Last updated September, 13, 2008.
The Layout
After spending two years in the mid 1980s in Zürich,
Switzerland,
I decided to build a Swiss layout. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)
serves Zürich, so I decided this would be the primary
focus.
I found the private line, Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon
(BLS), also interesting, and decided to model it
also. This
works well since both are seen on each other's tracks.
The time period is the 1990s. Areas modeled are the Zürich
main station (Hauptbahnhof), Därligen station in
canton Bern,
and the area around the hydroelectric facility at Schräh
dam at lake Wägital in canton Schwyz.
Track Plan
Track
Plan(full) Track Plan(lower) Track
Plan(upper)
The upper track is 6 inches (15.24 cm) above the lower track.
Progress
Phase 1, 1st stage. This work began in 2001. Progress is
always
slower than I would like. Most work is done on weekends, and competes
with other weekend tasks. Phase 1 consists of a 3' x 16' flat table,
constructed in sections. The first stage was the table construction and
track laying. The second stage was stringing catenary, and adding the
LED turnout position indicators on the fascia.
All phase 1 track has
been laid. I've placed the buildings where they "might" belong (May
2002). I have decided since to move some, and will soon have the final
details worked out.
Phase 1, 2nd stage
(showing
catenary)
Phase 2, 1st stage
(under
construction)
Phase 2, 2nd stage
(more construction)
Phase 2, 3rd stage (more construction, DCC installed)
DCC Comes to the Layout
May 17, 2008-- At long last, I finally ordered, and received my EasyDCC
radio system. What a dream come true. The installation went without a
hitch.
