Thanks to LocoFi and the use of Dead Rail, my interest in actually having a model railroad to run trains on convinced me to start my first HO layout in a long, long time.
I have documented the build so far on my Website, “A Journey Into HO Scale Model Railroading in the 21st Century”.
The section titled, “My First HO Train Layout in a Long, Long Time; the process”, covers, in detail, the build of my benchwork, track plan and running the first trains on the layout.
https://theampeer.org/HO/#ARC36
I have also posted two YouTube videos.
My First HO Train Layout in a Long, Long Time – Part 1: The Search for a Track Plan & Layout
My First HO Train Layout in a Long, Long Time – Part 2: How the Benchwork Was Created
I had the chance, on Christmas day, to “run some trains” on the layout for some of our family. They thought the layout was pretty neat but they were blown away by running the trains from the phone app and were really, really impressed with the sounds! They said that they had no idea that that was possible.
The 4’ x 12’ track plan contains two loops, an outer and inner. The inner loop contains the option of a dogbone instead of taking the path of the loop. The inner loop also has two reversing loops, which are easy to do using Dead Rail. There are 5 sidings or spurs for industrial growth. The outer and inner loops are connected to each other by 4 cross-over track paths.
I’ve also created a playlist for my “Making and Using a Portable Dead Rail Demonstration HO Layout Parts 1 – 10
https://www.youtube.com/@EFO-of-southeastern-Michigan/playlists
Enjoy and let me know what you think,
Ken
Hello Ken,
We are humbled by your opinion. Thank you so much! It is indeed a pleasure to see you get inspired (at least partly) by the use of LocoFi™ to start a more permanent layout for running your trains.
Not only that, we are pleased to hear LocoFi™ bring Christmas joy to your family.
Also, your layout construction method seems very unique and creative. Looking forward to further developments.
Best regards,
LocoFi™ Team.
Once again, thank you so much for your very kind comments.
Without you and the LocoFi system, I’d not be as far along in my journey as I am.
So far, my layout idea is working well, even if it is quite different from the accepted standard practices for creating a layout.
The biggest hold up, to continuing work on the layout, has been the supply chain problems.
I had a difficult time getting Atlas Code 83 track and turnouts. Midwest HO cork roadbed has been a nightmare to locate and purchase. Even purchasing more rolling stock has not gone well. It has been quite frustrating.
The negative comments in some YouTube channels comment’s sections and some Facebook pages, regarding Dead Rail/Battery on Board, have made me wonder if maybe the model railroad hobby is not ready for it yet.
I will keep going down this path and just see what happens.
Thanks,
Ken
The negative comments in some YouTube channels comment’s sections and some Facebook pages, regarding Dead Rail/Battery on Board, have made me wonder if maybe the model railroad hobby is not ready for it yet.
We think it’s not entirely true. We have plenty of customers who are deadrail and enjoying it. The negative comments are probably coming from those who are already invested in track powered (and dependent) based systems.
We have tried both (because with LocoFi™ you can) and can say that each has its pros and cons. For example, deadrail installs are a little more complicated but they have the advantage of not having to deal with “dirty track” issues. Taking it a further, “dirty track” can be tackled with a small power backup and we are stepping into the territory of deadrail. In essence, “dirty track” causes a power interruption and is effectively deadrail at that point.
Please note that power backup / deadrail actually doesn’t really work for DCC because with power disconnection there is no more control signals reaching the loco.
Best regards,
LocoFi™ Team
