I thought it was about time for an update, even though I haven’t managed to get much done over the last few weeks. But here goes anyway:
Basically, I have now got in place all the ‘behind the scenes track’ on the left hand side of the layout:
This track has been laid as per the track plan (the only bl**dy section that has) and now I just need to fit the point motors to this and test extensively (if you look carefully Percy is already doing this thanks to my little boy) before I put the upper level in permanently (removed for the photo).
The MDF wall is the end of the layout where I have been informed by mission control I cannot pass as it impinges on her storage space. So I have had to fit a section on a hinge that will lift out of the way when not in use.
I’ve still got to do the brave part here and cut the track to make it possible to lift it again. What do people think of this – will it be OK? It is ‘behind the scenes’ so it doesn’t have to neat and tidy. The track on the other side of the loop is heavily PVA’d down at the moment as it is so close to the roof I couldn’t get in with screwdrivers and soldering irons.
Another view of it, the curve is much too tight and its on a ~1/40 gradient so I’m breaking all the rules and will probably live to regret it, but I have had to make it fit into the space I have. The only engine I have and therefore tested is a LIMA class 59 which can do it OK and in reality is the only engine that would use it anyway.
The right hand side has now been raised by 5cm throughout as the gradient at the back of the layout was just too steep from baseboard level to top deck and caused the engine to pull a wheelie at the top Where the track currently ends on the left hand side I am to raise the track further to the top deck. This ½ way level on the right hand side means the gradient is only 1/50 – much better.
Another view – the track on the right drops down to baseboard level and my new behind the scenes track from the ½ way height level and the tracks on the left are going up to the top deck.
And finally I now have track on my bridge over my valley...
I wanted to avoid points on the bridge, but couldn’t so here they are. I read another thread where people had stated real life examples of bridges with points on so I’m happy with that now.
Anyone reading this from start to finish will now notice the ONLY track I haven’t moved/re-laid is the actual quarry goods yard. My only advice here is plan properly, think it through, when your happy with your plans, think it through again!
Anyway, I’m loving it.
