Check out the progress that’s been made on the Model Railroader project model train layout, the HO scale Virginian Ry. Much of the roadbed and track is in place on the model railroad. You’ll also learn why sectional track and curved turnouts are often good choices for more compact model railroads.
Building the Virginian Ry. part 7
By Angela Cotey | January 19, 2012
| Last updated on January 11, 2021
Check on the progress of the latest Model Railroader project model train layout
Is there some way to keep Dave's answers — to questions posted here in the Comment section — permanently at the top of page -1- so that we could always find those answers even if there are many pages of comments to the video?
I love your video series, David!
You can do this for life and I will watch!!
All the best to all of you guys!
Greg
@JAYNE BAPST You can find much cheaper prices from many online vendors, if you take the time to look around. I'm not sure if I can post vendor sites here, but with a bit of digging, you can come up with many cheaper alternatives. You need to get into Google to save mucho denarii.
After some 50 years of model railroading, I just picked up some good tips on track laying. Realy liked the level joint tip,and the prior tip on preparing for later installation of remote under track switch machines.
I'm building this layout and if you could simply add the Manufacturers Numbers that would be a great help It took me A couple of days to locate them simply looking for a set opposing tight radius curved Turn outs.
I've read the monthly magazine and see where it simply said a Tight Radius Curved turnout .. It took me some time but I found them (: 23.00 ea for the electfrogs .. But the Part numbers would be a major help . But am enjoying this build . Thanks Roger
David,
Another informative video from you guys at MR once again. I was interested in your optimistic approach to preparing the layout for switch machines even though you were going to use manual throw turnouts. Your explanation of being careful of being careful when drilling through the roadbed into the sub-roadbed to prevent splinters from bubbling up under the cork makes sense. That leads to my question. If using a standard drill would it be preventative to drill a pilot hole through your center mark and then go under the layout and carefully drill with the correct size bit upwards so you are pulling the cut material down away from the cork roadbed? Another option have you tried a Roto-Zip tool with one of their wood spiral bits. It appears the flutes of these bits spiral downward so the cut material would go down away from the cork roadbed. Maybe one of your viewers or colleagues has one of these tools and can let us know if they work or not?
Looking forward to the next installment,
Could you guys please make the clips Longer?
You can get full size paper templates of turnouts by using a freeware track planning software like SCARM and printing the turnouts out 1:1 on a printer. As far as the cost of turnouts, if you buy direct from Walthers, you will pay a premium price. Shop around at some of the discount online places and you'll do better. MB Klein would be an excellent choice. Usual disclaimer applies….not affiliated…blah blah blah….just a satisfied customer.
If possible could those of us with limited funds but wanting to work on this project, could we get full size templates of all the different turnouts? then we could continue by laying out the track on the plywood. It would be a huge help. Thanks!!
To Joe from Pennsylvania:
That mine started out as a Walthers New River Mining Co., but it was kitbashed by MR Senior Editor Jim Hediger. Jim will tell you exactly how he did it in our May issue.
David, how did you build / design the transition between the HO-scale cork road bed and the N-scale cork sheets you used for the yard? Thank you.
I am trying to use a curved peco turnout going in to the yard from the main line. The six axle locomotives like the ouside radius which equals 24" radius, but the inside is apparently equal to 21 to 22" radius, they the six axle locomotives, and 57' refers and 64' cars do not like the indide at all. Maybe the switch, or maybe have to buy a larger radius on the inner track, I think peco makes #7 which outer is 28" radius, and inner is 24", could possibly work better. Any suggestions would be helpful.
Dave,
Fine episode. The future cam reminds me that the episodes are quite a few months old so it is not like we are seeing each as they are done each week. Nice tip on drilling for auto turnouts even if using manual ones to start with. Often this is the case until the budget allows improvements.
Thanks again!
Mark
shoot, I just did the calculations for the Peco turnouts and it is $242.80 without shipping.
Question? If I calculated correctly there is almost $200 in turnouts used for this project. Isn't there a less expensive way to go? Not exactly fllush with funds right now!! That is just the turnouts and that may be a conservative estimate!!
I just priced the total cost of all the track from Walters and it came to over $800.00 dollars. The one walters turnout was $45.50 for just one. WOW guess I'll go smaller or go to train shows to find some cheaper.
Your videos are really fun to watch. I especially like when you show the stupid things that happen. like when the layout did not fit in the back of the model railroader "van". we all experience these quirky happenings. its good to see even the the supposed experts ( you / MRR ) having a go at Murphys Law.
David…It's really helpful to see a hands on demonstration of the track laying and turnout requirements. Sometimes written explanations just don't cut it. I'm really enjoying this video series. Keep up the good work.
I would have never thought of using Sectional track on my cures, What a great Idea , thank you Dave , always something to learn
Thanks, Dave for those excellent tips on laying curves and turnouts. Those will save me a lot of @#$%^&**^% words when laying more track on a layout I am working on.
Psychic or idiot?(me)…just received the latest print issue (for those with the same question as me) which, despite online updates, actually details turnout specs and curve radii for all but one turnout. And now we know. Thanks, David!
Another enjoyable video and a good tip about drill for future powered turnout control.
Thanks and have a great day.
I have been building along the current virginian project layout and was wondering if anyone can tell me what coal mine kit was used for the lower mine on the layout. I am going to he train show in Baltimore next weekend would like to purchase it .
When I was laying track at a trolly car museum. We used a iron butterfly and a ram to bend the rail for the tight radius. I was laying sprung flex track on a tight radius it was kinking at the joints. I used a pair of old pliers and prebent the rails by putting a jaw on each side of the rail and twisting. This made for a smooth joints
David very informative as always. My question what program does Model Railroader use ot draw their layouts? I would like to use some of the layouts in MRR and modify them for my space, any suggestions?