HO Scale Donner Summit Model Railroad Project
Filed Under (DCC Model Trains) by admin on 20-08-2010
Tagged Under : Donner, model, project, railroad, scale, Summit
This clip is of the 15′ x 10′ HO Scale Donner Summit layout that I’m building for a valued customer in California. This is the first train to run around the layout since I completed the top deck (visible portion) track. The hidden staging and staging ramp trackwork were done first. Hope you enjoy the video. More of this layout’s construction from the beginning and my other projects – both in the works and completed can be seen on my website at www.thesolutionfarm.com. Thanks for looking! Mark
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Atlas Union Railroad #31 MP15DC DCC Powered N Scale Locomotive
- Colorful painting and printing
- Accurate Prototypical painting and lettering
- Roller-bearing or friction-bearing trucks where appropriate
- Equipped with AccuMate operating knuckle couplers
- Die-cast chasis
Rating: 
(out of reviews)
List Price: $ 164.99
Price: $ 108.82
Question by dlwabw@sbcglobal.net: What is the difference between a DCC and an analog model train?
Best answer:
Answer by poorcocoboiboi
DCC uses digital signals to control individual locomotives (or groups of locomotives) separately or collectively in a single, large block of track. Analog systems cannot send different signals to two locomotives in the same track block because they work by adjusting the voltage across the rails. As a result the track must be divided electrically into many smaller parts.
DCC is more expensive than analog systems, because the DCC decoder must be added in to every locomotive. But they are simpler to build and operate. It’s also muh easier to hook up multiple locomotives on a train with DCC because the controllers match speed for you. Analog locomotives won’t run at exactly the same speed on the same current, so ganging them is more difficult.
What do you think? Answer below!
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Man that is one gorgeous layout u got there i wish i could make a layout thst big but i dont have enough space.
ok – nice layout but is this layout to see trains go round – like do a couple of laps then go to staging? Is there any operation to the layout?
@ruemiser This layout is on a rack in storage waiting for customer pickup. I built the benchwork, laid the track and wiring. It’s going to California and the buyer will be doing the scenery once the layout is installed in his home.
where is the finished layout?
@reiltations Hey thanks for the compliments!
VERY WELL constructed benchwork! Great Effort on the whole layout!
Best of luck & ENJOY!
@Rightn2Parabola I finished it up in mid November 2009 and it’s in storage waiting pickup in June. It was finished to the customers desired level – benchwork to running trackwork and DC wiring with DCC in mind in the future. This video was about mid-way through the project. You can see from day one to racking on my website on the completed projects page. Thanks for the compliments!!! Mark
Very nice! Who would have thought that a bare bone layout could be so sweet. Great job. Are you planning to finish then ship this monster?
@baldwin280 Thanks for the compliment! Grades form staging were 2.86% = 2.75″ rise per 8′ of track length = .34″ per foot (11/32″). Hope that helps you out. – Mark
Smooth run. What grade have you achieved in the run down & up from the staging?
@JohnsonJr52 Thanks alot for the compliment! Glad you like it!!! Thanks again!
This is very awesome.
Thanks…I’ve heard the name or read it someplace but not familiar with the work. I hope it was/is a nice layout…
It’s a good size…thanks
Hey…sorry but the video clip was mostly for my customer. I just did benchwork and made the trains run. Customer was doing all scenery…Thanks for the critique and compliment. 15′x10′ around 66″ high at the summit.
The layout is only for bench work and the ability to run trains for dc with a transition to dcc when customer is ready…no scenery work for me on this layout.
The reply’s a little late but thanks a ton!
Nice. I did a Lynn Westcott 8 x 14 twice round.
I am envisioning the mountains/snow sheds etc.. Looks to be a great layout.
PLEASE send more videos of its progress. Thanks.
massive layout!
I like the video, but i would like to know information on this layout. He dose not explain the height , size or where structures will go at. Other than that its a good one.
What stage of your construction are you up to? The reason why i’m asking you is you might have some tips on road bedding and there after which might be useful. The main wood working construction is complete and i’m now at a point of reaching scenery stage
Excellent work. The quality of your handy work is amazing.
Yeah, no problem!
Thanks for the compliments…l really appreciate it!!! Mark