Track, Power, and Wiring Completed

A shot of the final track plan, minus the 3 non-attached tracks in the foreground.  Everything is wired and running.

 

The control center:  Modern Lionel ZW with 2 180w PowerHouses, 14 switch controllers, 8 uncoupler activators, 1 operating track controller, 1 modern Lionel Log Loader controller, 10 power block toggles, 2 SC-2s for TMCC switch control, 1 Lionel TMCC unit with Cab 1.  The train can easily be operated in conventional or command mode, though the calibration on the ZW's arms in conventional mode is horrible.  One 180w powerhouse feeds the outer loop, yard, and passenger siding.  The other 180w pw feeds the inner loop, the reversing section, and the log yard siding.



 

Below that is a shelf that has a Lionel CW-80 that provides static power to the switches, uncouplers, log loader, operating track, and crossing gate (seen in above photo).  A Lionel 40 watt controller is used for lights.  The 3 electrical switches mounted on the layout are, top-to-bottom:  On/Off/Fader for overhead lights, power for command control components, main power.



Ballast Experimentation

It's kind of illogical to ballast FasTrack, since it already has a plastic base built in.  If I could choose any other track, I would go with Atlas O without a base so ballasting would make more sense.  But the fact is that I already have a lot invested in the FasTrack, and it is great track no matter what.  I also think the switches are incredibly good, and I might not be able to find that with other systems.  I'm not speaking from experience with other switches, just considering it.  Finally, while I do think the gray plastic base on FasTrack looks good, I think ballasting will look dramatically better for what I am shooting for, which is kind of a high-rail type of layout.

So here is my first shot at it.  I don't particularly love what I am seeing but it is ok.