Seaboard Central 2.0

[timgill]

I'm seriously considering just handlaying my own Code 55 turnouts.  I'll just have to learn how to build a turnout without a Fast Tracks jig.

It's quite easy to do, and there are a lot of YouTube videos out there on the subject. Be careful, it can be addicting...

[davefoxx]

I think I can learn.  I've built three Code 40 turnouts successfully, but I did use a Fast Tracks jig for each.  I've seen it done by building the turnout over a Fast Tracks paper template, and I can probably do that.  If I remember correctly, I can use my Fast Tracks PointForm and StockAid tools for both Code 40 and 55 rails, so that should simplify matters significantly.

Here's the last one that I built (a Code 40 #6 left), again, with the jig:



DFF

[Rich_S]

Anyway, here's the fun I was having last night: An excursion train on the SBD, or, as I like to call it, "The Ed's Law Express." 

DFF

Dave, That's a early Amtrak rainbow train 

[Chris333]

Dave, I have a Fasttracks C55 #5 TO jig and point tool you can barrow if you want.

[jpec]

Nice, Dave...I remember seeing SCL E's at Ivy City in D.C. in the early 70's along with the SOU E's and whatever dog's breakfast Amtrak had there getting serviced...

Jeff

[davefoxx]

Dave, I have a Fasttracks C55 #5 TO jig and point tool you can barrow if you want.

Chris,

I may take you up on that offer.  Rumor has it that the #5s are due this month, so I'm waiting to see if that comes to fruition.  I also have concerns for pricing and availability when the #5s get here.  I'm worried that they'll be sold out immediately and that they'll be significantly more expensive than in the past due to demand.  So, you may hear from me sooner rather than later.

I want to get Hamlet Yard installed, so I can have some flexibility in running trains.  I have a decent mainline length, but limited capacity for classification and storage.  It will also be nice to get a runaround track in Raeford for the A&R line.

Thanks,
DFF

[davefoxx]

Piddling with scenic forms.  The severe transition from the ridge to the flat area probably looks silly, but I'm leaving space to add Hamlet Yard and its engine facility tracks.  Once I know where the tracks will be, then I'll blend the hill into the flat better.  So, this is temporary until the yard is built.



Also, this may give an idea of the method I use for shaping the hills.  Before (carved with a snap blade knife):



After (ground with a power sander and 40 grit paper and then followed up with lightweight spackling for blending and to fill any gaps). 



DFF

[seusscaboose]

so nice

[C855B]

... After (ground with a power sander and 40 grit paper and then followed up with lightweight spackling for blending and to fill any gaps). 

Power sander? What did you use for "dust" control? That bloomin' foam goes EVERYWHERE and sticks to EVERYTHING. 

[davefoxx]

Power sander? What did you use for "dust" control? That bloomin' foam goes EVERYWHERE and sticks to EVERYTHING. 

The dust really isn't that bad, because I'm only doing a final sculpting.  I control it this way: sander in one hand; wet vac hose with brush attachment in the other.  That gets the worst of it, and then a few seconds of "dusting" the layout and what ever little bit gets on me.  Done.

DFF

[SSW7771]

I like how this is starting to shape up

[jpec]

Rolling along nicely, Dave!

Jeff

[davefoxx]

I like how this is starting to shape up

Heh, I see what you did there, Marshall.

[Rich_S]

Dave, Looking good. Also it looks like the #5 turnouts are a reality 

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=34071.0

Can't wait to see the updated Hamlet once you receive the needed #5 turnouts.

[davefoxx]

Thanks, Rich!  I can't wait to see Hamlet come together, too.  This is also holding up the A&R branch, because, not only due to the lack of turnout availability, but I need to know what the available real estate for Raeford will be, which cannot be determined until Hamlet is installed.  I've been piddling with installing cork roadbed in Hamlet Yard the last couple of nights, but it's tough to lay out the yard without the actual track pieces (e.g., the yard ladder).  I fear that those new #5s will get bought up quickly, so I have been stalking the LHS's website daily.

DFF