How about this classic one:

   "No, I won't! You've frightened my customers. I'll teach you!"

Hmm, well most code 100 track is compatible, so you are not limited to peco brands. The smallest radius atlas makes in code 100 is 15" inches, but I have had my share problems with 15". If at all possible, try to keep away from the 15" radius, and move us to 18". I promise you that your trains will thank you.

Oh, and curved turnouts are quite expensive, but your best bet for a code 100 curved turnout is walthers #522-244

  http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/552-244

    It has about 18" inside radius, and 20-21" outside radius. I personally would not use curved turnouts just because of the amount of work that needs to go into keeping the connections on it smooth, but when size is a problem, curved turnouts fit quite well.

Hey Whittman,

   I totally get where you are coming from. I am the same way. If you really want to go all out for a Thomas replica Ho scale station, try to find the old retired hornby maithwaite station kit. Its a total of 3 parts. 1 platform, and two buildings. They show up on ebay now and again. Hornby also made a dryaw station, I have that one, but it is more difficult to find.

Dryaw station:

   


Maithwaite (on a layout):

   

This sounds like a great start, and I am excited to see how it progresses throughout the coming months. I for one would love to see the pictures, nothing that has to do with trains can come even close to boring me. Also, the DCC is a fulfilling project. I heard it is difficult, but I know how great the locomotive's sound with the decoders. My advice for building the legs is: 1. make sure (always make sure) that the layout is level. 2. Add crosspieces for advanced supports, and 3. try to curve the edges of the benchwork, as it avoids issues (especially if you have young kids). Just my 2 cents. -Tanner

  Hmm, Most memorable memory as a child was going to Lancaster Pennsylvania to see the life size Thomas, for the first. It is called Day out with Thomas. I saw it last year and was not the same. It was much smaller then, but more festive at the same time. I remember playing with all the small wooden models for hours on end, and then finally boarding Thomas for my journey in the countryside.
To this day, my family and I return there each year because because we have grown to love the small villages of Strasburg and Intercourse, PA.

Quote from: RW James on July 15, 2012, 05:29:36 PM

Quote from: DinoNTrains on July 15, 2012, 02:22:06 PM
Hi everyone. I have a few more pics of my layout. Enjoy

Here, I hope to make a tiny dockyard, as you can see Bulstrode. I hope to put in Cranky the Crane, too. However, it all depends of if there is enough room.

I've mentioned this before, but I really think it bares repeating... That track is WAY too close to the edge. Equipment WILL fall off the table - guaranteed. If you use flex track you move it back an couple of inches. No track should ever be closer than two inches from the edge.

   Indeed, that did seem a little close, but I think It shouldn't be too hard to pull the track in more. Good catch, RW.

It is called "HO Scale New River Mining Company", and is made by Walthers. Its offered at most stores at a reasonable 34.99 american dollars.

Quote from: DinoNTrains on July 15, 2012, 03:12:19 PM

Quote from: SodorAdventures on July 15, 2012, 03:08:36 PM
Dino, I must say that you layout is coming along quite well. I think the size of the layout you have is perfect, because you can fit many of the main parts of Sodor on it. Cant wait to see the layout with some ground cover, but don't rush it!

Thanks SodorAdventures. Much appreciated. And your layout is coming along very nicely, too. Keep up the good work.

  Not a problem! Just for those of you who didn't see it, It was on the preceding page, I'll move it here now:

As for me, I have mostly finished the new addition to my layout and tore up the old section for a complete revamp. Pictures below for the another...






  Each picture will have a caption to tell you what will go in that spot.



     

                The quarry!!! The one furthest back is the one that connects to the elevated track that loops over the new section. The two closer ones are just sidings for the rolling stock. Also in the 2nd and 3rd track, a coaling plant will be put over. You can see the foam in between to level it. Here is what the coaling plant looks like:


   

    And when its built:
   
         

     Tell me how you like the coaling plant!

 


        A farm, I will use my mat idea to reenact grain around the line. There will also be a grain co-op, shown in the picture, and a barn with a farmhouse.

 


      This will just be a mountain. The spur that goes through the tunnel will open up into the yard, which you might be able to tell.






    A 2% grade for a river to go through. Pretty much just a hill to go over the river. Not too much over there yet.





    This is a junction. I am not sure what to do in that corner. Any ideas for that would be appreciated


         So, thats whats new on the set. Questions, comments, and suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Hey petersam12, I have some great pictures with a new update on The Layout Thread. I think the latest page will jog some ideas!

                                Good Luck! -Tanner

This Post has been moved to the following page: Check there to see it.

Couldn't have said it better myself jward. I would most certainly agree about the 15" radius part, too

        Also, as a personally opinion, I found elevated trackage to be unrealistic for filming purposes. My old layout had an elevated double oval and it never looked right. However, it does add to the depth of the layout.

Oh, wow! I didn't know! 

  Then, make sure you have a lot of space, and time, because its a lot of work just to build the tables for them! I think I can send you some pictures here on how to build the frame of the table in a little while.

                                                                                         -Tanner

Hey Tim,

  my website should auto redirect you to my new website: dovervalleyrailroadstories.com

                If that doesn't work, please let me know! you were saying sodoradventuresonline.com isn't working?

Um, my layout is Anything but normal sized. It is 4 by 16 ft with 2 by 2 's connecting it with another 2 by 16 ft section.   A normal sized layout is 4 by 8 ft. So do you want 4 by 8?

COMING SOON!  New Update news, and some pictures of new things to come on the layout! Get excited!