I have been able to get reasonably close by changing the speed table curves and adjusting the chuff rate CV.  As Doneldon said, the only way to get a 100% accurate chuff rate is to use a cam.  I may break down and install them on my locomotives before long.

Nice work, Rye.  Those look great.

How much of the N scale model was printed?  Do you have a 3D printer or did you have someone else do it?   I've been kicking around the idea of buying one.

Been giving more thought to my trackplan, it’s still not working for me, even after the changes made 2 years ago (see page 3).  I’ve decided I don’t like the all the hidden track and the trackwork on the middle two sections is still too busy.  Also, I have been getting more and more frustrated with the Atlas turnouts I used. 

I’m planning to modify my benchwork on the middle two sections to lower it (or raise the other two sections) so that my previously hidden portion of the main line will be at zero elevation instead of -3.5”.  With the reworking of the mainline, I’ve been able to condense the turntable lead tracks to be on two sections instead of three.  Except for the engine service area, I plan to go to open-grid style on the rest of the benchwork.  Probably ought to add a backdrop of some kind while the layout is disassembled.

I’m going to attempt some partially hidden storage/staging tracks (lower right corner), something I’ve been trying to work into the track plan from the beginning.  It's not a lot of storage, but better than nothing.  The tracks will partially be on a drop-leaf to allow clearance to open the closet door.  The ladder turnouts will be hidden, but plan to mount them on a removable base that will drop out for maintenance or adjustments.  Think I may try some of those hump yard switch levers to operate them.

For the turnouts, I’m planning on changing to the Walthers/Shinohara line (comments?) since they offer a pretty wide variety as I need a couple curved turnouts and a 3-way turnout.  Also, changing to #5 turnouts instead of the #6’s in use currently.  Atlas makes a good, inexpensive turnout, but I’m hoping the extra cost of the Walthers turnouts will translate to better quality and reliability. 

Planning to make these changes over the coming winter, got a few projects needing finished first, such as the Shay (haven’t forgot about it, just busy with other things).  Probably be making a tweak or two to the new trackplan as well.  For example, I’d at least like to work in another passing siding on the lower level tracks near the new sawmill location and may reroute the logging camp spur from what is shown.

Comments and critiques are appreciated.

EDIT:
Made changes to the plan as stated previously, added the passing siding and logging camp spur reroute.

Trackplan v3.0

This may or may not be a good suggestion, but what about a satin or semi-gloss finish? 

For example:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXHG82

The layout will work fine without isolating the inner and outer loops if you only want to run one train (or two trains, one on each loop) with one power pack.  They would need to be isolated if you want to control each loop/train with a dedicated power pack for independent control. 

The shells are identical best I can tell.  I did the same swap with my 44-tonners.

Sid,

Best wishes on your upcoming surgery and congrats on quitting smoking.

Very cool, Sid.  Weathering looks great.

Turned out really nice, Jonathan.  I like the workbench, did you scratchbuild it?

I'm going to have to take my roundhouse apart and paint the interior after seeing yours.

I know for sure the 44-tonner shells interchange.  I put older two-motor shells on newer single motor frames.  I would venture to guess the 70-tonners are the same.

Looks great, Jonathan.  I may have to pick up one of those kits and give it a try.

Thanks Jonathan.

Scenery will come.  Been hesitant to start until I'm sure I don't want to change any more trackwork or anything.  Time and money better spent on other things at this point I feel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG8tmeIzurk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Video as promised, let's see how this works.  First time doing any kind of video editing and first time uploading anything to youtube.  29 years old and just now losing my youtube v-card.

Recorded and edited the video on my phone, may try it again on the computer later on.

EDIT:

This video is a little less janky.  Same as the other minus the pass by at the end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8UflW4x54A&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Finished decoder installation last night.  Made a test run on the layout to check functions, ran and tracked well.  Need to adjust some CV's and clean track, then work on that video.  Stay tuned.

No, I don't unfortunately.  Micro-mark has a digital scale that's been on my "To-Buy" list, hasn't been a priority though.

My estimate is that it will be less than that of the 3-truck being that the 3rd axles don't bear any weight.  Probably around 2/3 to 3/4, depending on how much weight I can cram in it.