stevecockrill

Hi Exa: I made the modification in the bottom picture. I definitely would not describe it as needing lots of work - a sharp utility knife and a plate or brick as a cutting guide is all it takes. The 2x4 bley plate to anchor the cut is key. Mechanically that helps for perfect alignment. Steve

Sorry for the delay (and it seems I've been beaten to the punch elsewhere!), but here's my images of the modification. First - here's the issue....the closest you can get with standard switches to the double-crossover: Obviously not so good. So, how to rectify...what we really want is this: Simply cut as shown (I used a 1x2 brick as a guide for the utility knife): and reassemble (connect the pieces with a 4x2 bley plate) Voila!: It's twice as long as the double crossover, but definitely less than half the price! And you can always add track in between for a separated crossover (something you can't do with the standard double). You have to squint, but in the far end there's the second half of the crossover: Hope that helps! Steve

Another option is to break out the utility knife and create some custom tracks. I'll have to get a photo, but I created some "better" switch tracks to replicate a longer version of the 7996 cross over piece (given it's cost these days). I'm sure this wasn't a new idea, but it worked great! I simply cut across the appropriate place in the switch track pieces and used a 2x4 bley plate to hold the new pieces together. The nice thing is that the track spacing is the same as the cross over piece, and you can simply add more straights if you so desire.... Steve

Very nice. Do you have more information on the headquarters building? Thanks! Steve

Thank you! Its a really nice simple design, perfect for my kids' town (ok, so its mine too).....I'm not quite ready for something as extravagant as Teddy's library! Steve

Wow, that is great! Would you be willing to share the LDD file? Steve

Amazing, thanks for the pics. Even with the "simpler" design of the town houses, it fits perfectly with the other modular buildings. Thanks - I had been wondering about the specific plate parts used. Steve

For sure! If you could share that set up together, that would be fantastic! Thanks! Steve

Thanks, I have to say, I've already been incredibly inspired! Off to bricklink to build up some stocks! Steve

Incredible MOC! I wonder - do you have any photos of these with Cafe Corner? Thanks! Steve

Wow, this is a fantastic build! Amazing detail, inside and out. What an inspiration!!!! Steve

Hello all. My name is Steve, have been a recent lurker on a few boards. I grew up in the UK (now 37 and in the US) on classic town (and even earlier stuff!)....now my kids are getting into things in a big way! My focus is City/Town and hopefully in the future some trains and can only aspire to MOCs as amazing as I've seen (Svelte, Ralph S, etc, etc). Are there any active members/organizations in the Denver, Colorado area? Thanks, Steve