While my time off wasn't as productive as I'd hoped, I did manage to achieve the tracklaying milestone.
Mainly so that I can remember how I did this in future, I'll briefly outline how the entryway bridge was constructed. I've used 19mm x 89mm pine, which rests on a horizontal 19 x 42mm pine support on either end of the curved modules that it joins.
To keep the bridge piece from moving I've used off cuts of pine and aluminium angle and fixed these to the right-hand curved module, and the other end of the bridge so that the bridge can only be put in place in one direction. While this controls for and reduces any lateral and vertical movement, I now need to come up with a way of preventing the bridge from sliding out if the curved modules get knocked at all. I think I'll use dowel, but again, this is reliant on either outside being legal again or waiting on a Bunnings delivery.
To lay the track I've used Trackrite foam to reduce some of the noise of running directly on plywood with no insulation underneath. Most of this was laid on a curve, so I cut the trackrite in half to make it easier to lay around the curve without lifting or warping. Once cut, I placed it aside and applied Selley's caulk in a coffee colour (it's better than white if used in scenic areas), which is smoothed out to a light spread with an off cut of pine. The Trackrite is then laid on top, another layer of caulk is applied and smoothed, and then the track is laid with the aid of Tracksetta gauges to ensure the 30" minimum radius is maintained throughout. Weights are then applied on top and left for at least 4 hours but preferably overnight.
When joining the track on the curve I've offset the rail joiners to prevent the 'kink' you sometimes see when the track is joined flush on a curve (see below). I've used code 100 in all of the non-scenicked areas for ease of use and because it's quite durable and forgiving.
While that was drying and setting, I received one of the Auscision stimulus packages I bought to keep the hobby (read: Australian Modeller) alive during the Covid-19 lockdown. These VR FQX flat/container wagons mainly ran in NSW on the main south, but I've seen at least one on the north coast, and it's reasonable to assume they ventured on the main west over the Blue Mountains at some stage. I'll do a little more work on making appropriate tie-downs for the caravans, but these add some variety to train loads.
In an effort to complete wiring I started on the fiddle yard.
And have added the bus wire to the first of the curved modules...
Only to discover that these terminal strip connectors aren't as a great as I thought they would be for connecting the bus wire between the modules. I've bought some RCA connectors instead and am now waiting for them to arrive from Jaycar.
Unfortunately that's it for Mt Wilson for a while. We've just moved out while a number of renovations to the inside of our house happen, including waterproofing the railway room.
When we come back the room will have gyprocked walls, a new ceiling and some downlights. Should make it a much more comfortable place to be. In the meantime, the railway has visited my brother's house for a while. Again.
Man that guy is a patient saint.
While I'm temporarily banned from the worksite that has become our house, I've brought the coal loading bin, the station and signal box and some modelling tools to finish them off. Should be able to plonk them straight in by the time we get back inside.
Until then, happy modelling!
Cheers,
Ben
