A special acknowledgement to Ron Gagnon who has been running trains for 40 years. He has been extremely generous with his support, advice, and terrific enthusiasm. Planning for the JAM & L lines began in early 2001. Layout design was accomplished using RR Track version 4 for all track, switch and accessory layouts. Construction started the first of August, 2001. Room revisions included the installation of 2 sets of dimmer control incandescent track lighting. Basic benchwork was purchased, cut and assembled in one day with the assistance of Brad Arkebauer.
Approximately 300 hours over a 4 month period went into the actual hands-on track, switch, accessory layout and wiring. Trains were up and running first of December 2001.
Scenery construction was started January 2002 and was essentially completed in June, 2002 in about 400 hours. Total hands-on construction time has been around 700 hours.
BENCHWORK
Table size = 6'2'' x 20' (124 square feet)
Table height = 36"- 2"x4" legs - 1"x 4" frame
3/4'" AA plywood top
Cork roadbed
Track is GarGraves, total of 160 feet. This is equal to 1.5 miles in real-life track.
Switches are Ross Custom, 18 total powered by Tortoise DC motors with four - 12 volt serial wired power packs
Control Panel (33" x 14") is a framed and piano hinged 1/8" painted masonite board, outlined for passenger and freight routes, including sidings. Center-off toggle switches for all crossing switches and momentary push buttons for uncouplers.
Accessory Panel (22" x 14") is a framed and piano hinged 1/8" masonite board with a combination of toggle and push button switches along with select manufacturers switches for each operating accessory.
Primary Routes - Two
One passenger route with two sidings, one 30 degree x-crossing, and one 360 degree circle (hidden in tunnel)
One freight line with one inter loop and two accessory sidings
Both routes tied together at two places TMC Cab1 Remote Control for trains with panel control for tracks, switches and accessories
Power Supply - Main line power is two Lionel 135 volt TrainMasters with base and two Cab1 remote controls.
Accessory power is a dual transformer set for 10 and 14 volts. Two additional Lionel 1033 transformers are set at 10 volts for lights and small accessories
Wiring - Track routes are 14 gauge connected to track every six feet. Accessory wiring is 18 gauge with common ground loops.
Scenery - Primary scenery components are from Woodland Scenics. Special thanks to Sue Stenstrom for her assistance.
Engine Line Up
The following Engines are run
Lionel Reading 4-6-2 Steam
Lionel UP Challenger 4-6-6-4
Lionel Rio Grande Switcher RS-3
Lionel Penn-H-12-44 Switcher
MTH Maersk GP60M Cab 148 MTH
Lionel Santa Fe Passenger Set
MTH 4-4-0-The General Steam Passenger
Lionel Blue Comet Passenger
Accessory Line Up
The following accessories are operated
