Show Highlights

Here we've collected some pictures that show off parts of the layout.

Some things to look for:

• Michel's multiple eras of Canadian Pacific passenger train colour schemes
• Michel's model of the Old Strathcona train station here in Edmonton
• Al's new castle
• Michel and John's operating coal railroad
• new town structures

Most of the crew

Before the crowds

Center section #1

Center section #2

Unfortunately, black on black doesn't photograph very well. The operating coal railway needs to be watched carefully. What appears to be happening is that two trains are running around a loop between the coal mine and the power plant. The cars go into the mine empty and come out full. They go into the power plant full and come out empty. How is this done?

In reality there are three identical trains running on two separate loops of track. Two are always full and one is always empty. Co-operating Mindstorms units read light sensors on the track to control the timing of the trains. The large structures of the mine and the power plant hide the inner loop corners, where the tracks cross to the other side, under the raised table. Look on the Videos page to see how well the timing works out, and a picture on the Setup page for a "lid off" view.

Watch the trains

In Full

Out Empty