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Time For Expansion, Already?

After staring at the track layout for 2 days and then discussing it with the wife to get her opinion, I decided to already do an expansion to the existing “Manning Oaks” layout.  I was not very fond of the idea of a ‘dead end’ track, and seeing that I had 2 loops and half of a 3rd loop, I thought why not have the ability to have 3 loops.  Once all the wiring is completed I will be running DCC on this track (with also the ability to run DC) and one of the benefits of running DCC is to be able to control multiple trains at different speeds.  Also one of the reasons for building this layout is just to be able to watch the trains run.  So by adding a 3rd loop I can have the enjoyment of watching 3 trains go around the track without having to work any of the turnouts.

I put my existing “Manning Oaks” track layout into a program called SCARM, and then I was able to remove the pieces that I no longer was going to use and add the pieces I needed to complete the 3rd loop, I came up with the following layout.

“Coloma Rails”

Seeing how it was no longer “Manning Oaks”, the name “Coloma Rails” was born.  The above image is also flipped from the original “Manning Oaks” since this will be the view from the Engineer’s station.

Once I finalized this layout, it was time to place an order for the remaining track pieces that I will need, and the wait now begins.  I am hoping to get my track sometime early next week.  In the mean time I will probably start to work on a shelf for the command stations.

Holding Pattern

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