Converting Lionel LCS SensorTrack To Atlas O Track

Here's how I integrated Lionel's LCS SensorTrack with Atlas O track. 

Remove The Circuit Boards from the FasTrack

The SensorTrack circuit board is easily removed using a screw driver. 

The circuit board is small enough to fit under Atlas O track

Trim Atlas O Track Ties

I used a Dremel tool and a wood file to trim six ties. Trimming six ties provides ample room to adjust the track over the circuit board and the two IR sensors.

Next, notch the second and fifth tie. Each notch provides an opening for the IR sensor. 

Carve Roadbed To House Circuit Board

My layout uses roadbed from Hobby Innovations. You'll definitely need some type of roadbed to make the installation possible. 

Roadbed carved to hold the circuit board

Circuit Board and Track Installation

You should screw the circuit board to the table. I used Atlas track screws. The screws fit perfectly in the existing circuit board screw holes. If you don't screw the board down, then weight of the PDI cables may cause the board to shift. 

Once secured, install the PDI cables. You'll need to cut a fairly large hole. I cut my hole bigger than necessary in order to plug/unplug the PDI cables (if needed). 

Finally, install the track over the circuit board. The IR sensors are exposed through the notches in the track ties.

This installation works great on my layout.

Final Steps

I ballast my track using Brennan's Better Ballast. I am still trying to figure out what to do with the external program/ record circuit board. I will probably run a longer cable to move the circuit board away from the track. 

Custom O-Scale Turntable Construction Pictures

Here are some pictures showing the construction of a custom built O-Scale turntable.

Atlas O27 track is used for the pit rail

Pit rail installation

Pit wall installation

Install arch on bridge deck

Ballasting Track

I am ballasting the track using Brennan's Better Ballast. The product is great, and the end result is absolutely fantastic. 

I am using techniques described by +ericstrains. You can find Eric's tutorial videos on YouTube.

• O-Scale 3-Rail Track Tutorial (Part 1) 
• O-Scale 3-Rail Track Tutorial  (Part 2)
• O-Scale 3-Rail Track Tutorial (Part 3) 

The ballast is still wet with glue.

I am also weathering the ties and rails. Weathering removes the sheen from the ties and gives it a grungy look.

Adding Backdrops

I started adding the backdrops to the layout. The backdrop boards are 1/8" masonite screwed to 2x3s. The 2x3s are attached to the layout benchwork. The 2x3s are backed with felt to keep from marring the walls. The seams and screw holes are covered with drywall tape and mud. 

The overall structure is quite sturdy.

I still need to sand the seams and screw holes. Once smooth, the background will be painted a very light "sky blue" color.

Inexpensive Engine Cradle

I recently built an O-Scale engine cradle to reduce damage during service and repair.

Materials Needed

• 3 2x4s (cut to 20 inches)
• old towel
• a few screws

Screw together the 2x4s (the foam padding on the sides is not needed)

Add an old towel

Insert engine for servicing

Layout Update - Bridge Installation

Bridge Installed

Future location of Silica Plant

Layout Update #3 - Turntable Benchwork and Switch Installation

New Benchwork with Custom Turntable Installed

Foam board installed

Foam board painted brown

Atlas O #5 Switch with two insulated rails wired to an Atlas O Non-derailing Circuit Board

Atlas O Non-derailing Circuit Board controlling the #5 Switch

Layout Update #2

Starting Over Is Fun

I recently picked up Dennis Brennan's "Realistic Modeling for Toy Trains". Dennis is a really nice guy. He was gracious enough to answer a few questions and provide input that helped me design my new layout.

After reading the book I decided to start over from the beginning. My original layout was a boring oval. 

New Layout

The new layout incorporates three main areas: industrial zone, small town, and scenic bluffs crossing a river. 

Next Steps

1. tear down existing layout
2. reconfigure the L-girder benchwork
3. install table top (possibly using foam board or ceiling tiles for noise reduction)
4. start laying Atlas O track (about 207 feet of track)

Layout Update #1 - Turntable

Recent Images

The turntable has power. You can also see the double-bay engine house in the background.

Turntable bridge deck railings are painted and installed. They look great!

Control house is installed with railings

Part Links

• Railing stanchions and control house (Millhouse River Studio)
• Railings (Tichy Train Group)
• Engine House (Atlas O)

I still need to complete the railings on the other side of the bridge deck. 

Laying The First Track

This is just the beginning.

First track goes down.

The track to the custom turntable is almost complete.

Mainline switching using Atlas O #5 switches.

Installation of Custom O-Scale/ O-Gauge Turntable

Here are some pictures showing the installation of a custom built O-Scale/ O-Gauge turntable. The turntable is controlled by a 12VDC motor.

Step 1: Build adjustable bench to hold the 30" custom O-Gauge turntable. The entire turntable structure is 36"x36". 

Step 2: Mount the turntable to the benchwork.

Step 3: Add the top board.

Step 4: Adjust the height of the table.

Step 5: Level and Adjust (a lot).

Step 6: Add the rotating bridge. The bridge is not complete. I still need to build and install a control house and add fencing. 

Millhouse River Studio Transfer Table

Millhouse River Studios recently released a new transfer table.

L-Girder Benchwork

A basic L-Girder design with 1/2" OSB top. The L-Girder design allows for easy customizations later.

Layout Specifications

Basic specifications:

• Roughly 23' x 15' feet
• Atlas O Three Rail Track
• Minimum curve is O72
• Maximum curve is O99
• #5 and O72 switches
• Turntable
• Custom built
• Control System
• Lionel Legacy System
• Lionel TCP 400
• Lionel Powerhouse 180
• Wiring
• 14 AWG main bus line
• 20 AWG feeders (roughly every 3 to 5 feet)
• Roadbed
• Flexxbed from http://www.hobbyinnovations.com
• Benchwork
• L-Girder frame
• 1/2 inch OSB

Lionel Legacy Software Update

Finally upgraded my Lionel Legacy base station and remote to the latest 1.51 software.

I still need to come up with a better railroad name.