Seaboard Central 2.0

[davefoxx]

Michael,

Yes, I went with solid, as opposed to hinged, points.  If you look close in the picture, you will see that in their relaxed state, the points are halfway between either throw.  It does not take much force to move either way.  The points/closure rails are not soldered to any PC ties or glued to the wood ties for approximately fifteen ties from the throwbar, so there seems to be plenty of flexibility.  I can see how shorter turnouts would require hinged points, though.

I also only use slide switches for throws, rather than Tortoises or some other machine that can put a lot of pressure on the points.  Yes, these points are soldered to the throwbar.  I left a nice fillet in there, to, hopefully, reinforce the solder joint.

DFF

[MichaelWinicki]

Michael,

Yes, I went with solid, as opposed to hinged, points.  If you look close in the picture, you will see that in their relaxed state, the points are halfway between either throw.  It does not take much force to move either way.  The points/closure rails are not soldered to any PC ties or glued to the wood ties for approximately fifteen ties from the throwbar, so there seems to be plenty of flexibility.  I can see how shorter turnouts would require hinged points, though.

I also only use slide switches for throws, rather than Tortoises or some other machine that can put a lot of pressure on the points.  Yes, these points are soldered to the throwbar.  I left a nice fillet in there, to, hopefully, reinforce the solder joint.

DFF

Gotcha!

[Chris333]

Wait. You are having evil thoughts and you thank me? 

What happened that last time you changed part of your layout to C40? I forget exactly. Is there something wrong with the trackwork you have in place? Just don't want you tearing up perfectly good track.

[davefoxx]

That was a different layout that was scrapped.  This layout has been all Code 55 since I started it about 1-1/2 years ago.  Any Code 55 that is pulled up will be recycled on a planned expansion.  Besides, at this point, we're only talking about one turnout and a few scrap pieces of flextrack.  I use yellow carpenter's glue to bond the track to the cork roadbed.  It practically pops off with no damage or residue on the track.  Ready for reuse!

I thanked you because you not only inspired me to try handlaying track a few years ago, but you motivated me yesterday to build a turnout.  Your trackwork is pure art.  Since I have learned how to build basic track, I want to display some of that on an operating layout.  Besides, it will help distinguish the Class 1 Seaboard System track from the shortline A&R trackage.

DFF

[Chris333]

one turnout and a few scrap pieces of flextrack

That's how it always starts. 


Just didn't want you tearing up what is so far along. On the other hand if you change it and the result ends up looking better then perhaps I should take some credit    The turnout does look nice.

[davefoxx]

That's how it always starts. 

So true.  But, I'm lazy, so don't expect all of the track to be torn out.

Just didn't want you tearing up what is so far along. On the other hand if you change it and the result ends up looking better then perhaps I should take some credit    The turnout does look nice.

Thanks.  The most possible extent of the Code 40 would be the locomotive facility, a siding in Aberdeen, and the A&R branch up the hill.  However, it just occurred to me that replacing the track on the branchline not only requires ripping out a railroad crossing, but it also threatens the trestle.  I don't know that the Code 55 bridge track will come off without significant damage to the bridge.  So, the possibility of Code 40 taking over is small.

DFF

[davefoxx]

It has begun . . .



and the new cork roadbed is down.



DFF

[MichaelT]

Looks like columns of push pin soldiers invading the railroad! 

[davefoxx]

Well, here's the final progress for the weekend.  The new Code 40 #6 turnout is installed.  By sheer luck, the scrap piece of wire that I used for a feeder to the frog had just enough length to go through the 2" foam and HCD to reach the Hex Frog Juicer.  So, the frog is already electrically live.  I had a scrap piece of ME Code 40 flextrack that I temporarily connected to allow me to test the turnout.  This will be replaced, because flanges on some wheels (e.g., Atlas locomotives) ride the spikes on the Code 40 flextrack.  This is not a problem with handlaid Code 40 track.


In standard transition fashion, I crimped the Code 55 rail joiners and soldered the Code 40 rails on top of the crimped joiners.  Thankfully, it doesn't take a lot of fussing to get the two different size rails to line up, so that the tops of the railheads are flush.  A crimped rail joiner is almost perfect.  The key is to get the top and the inside edge of the railhead lined up across the joint.  That's where the wheels ride.


I've decided to order ties from Fast Tracks, so that I don't have to cut down each tie from turnout ties.  I expect that order to take a couple of weeks to receive from Canada, but I'll show the final product once finished.

I recorded a short video that I'll post shortly when it finishes uploading.  Thanks for following along!

DFF

[Scottl]

A nice looking turnout.  I'm amazed at how different code 40 looks next to 55- it will be visibly different and add to the scene a lot.

[davefoxx]

Here's video proof that it works . . . well, at least one route (until I finish the sidings):

Have a great week and Happy New Year!
DFF

[tommy2tap]

DKS,

Did the original plan provided to you include the overall size of the HO layout?  Just curious, because I think I was able to fit in slightly more generous curves on the roundy-round portion.  My 3' x 5' design would convert to just over a 6' x 10' layout in HO.  I don't think that the original Seaboard Central was that large.  Am I wrong?

DFF

i know im late here but the original was built in HO and was a 4x8

[davefoxx]

According to the original HO layout's track plan (see Page 2 of this thread), the size was 4'7" x 8'6".  My layout, in N scale, is 36" x 80", so my layout is actually larger if it were redesigned in HO scale.

[GaryHinshaw]

Very nice Dave.  I've got code 40 slated for my industrial areas, and seeing your results, I'm glad I do.

[davefoxx]

Gary,

Thanks!  I've enjoyed following along with your Tehachapi, BC thread.  I look forward to seeing you take a crack at handlaid track and will not be surprised when you reveal more professional quality trackwork.

DFF