FEC Key West Extension Exhibition layout.

[basementcalling]

This will cry out for photo realistic backdrops.

[JoeD]

Got home and fired up the laser and cut the parts for the viaduct.  Had to patch it together, but got 5' assembled.  I cut this out of 1/8" mdf and bass trim.  A few coats of epoxy primer (heavy fill and catalyzed) and this should smooth right out.  I have Micro Engineering bridge flex track on the way for the deck.  I have a clear weekend coming up so I should be able to get some work done on the base and do a general layout.

[Dave V]

But in all seriousness, did they use bridge ties on the concrete arch portions?  I have a book about construction of the KWE and I thought since the arch bridges were ballasted, they had regular ties are regular intervals (versus the deck girder sections which should certainly have bridge ties).  For all I know they could have changed things quite a bit later on with the heavier power.

[eric220]

I would make my BASIC 10 print "fap" joke here, but you keep showing that darn NYC locomotive...

 

Can't wait to see more!

[JoeD]

you may be right...

But in all seriousness, did they use bridge ties on the concrete arch portions?  I have a book about construction of the KWE and I thought since the arch bridges were ballasted, they had regular ties are regular intervals (versus the deck girder sections which should certainly have bridge ties).  For all I know they could have changed things quite a bit later on with the heavier power.

[Cajonpassfan]

Jamie and I can't wait to see where this is going...
Otto K.

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[OldEastRR]

This explains your long absence. Guys in the Crew Lounge were worked up wondering who they'd bash MTL stuff with if you were gone  . Welcome back.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

[JoeD]

Fired up the laser this morning before work, couldn't sleep...again.  Cut skins for the fishing shacks and will get them together at lunch today.   Making good progress. 

[John]

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[svedblen]

you may be right...

Does this snap from the video John posted give any clue?

[JoeD]

Working on the layout of the concrete arch bridge.  Cutting foundations for the leading and trailing track to day, build up island and start to test some water techniques. 

[davefoxx]

Last night, I watched a History Channel documentary on the construction of the Overseas Highway, which, of course included the FEC railroad bridges.  If I understood the documentary correctly, the concrete bridges aren't solid.  The sides and the arches are poured reinforced concrete, but the rest is filled in with gravel!  It's described as a "camel-backed channel" running between the bridge sides.  See?



Go to 14:35 (and especially 16:15) in the documentary and you can learn about the construction of the concrete arch bridges.

Hope this helps,
DFF

[Cajonpassfan]

Great video. Thank you!
Otto K.

[davefoxx]

Hey, Joe (@Shipsure),

Any updates to this cool project?

DFF