[calaski8123]

I realize this is a hot debate, not trying to start it all over again. I'm looking for a specific analysis. I plan to run a couple of trains, maybe 3 or 4 not ten. So I am assuming I will need some type of individual control system. I read that battery power offers an advantage in this respect and I think the cost is mitigated since either way I would have to install some type of control system in my engines. Battery also seems to offer me the advantage of going with different track materials and not having to worry so much about electrical connections (another maintenance issue).

I have LGB engines with no control systems installed. I would need to convert them to battery or install the control system if I leave it electric. Can someone give me an estimate of the costs involved to convert one engine to either? Right now I only have the original LGB transformer, so I would need a new DCC controller or remote controller with a battery system.

Basically I'm looking to see which would be more cost effective considering I'm starting from scratch, need to install some type of control system in either case and also in terms of maintenance. If I'm missing any advantages or disadvantages associated with either please let me know.

Jim

 

[calaski8123]

Sound is not that important... so I can do with basic or no sound. I'm more interested in visual and operation. To be honest, I just like "playing" with the trains with my daughter and watching them run around.

Jim

 

[calaski8123]

Wow great stuff guys thanks. It's overwhelming. The last thing I want to do is settle on a system and find out its not what I want later one and have to start over. Sound is really not an issue but I could possibly see going over four locos at some point in the future if I really get hooked.

If I solder the track connections and use concrete roadbeds, can I effectively limit the amount of maintenance? Other than some cosmetic ballast and maybe some repairs from my dogs, I'm thinking there shouldn't be anything else if I go electric track power?

I bought used LGB stuff from my friend. I have four locos right now and have another in mind. Not planning to run all at once but be nice to have that ability if I wanted.

The costs seem reasonable with battery, I guess a little less with track power but more initial work in soldering everything?

I really need to decide on the roadbed and track type before winter. I would like to lay a test circle and see how it holds up over winter.

I will have some very specific questions once I get started but for now I'm just researching and trying to learn.

Does anyone live in the northern NJ or southern NY area that would be willing to show me their layout? Even eastern PA would do i'll drive up to an hour or so.

Jim

 

[calaski8123]

Posted By JackM on 26 Aug 2013 02:57 PM
I really need to decide on the roadbed and track type before winter. I would like to lay a test circle and see how it holds up over winter. I will have some very specific questions once I get started but for now I'm just researching and trying to learn. Does anyone live in the northern NJ or southern NY area that would be willing to show me their layout? Even eastern PA would do i'll drive up to an hour or so. Jim

Jim - I scanned this thread earlier, but didn't notice this question. I'm in Rochester and I'd be happy to show you what I have - NCE, 500 ft. of SS code 250 track, pneumatic switch control, Kadees. Ready to show you most anytime if I'm not too far North for you.

JackM

Beautiful drive through the Fingerlakes this time of year!

Thanks for the offer but I'm about 5 hours away unfortunately.
Jim

 

[calaski8123]

Hey all,

Thanks for all the info. I'm overwhelmed! I actually responded last week but I did it on an iPad and for some reason when I posted the message it didn't work and then deleted everything I wrote (grrrrrr Apple, not a fan). Anyway, I think I have made my decision... more accurately it was made for me. When I initially bought the trains from my friend it came with about 30 ft of LGB track. I recently found a great deal on over 100 ft of LGB track on Craigslist. So now I have almost 150 feet of brass track. I think I'm set on which material to use. I was leaning towards it anyway simply because I can do BOTH battery and track power on it. I think if I invest in a track cleaning car I should be OK on maintenance.

So, based on the responses, I think I'm gonna use the brass track, track power and DCC when I get up to speed on how to implement and use it. I figure worst case scenario and I hate brass/DCC I can recoup most of my money by selling to someone else and go battery.

Thank you all for the input. I have some more questions but I'm gonna start a new post.

Jim

 

[calaski8123]

Not interested in going to club meets... none around here anyway.

No interest in live steam

As far as the size, I eventually do want a large railroad but over years... not buying all at once.

Jim

 

[calaski8123]

Posted By BigRedOne on 29 Sep 2013 12:56 PM
Posted By calaski8123 on 09 Aug 2013 11:39 AM
Wow great stuff guys thanks. It's overwhelming. The last thing I want to do is settle on a system and find out its not what I want later one and have to start over. Sound is really not an issue but I could possibly see going over four locos at some point in the future if I really get hooked. If I solder the track connections and use concrete roadbeds, can I effectively limit the amount of maintenance? Other than some cosmetic ballast and maybe some repairs from my dogs, I'm thinking there shouldn't be anything else if I go electric track power? I bought used LGB stuff from my friend. I have four locos right now and have another in mind. Not planning to run all at once but be nice to have that ability if I wanted. The costs seem reasonable with battery, I guess a little less with track power but more initial work in soldering everything? I really need to decide on the roadbed and track type before winter. I would like to lay a test circle and see how it holds up over winter. I will have some very specific questions once I get started but for now I'm just researching and trying to learn. Does anyone live in the northern NJ or southern NY area that would be willing to show me their layout? Even eastern PA would do i'll drive up to an hour or so. Jim

I think soldering the connections will be a big headache. Especially outdoors, where track will move, solder joints are just going to break. You'd want to solder a short jumper wire to each track section, not solder the sections together. Look into rail clamps, which pinch to the rails with bolts (check out the SVRR Online web site.) LGB makes a conductivity grease that can be used prior to joining track sections, too. You can run a feeder wire underground, to supply power to multiple points around your railway.

Did you get any of the little plastic connectors LGB include with their starter sets? Part number 1150, I think. These will help hold the track sections together, though they do nothing for electrical conductivity.

Unless you already have concrete - such as a poured patio - I think you'll be happier with a less-permanent choice, at least until you settle on the track configuration you like. I'm leaning toward using some kind of landscape product, like bricks or stone tiles, to outline a "right-of-way," which I'll then fill with small gravel. Then lay the track, and more gravel to be level with the top of the ties - I want the prototypical look of ballasted track. This method should give me enough elevation range to cope with the slight grade on my lawn (live steam especially likes a flat railway) and be easily modifiable. I want to be able to take everything up and restore the lawn with minimal effort, too.



I meant soldering jumper wires and using the locking track clamps... Thanks for correcting me. The concrete method I was thinking about was detailed on this site by one of the members. It looked pretty good. I have all winter to do my research and determine the best option. My concern with prototypical using a trench, gravel and then ballast was washout during storms and winter. I'm trying to remove as much maintenance as possible. Otherwise, I know whenever I want to run the trains I'll go out, spend an hour or two fixing things and then my time will be up!
Jim