| Last updated on November 22, 2020
Can you believe it? Trains are up and running on both the new and original sections of the Olympia Logging Co. On30 layout! But the “fun run” is short-lived, as David works to first complete the trackwork, and then install a short timber trestle.
Members enjoy 15% off any purchase in our store. Join Today!
Milwaukee, Racine & Troy HO scale steel cupola caboose - road name 1407
Don’t miss this exclusive HO scale Milwaukee, Racine & Troy steel cupola caboose.
Hello Christopher,
The turnouts are connected to Blue Point manual switch machines. I used Blue Points throughout the layout, and they work well. I was surprised that I hadn’t shot a video on Olympia about installing them, until I remembered that we’d shot a very detailed video in the Winston-Salem Southbound series showing exactly that. Look for Winston-Salem Southbound series: Handlaying track part 6. It covers the project in detail.
Best wishes.
David
What did you do for switching the new section? Manual switch system? What is the system to connect the switches and the pull/push knobs?
looks good David this bridge will work well.
David,
How is it working out having the layout in a box so to speak? I used a similar construction for an N scale layout when I was in the service which worked great since the boxes were only a foot wide and made it very easy to follow me around. But I’ve been reluctant to try it for my HO layout because at two feet I’m concerned the scenes would be too deep and would look like they were in a box. How’s it working so far?
Nice job David really looking good. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ingrid !
Excellent Dave. I too, have a logging RR off to one side of my main layout. I have yet joined the two. It is on the bucket list. I love your wooden trestle.
I still think this is one of my all-time favourite MR project layouts.
The original Olympia used a sector plate to move trains in and out of staging as well as between the levels. Is it still possible to use this? Will it be operated from the front now (moving the plate)?
David,
I know there is some delay between the filming of MRVP videos and the posting but I still find it amazing that you have the stamina to work on both the Olympia and the Canadian Canyons layout simultaneously. Honestly, there are some days that I feel overwhelmed just working on a simple around-the-room 9’X9′ layout. Keep up the great work! As always, I look forward to the next installment.
Mark
I like the evolution of the addition as you build it and the modifications to the original section. The video is very professionally done. This a layout that would fit along a wall leaving the room usable for other things.
David, why use Blue Point over Tortoise machines when the cost is just about the same?
Where do the trees kom from? Also the figures are ferry nice like to know where to get them
Jan, The Netherlands
Great update David. Straight track alignment didn’t seem all that important in the small mountainous logging camps from pics I’ve seen unlike their Class I high speed mainline cousins. I like the simple timber trestle as I would like to add more of those for drainage if/when I expand my current layout. Finally, the Blue Point Switch machines reminding me I need to install my two remaining ones for those pesky hard-to-reach turnouts. I know you have short frogs, but any reason you didn’t wire the remaining contacts for further connectivity? Excellent job on this segment !
Do you have a link to the PDF you referenced?
Great one, David! I like the way you use vast speed video in strategic places. I also like the shakiness of your hands which lets all the rest of us klutzes feel we have a chance. And as for the crookedness of the track, hey, it’s a logging railroad, and it’s meant to be ripped up in the future. It’s turning out real nice! This is very different than every other project you guys do in that it doesn’t have to be, and shouldn’t be, perfect, like a main line railroad. — Boy that Climax is slow. It gives me the creeps. Looking at old logging videos they would run as fast as they could. Highballing!
Another well done video. I like the explanation and description on how the bridge was built
Looking really nice David!!!
hi dave I have built a copy of your benchwork but I’m going to have an ho logging layout. my question is where did you get the long track guagng tool. I’m going to hand lay all my track and switches.
David, don’t worry about keeping the track straight, just keep it in gauge. Remember this is a logging railroad and they didn’t worry too much about such things. I know it offends our modelling sensibilities, but that’s the way things were. Besides, if the track is to be torn up in three to six months, who cares?
Nice job on the trestle, simple, no frills. But, why not paint the foam filler before you put it in?