5Pzs0c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2W8p5Pzs0c
Ferris State University’s Train Guy
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
- AARR
- Incognito and Irrelevant
- Posts: 38991
- Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 7:39 pm
- Location: Washington, MI
Re: HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
That is a nice looking track plan, David. You can do some switching or just let a nice-sized train run loops
PatC created a monster, 'cause nobody wants to see Don Simon no more they want AARR I'm chopped liver, well if you want AARR this is what I'll give ya, bad humor mixed with irrelevant info that'll make you roll your eyes quicker than a ~Z~ banhammer...
- David Collins
- Train Paparazzi
- Posts: 3130
- Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2020 10:46 am
- Location: Bloomfield Hills, Mi
- Contact:
Re: HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
There are actually trains that go up the Portland secondary which switch the ADM grain elevator and the downtown Portland industrial lead, I also have a “interchange” with the EL but that’s fictional at this time.
Ferris State University’s Train Guy
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
Re: HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
Nice layout! you might need some pushers on those grades!
Up North TSBY/GLC Fan
Re: HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
Very nice
Re: HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
What control system are you using? DigiTrax NCE MRCDavid Collins wrote: ↑Sun Feb 20, 2022 6:52 pmThere are actually trains that go up the Portland secondary which switch the ADM grain elevator and the downtown Portland industrial lead, I also have a “interchange” with the EL but that’s fictional at this time.
Everybody has their own personal favorite of course. I will always recommend NCE with wireless cabs because that is what I use and I’m very happy with my choice.
- David Collins
- Train Paparazzi
- Posts: 3130
- Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2020 10:46 am
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Re: HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
I use the NCE powercabGR H & C wrote: ↑Sun Apr 03, 2022 12:36 pmWhat control system are you using? DigiTrax NCE MRCDavid Collins wrote: ↑Sun Feb 20, 2022 6:52 pmThere are actually trains that go up the Portland secondary which switch the ADM grain elevator and the downtown Portland industrial lead, I also have a “interchange” with the EL but that’s fictional at this time.
Everybody has their own personal favorite of course. I will always recommend NCE with wireless cabs because that is what I use and I’m very happy with my choice.
Ferris State University’s Train Guy
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
Re: HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
I started out when my layout was small with the NCE power cab set up which was the most economical. I then purchased The NCE RB02 Radio base station and one wireless cab 06r as my layout grew. Next I purchased a second cab 06r and a used power cab that I had converted to wireless. So now I have three wireless cabs plus the original tethered power cab. I went this route because it was cheaper initially and I could slowly upgrade my system and because I never run more than three or four locomotives at once I didn’t need the extra power from a booster.David Collins wrote: ↑Sun Apr 03, 2022 12:50 pmI use the NCE powercabGR H & C wrote: ↑Sun Apr 03, 2022 12:36 pmWhat control system are you using? DigiTrax NCE MRCDavid Collins wrote: ↑Sun Feb 20, 2022 6:52 pm
There are actually trains that go up the Portland secondary which switch the ADM grain elevator and the downtown Portland industrial lead, I also have a “interchange” with the EL but that’s fictional at this time.
Everybody has their own personal favorite of course. I will always recommend NCE with wireless cabs because that is what I use and I’m very happy with my choice.
The nice thing about having a second power cab even if it’s been converted to a wireless cab is that it can still be plugged in and used as a backup power cab.
Re: HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
Once your railroad is up and running how will you operate your trains. Will you use a card order/waybill system or some other technique?David Collins wrote: ↑Wed Jan 19, 2022 3:28 pmI thought since some people are showing off their engines, I thought I might as well too. I have 5 Norfolk Southern engines, 4 Normal Units and a Heritage Unit. I have more engines than this but I’ll post pictures of them on a later date:
My NS fleet consists of:
Scaletrains.com:
NS ET44AC #3606 (loksound 4) (rivet counter)
NS D9-44CW #9672 (Loksound 5) (Rivet Counter)
Walthers:
NS SD60M #6775 (Loksound select) (Walthers Mainline)
Bachmann:
NS SD70ACe #1070 (Wabash Heritage Unit) (Soundtraxx Tsunami)
Athearn:
NS SD80MAC #7205 (Genesis 2.0) (Tsunami 2)
Currently my layout is partially operational, the lower level is 100% functioning but the upper level is currently out of service due to track issues. I’m attempting to model a fictional NS mainline on the lower level and the NS Portland Secondary on the upper level. I know it’s a bit of a mess, but it’s coming along.
I operate my layout in somewhat/close to pro typical fashion (I am a river counter lol) I have a rudimentary system for operating trains which is in my head.
- David Collins
- Train Paparazzi
- Posts: 3130
- Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2020 10:46 am
- Location: Bloomfield Hills, Mi
- Contact:
Re: HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
I've had this layout since January 2020 (before I joined this site), but I moved and it had to be disassembled and put back together, so I know the layout from back to front, or maybe it's because I get disorganized very easily, I don't know , I'm not trying to be super-prototypical, and my dad doesn't want me to be super-prototypical anyway (i.e. weathering my locomotives )
Ferris State University’s Train Guy
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
Youtube: Michigan Railfan Films
Flickr: David R. Collins
Snapchat: daveeed1k
- David Collins
- Train Paparazzi
- Posts: 3130
- Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2020 10:46 am
- Location: Bloomfield Hills, Mi
- Contact:
Re: HO Scale NS engines and my layout.
Quick update: some big updates have happened as of late, a new locomotive arrived in mid-summer, a NS C40-9 (or D9-40C) top hat, #8844. Yet another scaletrains locomotive.
My dad also surprised me with a box that contains 10 HO scale Amtrak superliners, now all I gotta do is save up some money for an Amtrak P42 or a Charger and I’m set to run passenger trains! I’ll probably be running trains such as the Capitol Limited since it runs in Pennsylvania.
More updates to come soon!
My dad also surprised me with a box that contains 10 HO scale Amtrak superliners, now all I gotta do is save up some money for an Amtrak P42 or a Charger and I’m set to run passenger trains! I’ll probably be running trains such as the Capitol Limited since it runs in Pennsylvania.
More updates to come soon!
Last edited by David Collins on Tue Nov 15, 2022 10:47 am, edited 1 time in total.