As of August 2002, the track work and wiring is about 95% complete. Mainline wiring is 100% done. My "to-do" list is wiring the turntable and associated "house" tracks off the turntable. The lead going to the turntable is wired. I also have to wire up a couple of "under-the-table" switch machines for a cross-over.
What else has been accomplished. I have three sidings/blocks, where I can turn-off the track power and park my diesels without having an effect on mainline operations. I have installed Caboose Industries hand throws for all my turnouts, except for the one crossover. Why is the one cross-over powered? Well this is to ease operation since these crossovers, may not be within easy reach of the operator.
As you can probably tell by my DCC pages, I am using NCE DCC system for my control system. I like it very much.
As of October 21, 2001 all the track is down and there is power to the track. A test train ran over the layout pulled by a six axle Conrail locomotive C30-7 6601. Conventional DC power was supplied to the rails. There were some glitches which were quickly remedied. Digital Command Control (DCC) is in the process of being installed and hopefully it will controlling the trains by Thanksgiving 2001. As you all know, I have had set-backs, but this has only made me appreciate it more. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I will have some pictures of the layout to post.
As being an associate member of the Appalachian Rail Cooperative, I had to come up with a private road name and herald. I did come with this name back in early 1998. In June 1998 a prototype railroad started using this name with the GRIV reporting marks. I guess it was a good name! So, please do not confuse this model railroad with the real Gauley River Railroad. After reading about the prototype, I may have had this name first and will probably keep it longer. I have posted some more notes about the real GRR in my notes from the manager, dated 23 May 2000.
