Model Train Journal

May 2006 to present

Index

Index

Introduction

Project Management

Journal Entries

Model Train Journal Entries
Monthly Entries    
2006
#
Description
May 28/06 Begin review of present layout.
  Begin reading about DCC.
May 30/06 Read about wiring for DCC; buy ground cover for layout; modify lower level mainline track.
May 31/06 Modify lower level mainline track; locate computer files; trial run of locomotive successful; repair structures.
     
June 01/06 Identify next steps.
June 03/06 Lay down "forest green" ground cover.
June 11/06 Prepare diagrams for upper and lower mainline power districts, continue to read about DCC.
June 12/06 Summary of notes on visit to Trains and Such.
June 13/06 Notes on "DCC Made Easy".
     
July 04/06 Notes from meeting at Lethbridge Model Train Club.
July 10/06 Thoughts on the wiring plan for the entire layout.
July 12/06 Use EazyDraw software to draw lower level mainline track layout.
July 13/06 Operationalize Lower Mainline track circuit.
July 14/06 Operate a 5-car train on the Lower Mainline; Begin work on oil refinery piping kit.
July 15/06 Work on oil refinery piping kit, oil tank kit.
July 16/06 Work on oil tank kit, oil loading platform.
July 18/06 Complete oil loading platform.
July 19/06 Revise overall plan to include bridges and a trestle as well as expansion to a new switching area.
July 26/06 Complete painting oil tank.
July 30/06 Plan wiring for Lower Mainline loop; begin assembling wooden trestle bridge
     
August 03/06 Begin wiring Lower Mainline loop
August 04/06 Continue wiring Lower Mainline loop
August 05/06 Complete wiring Lower mainline loop; modify oil berms to fit layout; set up track for Reversing Loop
August 07/06 Build Lower Mainline Control Panel; work on wooden trestle kit; thumb tack down Lower Mainline Reversing loop
August 08/06 Complete painting Lower Mainline Control Panel; begin wiring Lower Mainline Reversing loop
August 09/06 Glue berms to oil diorama base; wire Reversing loop; create AdeptTracker project management file
August 10/06 Update AdeptTracker file; lay track for Happy Valley
August 11/06 Rewire lower level using spade connectors; run first operational train to Paradise Valley
August 12/06 Work on wooden trestle bridge
August13/06 Complete wooden trestle bridge; build table structure for trestle bridge on Upper Mainline loop
August 15/06 Lay pipe on oil refinery diorama.
     
September 21/06 Review and revise plans for track layout (!)
September 22/06 Complete new design for track layout
September 23/06 Dismantle previous layout & begin work on tables for new layout
September 26/06 Complete construction of tables
     
October 2/06 Create preliminary track layout for mainline, Coaldale and Black Diamond
October 3/06 Complete preliminary track layout for entire layout
October 4/06 Begin wiring outer mainline track
October 15/06 Thumb tack outer mainline track; add 1 barrier strip connection to outer mainline track wiring; add 2 cars to rolling stock in Coaldale yard
October 16/06 Update train maintenance data base; complete laying ground cover; add 2 barrier strips to outer mainline wiring
October 19/06 Complete wiring for outer mainline; modify track layout in Black Diamond; modify track layout to include coal yard in The Channon; add 4 cars to rolling stock in Coaldale yard.
October 20/06 Add wiring and Atlas twin controller for reversing loop on outer mainline; review web sites on DCC
October 21/06 Add temporary foam roadbed & uncoupling magnets under track at Black Diamond
October 22/06 Work on table top; begin assembly of SD40-2 diesel (CN 5930); dust off 1 locomotive and 4 additional cars
October 26/06 Glue ground cover at Black Diamond; add guard rails to CN 5930
October 27/06 Begin gluing foam roadbed at Black Diamond; begin nailing track to foam roadbed
October 29/06 Lay roadbed and nail down track for all of Black Diamond.
October 30/06 Lay roadbed & nail down track for Distillery Row and all of Outer Mainline
October 31/06 Update maintenance data base; nail track for White Plains
     
November 1/06 Dust off cars; buy paint for hay bales and 100 ton quad hoppers
November 2/06 Dust off cars; paint hay bales and 100 ton quad hoppers
November 3/06 Paint hay bales and 100 ton quad hoppers; begin wiring Inner Mainline track
November 4/06 Paint six 100 ton quad hoppers, complete wiring Inner Mainline track; mtce on loco CN 76
November 5/06 Paint six 100 ton quad hoppers, complete nailing down Inner Mainline track
November 8/06 Buy train supplies; set up track in The Channon
November 10/06 Begin assembly of 6 quad hopper cars; begin nailing track for The Channon
November 14/06 Assemble 1 quad hopper car; lubricate one diesel locomotive
November 15/06 Complete assembly of 6 quad hopper cars; look at NMRA Achievement Program
November 26/06 Look at NMRA Achievement Program
     
December 29/06 Recent supplies purchased. Order TrueLine C-liner with DCC & sound
December 30/06 Search web. Join The Gauge discussion board. Review material on adding ballast to track.
December 31/06 Review web sites. Maintenance for flat car. Buy coal loads for hopper cars

Model Train Journal Entries
Monthly Entries
 
2007
#
Description
January 02 /07 Trim and install coal loads onto 100 ton quad hopper cars.
January 03/07 Install a base under the coal mine structure.
January 04/07 Lay roadbed and nail track down in Pine Ridge, The Channon and Queenston.
January 05/07 Complete laying roadbed and nailing down track in The Channon and in Coaldale.
January 06/07 Creation of separate web site for model trains.
January 11/07 Download & try Atlas RTS and looked at RR-Track website.
January 12/07 Download & try XTrkCad and 3rd PlanIt software.
January 13/07 Download & begin tutorial for 3rd PlanIt.