a few experiments...and a way forward...
Evening all,
Quick update on Meeth.
Having condemned all the trackwork on Thurso (a regular episode in my track building ) it was time to stand back and re-evaluate. I decided the best way was try a few experiments and the simplicity of the Meeth layout lends itself to this.
Firstly, a return to turnouts made from PCB and code 40 bullhead. This followed on from my struggles with the easitrac turnout kits...great kits...but just not for me. Also some plain track and some using etches chairs. Unfortunately I found the Versaline system too fiddly for me...and opted not to buy all the jigs required to make the turnouts.
The overall decision is that I will construct turnouts using PCB and bullhead and use easitrac for the plain track. As much as I love to see a layout with all the track handmade, I felt that not having chairs on the plain track was a loss considering the looks of easitrac.
So Meeth track will be built and wired and once it is running smoothly I will put on hold and repeat the methods for Thurso as this has to be complete for the MRJ competition 2019, still leaving time for Meeth for the 2mmFS Diamond Jubilee 2020.
Next up was preparing the curved backscene formers which will be constructed from 0.5mm ply sheet from the studio model shop. This was made in two pieces and cut with a scalpel to fit. They are loose fit at the moment and once the track insert is in place the respective holes can be cut in the fascia for FY access.
Lastly was the track insert, this time using 1.0mm ply sheet, again cut with a scalpel. This is removable to allow the track to built offsite on my DRT (as the fascia is in place restricting access etc.)
This afternoon, the turnout was positioned and easitrac plain track laid. A few cut lost wax brass sleepers are installed at the relevant places to aid wiring. I need to gap the sleepers on the turnout and construct a catch point in the siding (a first for me) but the basic track has been glued down in place.
A few pictures attached to capture progress with newly purchased Farish class 25 which will primarily be used for this project - the aim is to try and get this laid and wired by the end of 2017 to allow it to be shelved and return to Thurso.
Overall, I feel a lot happier about this approach again now.
Experiments including PCB turnout, PCB plain track and Versaline etch plain track...
Removable track insert on 1.0mm ply which is fairly strong...
Curved backscene dry fit in place...holes will be cut later for FY access...
View towards where turnout will be located...
View towards where golds shed will be located...
Track insert in place...track overhangs slightly at present hence no fascia in place...
Ditto...catch point to be constructed next...holes have been formed for wire in tube operations...
Comments welcome as always,
Pete
- 5
11 Comments
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now