As I’ve noted elsewhere, I’m building CNR Pine Street – an HO scale exhibition layout based on a Canadian National Railways’ spur in Thorold, Ontario, circa 1987. The layout features track switches operated by scaled down switch stands, locomotives optimized for ProtoThrottle control, and a DCC system designed to deliver a better audio experience.
The benchwork, track, and wiring are done and testing is underway. I’ve now created a video to document one of my typical tests of the the layout – sharing the proof of concept, as it were.
In this video, the crew of CNR 549 trundles north down Pine Street in Thorold to switch the Fraser paper mill. They have two boxcars of Arctic Kraft in their consist. At the mill, they’ll swap an empty chlorine tank car for a load (delivered on a previous trip), lift an empty boxcar and spot the two loads, then return south up the spur.
On paper, the Pine Street layout is simple: Just three switches to access four spurs, all facing in the same direction. (In the video, only two spurs are switched.) There are no “gotcha” track puzzles, no yards, no multi-track mains with a high-speed parade of trains. Just one small train with just a few cars to spot and lift and working a single industry.
But simple can be satisfying. The key, I think, is to pick the right subject, then operate in a realistic manner.
This lengthy (16+ minute) video illustrates how much operation can be realized on Pine Street. With pauses to consider the work, an “ops session” would easily occupy more than 20 minutes. While not shown, the layout can be quickly reset with a new incoming consist so multiple sessions can be run back to back – all day at an exhibition, for example. The range of car types and switching duties mean there’s plenty of variety to be had.
Enjoy if you watch:
I hope the video conveys the engaging nature of a modest switching layout, while providing some sense of how CNR Pine Street will present at an exhibition. (At this stage, the layout is set up low but I plan to raise its at-home supports to proper exhibition height).
There are a few – minor – issues to address, then it’s on to structures and scenery.
Some technical notes:
This video is roughly shot and I apologize for that – especially to anyone who has worked in film or television. I experienced technical difficulties with my primary camera and was forced to use an older replacement that spends a lot of time shifting focus. (For that reason, I’ve not listed the video publicly: You can only view it if you have the link.)
I encourage you to turn up the volume – briefly – to hear the impact of big audio. But then I recommend you turn it down again and keep the sound low. There’s a lot of bell ringing. At exhibition, my goal is not big volume, but better audio reproduction.
The Model Railway Show 