Change is good

 Hi folks - well as I mentioned on my last post, I wanted to share some big news for the Nottingham Subdivision - I have decided to revert back to HO scale ( from On30) for my home layout. I will continue to be a member of the On30 modular group that I have belonged to for the last 10 years or so , but have spent considerable time thinking about my direction for my home layout. Although On30 locos and rolling stock are not much bigger than HO scale, the big thing for me given my space constrains was structures. O scale structures are generally 4 times the volume of HO and so I came to the conclusion that I just don't have the space to continue down the O scale road. I have spent the last month ripping up my old On30 trackage and turnouts and they have been replaced with H scale Peco code 83 flextrack and # 5 and #6 turnouts. I liked the track configuration that I have for On30, so no changes were made there. The new track was painted Camo dark brown after it was cut to size and soldered ( remember to leave every third piece unsoldered for expansion purposes). Once that was done I used DAP clear colored sealant to fix the track to the existing N scale roadbed (this was a new method for me). Next I will be adding Caboose Industries ground throws to activate the Peco turnouts - an easier method is just using your finger to push the switch points themselves, but I didn't like the idea of pushing on those parts, as I think over time the stress on them will take a toll. Once that is done I will be further weathering the track before ballasting. In between this I have managed to be able to build one good sized structure and have just received another kit that I have ordered from Otter Valley Railroad. By this fall I hope to have the layout back to "normal" with everything being HO scale at that point. Below is a picture of what I have done so far and the first loco ( and boxcar) to ride the new rails. Till next time....