Shelf Extension Update

 

South end of layout extension

Finally got around to installing the backdrop and fascia boards on the OASIS District extension.  Picked up some hardboard from my local building supply store, and after a couple of hours I had the backdrop and fascia boards installed.  Time to break out the paints and start creating some sky and background scenes.

Grocery warehouse and staging area 

Finishing up the extension shouldn't take too long, and I hope to be operating the layout again real soon.

Tom

New Motive Power on the OASIS

 

I recently purchased a Broadway Limited Paragon 4 switcher for use on the OASIS District layout as well as my other model railway layouts.  I am really excited about this loco, and I'm impressed with its performance.  The capacitor-equipped loco works great on the layout and helps to navigate those glitchy track sections that creep up from time to time.  I tested out the loco without cleaning the track and it worked amazingly well, although a couple of stalls occurred where the dirt buildup was a bit to large for the capacitor to carry the locomotive through the dirty section.  A quick polish of the rails with a Brightboy did the trick and the loco runs beautifully on the entire layout, including the new shelf extension.  This is definitely a game-changer for operating the layout.  I will be acquiring more capacitor-equipped locos in the future.  

I look forward to working on the new extension coming up in September with a new backdrop and fascia board panels on the "to-do" list first.  

Until next time,

Tom

WFS Connected

I have completed construction of the new lift-out section and have connected the WFS with the OASIS District layout. Everything tested out perfectly.

I have decided to leave the tail track in place on the left side of the WFS instead of building a longer section. The extra 8 inches available doesn't help much, so no need to change things here.

The new staging area does not require scenery, but I will probably paint this a dark gray or black. It will also be hidden behind a low-level fascia board as well. Here's a video of the first test run of the connecting section.

I'm setting up a new tool to assist with operating the layout. More on that in the near future! 

Tom