While David and Bryson allow the previously painted rail (Episode 16) to dry, they take a moment to focus on installing a switch motor…and they made an electrifying discovery! Follow along as they reveal the issue and the simple remedy that kept the project on the rails. Of course, other efforts must continue as the crew works to get the HO scale (1:87.1) East Troy Industrial Park project layout ready for the pages of Model Railroader magazine. Also in this episode, Bryson tackles a railroad bridge construction project, while David installs an inclined roadway.
Be sure to keep up with the construction progress by linking into the Trains.com Workshop Webcam (available 24/7), and the full series of helpful, instructional videos rolling out every month until the effort concludes. Even then, the fun will continue in frequent Trains.com articles/updates and Model Railroader print features, beginning with the January 2026 issue. You won’t want to miss the Expert Tips and Techniques the crew will share with you along the way, as they have a bit of fun bringing the ETIP into fruition!
Any reason you use caulk vs hot glue on your scenics risers? I used glue for faster set time and it still is able to be peeled off if I need to remove or re-position the riser foam.
We are down to the wire now. Now the blogs will be in rapid succession. Because the layout needs to be finished in about 2 weeks so they can make Eric’s deadline for the January issue of Trains and MR the layout must be done by that time. Keep working at MR Staff it is now crunch time on the MR&T but you will get it done.
Nicely done. What kind of turnout is on the bridge? Is it one that has a “spring loaded” throw bar as it doesn’t look like there is room for a switch motor?
Isn’t that what jumpers and/or small switches are suppose to do like on other electronic products/boards – IMHO shouldn’t have to solder – hope you never have to undo that setting on switch machine.
Hi, Roger — Trains are indeed operational! We’ve shared a few clips in Episode 15, starting at timecode 18:34… Enjoy! -kj
https://www.trains.com/vid/modeling/series/layout-builds/east-troy/east-troy-industrial-park-ep-15-installing-switch-motors/
Since I believe that most track is laid and wired, a short demo of a train actually running and/or switching would be a nice change of pace. Say starting on the exchange track and traversing to the other end, with perhaps a pickup or dropoff enroute on one spur. After all, operation is our eventual goal.