Northwest Industrial Park Engineering Report

[SSW7771]

Looks good! What is the area in the foreground going to be? I think it is listed as Energy Alloys on your schamtic.

Yes, it will be Energy Alloys which is a specialty fabrication company. They will receive car loads of steel plate and pipe and occasionally ship out fabricated assemblies and components.

Marshall

[coldriver]

I like your project Marshall - I'd like to add some more modern (but not too modern) industrial buildings to my layout as well.  How's the Loksound GP9 coming along?

[SSW7771]

I like your project Marshall - I'd like to add some more modern (but not too modern) industrial buildings to my layout as well.  How's the Loksound GP9 coming along?

Thanks! The sound install is coming along slowly; right now I have almost all the parts/components I need to start. I think the hardest part will be the milling of the frame.

[Denver Road Doug]

Geez, I know I attempted to post about your layout, because I remember it starting out "ditto for modeling Texas railroading"!   Oh well, lost in the ethosphere I guess.   Anyway, like the layout, especially nice job on the grade crossing.  The Mindheim influence is working nicely for you.

Enjoyed the ops session, hopefully you can be a regular at Ole's and/or Dean's.

[SSW7771]

Geez, I know I attempted to post about your layout, because I remember it starting out "ditto for modeling Texas railroading"!   Oh well, lost in the ethosphere I guess.   Anyway, like the layout, especially nice job on the grade crossing.  The Mindheim influence is working nicely for you.

Enjoyed the ops session, hopefully you can be a regular at Ole's and/or Dean's.

No problem. Thanks!

I enjoyed the ops session as well and I plan to keep operating on both Ole's and Dean's as long I keep getting invited. LOL.

Marshall

[SSW7771]

Quick update. Sorry no pictures.

I built two "cores" out of foam core board for the two warehouses along the back of the layout. Hopefully in the near future as time allows, I will cut styrene sides and roof to laminate to the core. I also planned and sketched out the last bit of scenery so I can start working on the front corner by the staging cassette.

Marshall

[SSW7771]

Finally, an update!

I was cleaning out my home office where the layout current resides and decided to work on a few projects that I had on my desk. First, I got the main portion of a non-rail served industry put together so I can start laying out the parking lot. Once I get the parking lot completed I can start laying down some scenery this end of the layout.


Second, I assembled and painted a Briggs Models n scale switch stand kit (pardon the cell phone pics). Yes, it is a Canadian prototype, but its close enough to a scaled and working switch stand that was similar to the SP prototype I was going for. I still need to make a custom diamond target to mount on the switch stand and complete the linkage so it can actually work when the turnout is thrown.


This pic really shows you how small this thing is.


And here is the prototype SP switch stand.

[Cameron_Talley]

That switch stand is amazing!  What is the kit made of?  Brass?

[SSW7771]

That switch stand is amazing!  What is the kit made of?  Brass?

This kit consists of a resin switch stand with etched stainless steel mast and target. Below is a pic of the kit in package form.

[Denver Road Doug]

That switch stand looks unbelievable!  I assume by "working" you mean that it will link to your throw mechanism and that will turn the target realistically?   That's pretty cool.   Are those still available?   They look very close to the old FW&D throws as well.

[SSW7771]

That switch stand looks unbelievable!  I assume by "working" you mean that it will link to your throw mechanism and that will turn the target realistically?   That's pretty cool.   Are those still available?   They look very close to the old FW&D throws as well.

Thanks! Yes working means that when the turnout is thrown via the bullfrog underneath, the target will rotate according. The only place that I know where to get them is from Central Hobbies (http://www.central-hobbies.com/products/briggsmodels.html) They are still listed on the website so hopefully they are still available. I think I am going to use them on the Lufkin Sub as well.

[SSW7771]

Almost finished! I still need to paint the target and give it a splash of weathering.


Also it works, somewhat. There just is not enough throw to get the target to completely rotate 90 degrees; its more closer to 40 degrees. I think I can get the full rotation needed, but would need to shorten the portion of the mast that comes out from the base of the switch stand. I still have two more switch stands to build and install, so I can try my ideas on the next one and if it works come back and retrofit this one. I do know if I am going to use these switch stands on the Lufkin Sub, I will replace the throw bars of the turnouts with brass rod and use a smaller diameter actuator wire from the turnout control.

[Baronjutter]

Some of the most stunning trackwork I've seen in any scale.

[SSW7771]

Thanks! Baronjutter.

[LIRR]

I like the switchstand.....I've been looking to add some...although I'm pretty sure they would survive a track cleaning....