NTS & B Jan 2009 North Pole Loop Yard

Track is in, and turnouts and siding power is wired. Still having issues with derailments so need to work on track leveling, and possibly another turnout replacement. Wall track just (barely) fits the Polar Express (with about an inch to spare). Front 3 tracks are shorter, but shortest should still hold a steam engine and 3 passenger cars (I hope). Also still need to wire in location sensors. I bought a string of Christmas LEDS that have a very wide visibility angle, which will be mounted under the appropriate tracks under the shelf.


Turnout and track power are controlled by switches mounted under the bridge. The power station containing the transformers is located on the floor almost directly underneath.

The Lionel Polar Express along with an MTH Christmas train with a few additional cars are parked in the new yard.

NTS & B Merry Chrismas 2008

Another year has passed, and the layout is still in process. I'd like to wish everyone a merry Christmas, and happy new years. Wait-is that my present falling off Santa's sleigh ???

NTS & B Helix exit track / graduated trestle complete

The lower helix exit is mounted on the Lionel Graduated Trestle set, bringing the helix loop down to the winter level. At this level, the track will make a raised loop over the mainline yard, and then go back up the other track on the trestle. The winter table top has been repainted white, to faciliate the upcoming snow.

NTS & B Helix Wiring Cleaned up & Norway Pics

I finally got time to clean up the wiring at the bottom of the helix (See June 27, 2008 post). I wanted to try to get the winter layer going so I could set up a Christmas scene, but decided I had to get the helix wiring done first.

Of course, I had to take a little 'detour' to Oslo, Norway for 2 weeks also. Here are a couple pictures of Oslo, and a nice little train store we visited while there.

NTS&B A few Oct 2008 pictures

Scott and Maria were down this weekend, and we got a little camera happy with the upper level. This picture is of Maria standing on her tippy toes looking at the Polar Express from the inside of the Helix.
Here's a good picture of me working on the second (cable stayed) bridge. Talk about having your head in the clouds :)

Here's a picture Maria took of the helix from the inside, looking from the bottom up. I asked her to take one looking down from the top, but for some reason she wouldn't do it :)

NTS & B First 3 of 5 power stations complete

The first 3 power station shelves are completed. Instead of having 1 huge central control panel, I decided to have a distributed power design. Each power station will house all of the transformers to control 1 or 2 levels, and will be positioned close to the tracks and accessories they will control.

The station on the left will control the Subway level. The only additional switches required so far control the station stop, and are fastened to the power distribution box directly above the transformer.

The center station will control the Winter and Helix levels. Switches for the overhead level power and switch tracks will be located on the underside of the bridge directly above this station. The location of the controls for the winter level switches and accessories is yet to be determined, but will be probably on the front of the subway bench work directly over the station.

The station on the right will control the mainline tracks, yard, and switches. The yard power switches are located on the mainline layer directly over the power station. Also housed in the mainline station is the Train Master Command Control (TMCC) module, and the Train Power Control (TPC) module. The TMCC module sends digital commands for remote control to engines that are equipped with the TMCC receives. The TPC controls the track power for 1 track, and can be used to remotely control older 'conventional' locomotives. The output of this TPC will go to a power distribution module in each power station. The module will have switches to select the TPC or local transformer control. This will allow the remote controlled voltage to be switched to any track, to make troubleshooting problems easier at remote locations.

There will eventually be 2 more stations located at the other end of the layout, one on each side of the isle. These will be located close to the operating accessories in these areas.

NTS & B Second attempt on cable stayed bridge

Am trying a different type of nylon cord. Cord I first used was clear. I was trying to use LEDs to change the color on demand, but the cords would not show up. The cord on the side closest to the camera is light blue weed-eater string. Shows up a little better in they daylight, but no help with the LEDs. So much for that idea. I plan on restringing the other side with the blue cord when time permits.

NTS & B Second power station started

Second (of 5) transformer shelf is built, waiting for paint. Shelf is in approximate position. Leg brace will have to be trimmed before if will fit where it is supposed to. Unit is app 18 inch wide, 30 inch tall, and made out of 1x12 with a plywood backing.

NTS & B last winter level table finished

The last of the winter level tables is now complete and installed. Need to paint some supports. Gaps between the 2 layers will eventually be filled in with foam 'stone' walls, or a steep rock wall. Module is approximately 3 ft x 6 ft, and made out of 1x4 and 1x2 frame covered with 1/2 inch 4 ply plywood.

NTS & B Second major bridge started

Sep 2008 - Decided that the bridge for the second room crossing should be a different then the suspension bridge used for the first one. This one will be a 'cable stayed' type. This is the first tower up, with one side strung. I am using nylon line, with the plan of adding colored LEDs or wheat bulbs to change colors on the lines (at least that is the plan).