Test Layouts in our new facility at 970 Windham Court

We have had some customers ask us to post some photos of our new facility in Boardman, OH. As many of you know we relocated our offices in February 2006. In all honesty our new facility is actually where we first started in business in 1998. With some changes to the new location we were able to construct 2 brand new test layouts. One designed specifically for 3-rail O gauge (and O27) and one we call a multi-scale which encompasses HO, S, O scale 2-R, G Scale (#1) and Standard Gauge. Below are some photos of our two new test layouts. We invite you to have a look and give us some feedback on what you think. Please understand there will be no scenery on these layots, as their purpose to allow us to THOROUGHLY test every locomotive we convert and every new circuit board we design. (Sorry, I wish it had scenery, but no time!!!).

The O Gauge test layout measures 12' x 16' and features Gargraves track with Ross switches. We are using Caboose Industries Manual ground throws to control turnouts. Most curves are O72 and O81, however there is a loop of O31 on the bottom level to allow us to test locos on a tight curve too. There are 2 grades on the layout one direction it is a 4.5% grade and the other direction it is a 3% grade. This gives us the ability to abuse our EOB electronics during testing. There are a total of 10 switches, one Double Crossover Switch and one 22.5 degree crossover. There are 2 separate power blocks for the layout using a Williams 150 Watt transformers and a Right of Way 2020 .

We hope you enjoy the photos and look forward to hearing your comments!

This is a photo down the hallway into the O Gauge test layout room.

An end view of the O Gauge test layout (the control panel is not yet complete!)

A corner shot from the control panel

The CB&Q 0-8-0 is on the downside of the 4.5% grade.

A photo looking back towards the control panel

The Multi-scale test layout measures 9.5' x 14' and features an oval of HO, S gauge, 2-rail O scale and #1/Standard Gauge track, which allows us to test all scales of locomotives with TMCC (excluding HO of course).

An overall view of the Multi-scale test layout in the backshop

A close up of the Multi-scale track (from left to right is HO, S, 2-rail O scale and
on the far right is Gargraves #1/Standard Gauge 5-rail track).