32 http://www.ModelRailroader.com
Wiring and control
I originally designed the layout for
direct-current (DC) block operation.
These blocks proved invaluable when
I began installing a signal system using
Bruce Chubb’s Computer Model
Railroad Interface (C/MRI) electronics.
Bruce Chubb designed the C/MRI
system more than 30 years ago. He
wanted to use the logic processing power
of a computer to do what previously
required lots of wires and relays. I’d fol-
lowed Bruce’s signaling articles, includ-
ing his 16-part series on C/MRI in
Model Railroader, and in 1999 beganassembling my system. While I could
have bought assembled C/MRI boards,
I instead used blank circuit boards and
soldered on the components myself.
I finished the task by 2002.
I scratchbuilt the searchlight signals
using steel washers for the heads and
brass parts for everything else. I origi-
nally used two-color 5mm light-emitting
diodes for the aspects but switched to
3mm LEDs when they became available.
I use an old Windows 95 computer to
run the QuickBasic 4.5 C/MRI software.
My friend Don Wood wrote the initial
program, but I programmed the screen
display and other subsequent changes.In 2010 I converted the layout to
Digital Command Control (DCC) using
a Digitrax system and the firm’s wireless
simplex-radio throttles. Other than
removing my large block control panel
and some wiring, the DCC conversion
was easier than I thought it would be.
I still use the C/MRI system without
any problems.
I’ve updated many of my locomotives
to DCC and sound. I also try to purchase
new locomotives with factory-installed
DCC sound decoders.Locomotives and rolling stock
Because I model the early 1950s, I can
plausibly run both steam and diesel
locomotives. When I started the layout,
I would kitbash Roundhouse steam
locomotive kits to better match Soo
prototypes. As the quality of locomotive
models has improved, I’ve upgraded my
fleet to include engines from Athearn,
Atlas, Bachmann, Broadway Limited
Imports, and Walthers.
Since I limited train lengths to 10
cars, I don’t worry about double-heading
locomotives. Some of my most powerful
engines are my four Alco RS-1 diesels
built by Kato. A single Kato RS-1 can
pull 20 freight cars up a 2 percent grade.
I have about 150 pieces of rolling
stock on the layout. I try to keep my cars
consistent with the layout’s era. There are
kit-built and ready-to-run cars from a
variety of manufacturers. I also have
some cars designed by my friend Ken
Soroos for the Soo Line Historical &
Technical Society. I’ve also painted and
decaled cars for the RLD&M using cus-
tom decals that I designed and then had
printed by the late Don Manlick.
When I add a car to the layout, I fol-
low a standard process. First I replace
any plastic wheelsets with metal ones,
paint the wheel faces and car under-
frame, and add weight to the car until it
matches NMRA RP-20.1 specifications.
Then, after gently washing the car to
remove any leftover impurities, I apply a
wash of charcoal-colored acrylic paint to
weather the model.
For many years Nickel Plate Products
made the only commercially available
ready-to-run HO scale model of a Soo
Line wood caboose. Back in the 1970s,
I bought one for $35, and it remains the
only brass model I own. My other Soo
Line wood cabooses are built from
kits by LaBelle, Dennis Storzek, and
Centralia Car Shops. I’ve also kitbashed
several cabooses from Roundhouse “Old
Timer” models.❹ Mixed train No. 112 passes the Dallas grain elevator on the Ridgeland branch
line. Bob kitbashed Soo Line combine no. 300 by splicing two Roundhouse Overton
passenger cars together.❺ At Dallas, Consolidation no. 438 heads down the main line while 2-6-0 Mogul
no. 119 holds at the depot on the branch line. Computer Model Railroad Interface
electronics control the scratchbuilt trackside signals.