Status Update

September 4, 2018


Layout work is on hold due to an illness in my family. I will return to posting updates once the situation changes.

Thank you for your support!

Until next time,
Tom

OASIS District Layout Update - Staging Track

I have installed a removable staging track section today. Testing it out in the following video...

Until next time,
Tom

OASIS Layout Update - Layout Lighting 1

Testing out layout lighting with some "el cheapo" LED light fixtures on the left side of layout. There are some dark spots visible, even with the room lights on. Cast shadows from the valance are noticeable with the room lighting on, and the dark spots are still noticeable with them off. Looks like longer LED light bars are needed.

Until next time
Tom

Tom's Model Railroad Scrapbook: Brick Freight House Build 5-8-18

An update on a structure build for the Owensville Terminal OASIS District layout from my structure blog...

Click the link below to view...

Tom's Model Railroad Scrapbook: Brick Freight House Build 5-8-18:

Owensville Terminal Railroad on Facebook

I have decided to create a Facebook Page for the Owensville Terminal Railroad.  This blog will continue and will be updated regularly for those who do not utilize Facebook. For those who do use Facebook, be sure to like us on Facebook.

OASIS Layout Update - Backdrop and Fascia 03

Backdrop installed.

End panels will be cut out and installed next. I have also been checking out various light fixtures for layout lighting.



Until next time.
Tom

TBT - Owensville Terminal Railroad

A Rock Island transfer making a runaround at Cuba, Missouri. The U-boat will couple with its caboose, and then head north to Owensville, Missouri. 

This Throwback Thursday photo features a scene from version 3 of the Owensville Terminal Railroad (2009).  The domino benchwork was salvaged, but the rest of the layout was scrapped in 2015. This was a 4 x 6 layout that had a 1 x 4 extension for staging.

Tom

Switchlist Worksheet

I have created a worksheet* on a spreadsheet program to assist me with writing up switchlists for the crew.

*Apologies for print quality. Printer ink was low. 

The top portion is for listing the cars at their current location on the layout.  The bottom section is used in conjunction with car cards and waybills to determine what goes where. The completed worksheet is then used to write up the crew's switchlist.

Here are some photos of the actual industry/interchange locations on the layout. Craft stick pieces are placed on the cars for illustrative purposes only. I do NOT use any physical car markers on the cars.

Off-Spot location availability is subject to track capacity 

The interchange tracks can also be used to off-spot cars for local industries. This availability to off-spot cars is subject to track capacity. Although the photos indicate additional track capacity, I have intentionally limited the number of cars that can be placed at the interchange tracks. This is due to previous operations testing which indicated capacity issues when additional cars were placed on the interchange tracks above the capacities listed on the worksheet.

Until next time...

Tom

OASIS Layout Update - Backdrop and Fascia 02

Cut out the fascia board/valance from 1/8 inch hardboard today. My carpentry skills are not the greatest, but I did manage to get the front fascia and valance installed today. I will be adding the backdrop and side boards next.

Tom

OASIS Layout Update - Backdrop and Fascia 01

Backdrop & Fascia Construction

Testing out some support brackets for the backdrop and valance. I'm wanting to achieve a shadowbox look with the front fascia.

New Poll:

I've created a poll which is located on the right side of this blog (desktop view only). I know many people do not use Facebook, but a whole lot of people utilize its services. I am thinking about creating a Facebook Page for the Owensville Terminal OASIS Layout, but it's not going to be a replacement for this blog. I'm still planning to update and support this blog.

I would really appreciate your input! Thanks!

Tom

Final Track Plan

I have updated the track plan to reflect the actual track work on the layout. (Updated 2/3/21)


Owensville Agricultural Switching & Industrial Services (OASIS v 4.2)

This layout build is a variation of the TOMA (The One Module Approach) method that is discussed at the MRH Web Site. 

 

 

 

 

Until next time, 

Tom

OASIS Layout Update - Wiring Part 1

Ugh! My least favorite part of the hobby is wiring. At least it's half over!

Section 1 (left side) of the layout is wired up and connected to the Digitrax Zephyr. I ran one of my 70 ton switchers and everything went well, even with only one section wired. Section 2 will be wired up next.

Terminal strip, spade, and tap splice connectors used on the layout 

Cable ties used to keep things neat. Terminal strip jump wires will be used to connect with section 2.

Until next time! 

Tom 

OASIS Layout Update - Track Installation 02

Work Resumes

The layout is back under construction after a job change and a lengthy period of inactivity due to moving. The layout did suffer some minor damage during the move (1 Caboose Industries turnout throw broken), but it's set up in the new house and ready to go.


I prepped the track by snipping off some of the ends of the ties, and then painted the rails and ties with Rust-Oleum Camouflage paint.

The next step is to secure the homasote to the benchwork, replace the broken turnout throw, and begin wiring up the layout. 

Until next time, 

Tom