Jersey City Industrial Railroad Micro-Layout

[Chris333]

locked in

I'll believe that when I see it!   

http://jamesriverbranch.net/part_15a.htm

[DKS]

After an entirely too-long idle period (crammed with things like superstorms, new product releases, holidays and endless doctor visits), I've at last had a chance to return to work on the Nn3 WR&N VI. The not-so-thrilling but essential progress includes a completed base and finished subroadbed. Everything is constructed of Gatorfoam for strength and light weight.



The full-size plan was traced on to layers that were laminated together with heavy-duty spray adhesive.



After slicing up Gatorfoam to create Woodland Scenics-like riser strips, the final subroadbed layer was cut cookie-cutter style and bonded in place with Power Grab.



As of this evening:



The entire process is covered in more detail in these two installments: http://whiteriverandnorthern.net/chapter_9a.htm and http://whiteriverandnorthern.net/chapter_9b.htm

[davefoxx]

That's beautiful, David.  As usual, your work is meticulous.  If only I had your talents.  Sigh.

DFF

[Bsklarski]

Now that is an awesome method!!

[DKS]

As usual, your work is meticulous.

You might not say so if you saw it in person; those photos do a good job of disguising loads of bad joints, gaps, etc. Fortunately it'll all get buried under Sculptamold!

Anyway, now I'm like a kid waiting for Christmas, because I can actually start tracklaying, but not until the Power Grab is fully set, which won't be until tomorrow...

[mcjaco]

Thoughts?

Reminds me of the G&D layout.

[DKS]

Reminds me of the G&D layout.

Well, that was the idea. Although it's not a send-up or homage to John Allen; I simply swiped his twice-around scheme, and gave it my own twist.

[Ian MacMillan]

Looking good so far. I like the use of gatorfoam. Its a product I have never used.

[DKS]

Although my time lately has been monopolized by Amherst and casting crawlers, I did manage to work in some play time with this layout. Unfortunately it was all for naught. My plan was to hand-lay Code 25 track. Just a few years ago, this would not have been a problem--heck, I've handlaid Zn3 in the past--but today I no loner have the ability. Odd, I know, considering that the DB4 containers were no trouble. But they were made using very different techniques, and I could employ all sorts of tools and jigs to get the job done. But all the tools and jigs couldn't help me solder the rails properly.

So, after tearing out the track I'd attempted to lay, I ordered some MTL Z scale flex track. At least that will allow me to get the track down in a hurry!

[wcfn100]

If you've not tried it, bonding with the rail and ties with Pliobond isn't the worst solution in the world.  I always had issues with the application of the adhesive to the bottom of the rails (too much, all stringy etc..), but that's something you could no doubt perform better.  The biggest issue is the surface area of that small of rail to wood ties.

Maybe with your connections, you could have the ties lasered exact to the layout (with the the web between the ties under the rail), and bond the c25 to that.


Jason

[DKS]

If you've not tried it, bonding with the rail and ties with Pliobond isn't the worst solution in the world.  I always had issues with the application of the adhesive to the bottom of the rails (too much, all stringy etc..), but that's something you could no doubt perform better.  The biggest issue is the surface area of that small of rail to wood ties.

Maybe with your connections, you could have the ties lasered exact to the layout (with the the web between the ties under the rail), and bond the c25 to that.

While I've used Pliobond in the past to lay Code 40 rail, I have some concern about the fact that the Code 25 rail is less than .015 wide. Worse, the top and bottom surfaces are curved, so forming any kind of reliable bond would be a real challenge.

I will be investigating a laser-based solution to part of the problem; however, it won't be using the Code 25 rail.

[GaryHinshaw]

Could you have detents lasered into the ties at the rail position?  (Assuming you have the wherewithal for lasered wood ties.)  That would give the bottom of the rail a small trough to rest in, which would be mechanically stable enough to glue.  However, you'd probably need slightly larger rail, and it would be tricky to manage turnout points.

[Chris333]

I hate to suggest it, but why not do N standard gauge? You could still have the same layout plan/concept.

[DKS]

I hate to suggest it, but why not do N standard gauge? You could still have the same layout plan/concept.

 

[Chris333]

Hey at least I didn't say On30.

Or 1:29