Wednesday, December 23, 2015

The track crew was out again...

Another update on the progress of the loft layout:


Re-aligned and Replaced Mainline

I removed a slight jog from the foreground (left) track, and replaced the vintage section of track with smoother Peco flex track to improve the alignment of the track (right). The push pins show where the work was actually done...


Preparation for crossover and freight house siding

As part of the work to improve operation interest and facilitate the replacement of the vintage flex track, I cut the gaps for the turnouts into the mainline. The goal was to complete the preparation work for switch motors as well...


One switch motor mounting pad (of two)


...unfortunately I only manage to get one complete before time ran out, so I will need to do the other when I place the turnouts.

Crossover Automation



The decision to go with servo motors to control the turnouts has been a benefit to both layouts, and the crossovers on the running loop will be powered to allow remote control of train direction as well. As I have had the loop in place for a while, some "refit" was needed...

Prior to installing switch motors


Of the four main crossovers, I chose this one to start on. Ever since installing it the routes have been fixed to straight through, as there is no provision in the Shinohara turnout to lock the route.

Mounting plates for the switch motors

I cut out the holes for the switch motors, and made mounting plates from foam core board.

Close up of the mounting pad


Shows how the mounting pad is installed in the foam.


Sub-roadbed replaced


The mounting board is placed in the hole where it will fit to install the sub-roadbed. Once the glue dries I will cut the groove for the throw wire, and mount the servo on the bottom.


Everything in its place

Turnouts installed, track realigned to remove a kink, and everything working as it should. Just waiting for the glue to dry before cutting the piano wire that throws the turnouts.


Crossover completed


Switch motors installed and track replaced and realigned. First of four to be done, and the most important, as the Shinohara turnouts have no facility to lock in place.

Track variations

Adding some more crossovers

The more I run trains, the more I decided I wanted to add some variety to the areas of the layout outside of the yard; a siding for the freight house (oh yeah, did I mention a freight house?) and maybe a rural industry track. To have those I would need additional crossovers to allow the trains to work those effectively, so planning and making some changes have begun:


The sub-roadbed location for a new crossing.


Freight House Siding

Some track to allow for local deliveries to the freight house that will soon be joining this scene, and maybe a team track...


The view from the station area

You can see the freight track and one of two new crossovers in the distance

Roughing in the town





To put it all in perspective

Starting on scenery shaping

Though the minimalist approach will be applied, I wanted a bit of variety from pure flat; corners seem to be the best places to go, so this one will represent a country crossing, with some small hills and trees:

Scenery rough shaping


Most of the scenery on his layout will be flat, but I wanted to add a small touch of variation to this corner.

In the corner itself


 Just a close up really of the larger hill shape.

From the side


 The larger, corner hill, again...

With a train


 Just because...

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

A day for layout progress...

I spent a few hours actually working on the layout rather than running trains and doing wiring (that does not show in public).


Road sub-base installed

I place the location of the main road before applying the ground scenery; this way the road is solid and more easily raised to the track level. The lines indicate extreme edges of the shoulders, and the future drive-in cinema. 


Another road, another corner.

The extremity to the right is the driveway for the farmhouse, and the base for the house is behind the driveway. A roadside general store will be on the opposite side of the road, but I did not have the structure on hand to set the base. 


Track re-alignment

The track in the area of the white pins had a kink where it connected tot he turnout, so I loosened it with wet water and managed to get it aligned how it should have been. The cork was now no longer under the track, so I had to place a small piece under the track to correct this. 


Ariel view of the re-alignment

An overhead view of the changes made to re-align the lower right hand track coming out of the main route of the front turnout.