HI, JUST AFTER 48 YEARS STARTED TO GIVE MODEL RAILROADING A TRY. I HAVE A PLATFORM 5FT X 10FT WIDE. LOOKING TO RUN 4 SETS OF SUBWAY CARS. I AM LOOKING TO BUILD OR PURCHASE THE MODEL EL. MY QUESTION IS THAT I CONTACTED A MAN WHO OWNS THE STEELTOY.COM AND HE WILL BUILD THE EL TWO TRACK WITH O54 OUTSIDE AND 045 INSIDE. ITS MADE OF LIGHT METAL. DID ANYONE EVER PURCHASE THE METAL EL OR ITS BEST TO BUILD IT WITH PLASTIC. THANKS TONY

It's really a personal preference. I personally don't like steeltoys el. It looks like vintage tinplate to me. It's pressed metal. A couple years ago when I went to my first York, I had the sole intention of buying a large amount of his stuff, but was sadly disappointed when I saw it in person. I haven't decided how I am going to do it yet, but it will either be plastic using Steve Olsen's method or more likely I am going to figure out a way to do it in wood. Should be cheaper and more stable than the plastic, although once it's all together Steve's is quite strong.

I agree with Chris The SteelToys stuff is very toylike although I did see somebody modify it to look better. Bridge solutions is also making El structure Here is some that we installed

Well, since "molding" an el can get rather expensive (even more than Bridge Solutions (rimshot)) I chose to build one out of common lattice strip (.25"x 1") from Home Depot:

This is a video still from footage I posted to YouTube (link below) from below the structure. The layout owner added the flange and stiffener detail with basswood.

Viewed from above while pacing a subway train. The girders were connected to the trestle caps with bits of brass angle, drilled to accept 4-40 machine screw/nuts. I'm sure there's a less tedious way to do it, but the whole structure was stiff enough to pick up at one end without it breaking.
Video

---PCJ

RailRide,
Can you give some specs on the engine camera you used.

Pros and Cons?

Thanks..........San Diego Frank

I bet he used his custom built cam-trak II

Wow! that is very funny!

Simplicity is a wonderful thing!

I was expecting some hi tech mini cam built into an engine or car.

Thanks for the educational photo

San Diego Frank

Patricks Camtrak videos are great Here are a few more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOb3LNJ4Lnk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kkgBRDtg34

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK2DlJ-uXCk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLsQs42JHoI

Can you give more specifics on how the EL was built? I think i can figure it out from the pics, but was hoping for some actual specs.