The below diagram is the current HO scale layout for the DV&W.   There were a couple of modifications that were done when laying track.  The dead-end spur at the upper right now curves under the outer oval and comes to the front of the layout.  The engine servicing facilities were also rearranged to better fit the space and give better views.  Some of the buildings were moved to different locations for better effects and other buildings were added.

The present layout was designed on Atlas RightTrack Software and uses Atlas code 100 sectional track except for a couple small sections of flextrack.   The turnouts are Atlas #4 Snap-Switches.   All rail joints are soldered, except those that are electrically isolated with plastic rail joiners.  The ovals are 22", 18" and 15".  When running articulated locos and/or long passenger cars on the 18" radius track, there is some interference on curves with passing trains on the 15".  With standard sized 50's era freight equipment and non-articulated locos, or with shorter length passenger equipment there is no problem.

The layout is 1" foam board on a 1x4 frame.  I used Woodland Scenics foam roadbed glued with Liquid Nails for foam board.  The track is ballasted with Woodland Scenics medium buff ballast and combinations of natural sand and N-scale ballast.   The glued ballast is all that holds the track in place, and to date it has worked quite well, even with heavy locos on the tight curves.

The inclines are Woodland Scenics 4% styrofoam inclines.

Presently the layout is DCC using an MRC Command 2000, handheld control and 3.5 amp Digitrax power supply.  The reversing track in the center is isolated and controlled by an MRC auto reversing control.

Below are some photos  of the layout "uncluttered by trains!"

Copyright © 2005 Raymond H. von Bober

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