Realising a Dream - 15 - Folded Eight

Discussion in 'How to' started by Jim Freight, Jun 12, 2021.

  1. Jim Freight

    Jim Freight Full Member

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    First a temporary jump forward in time to examine the eventual main line track layout so that the rather involved structural development can be described with an understanding of how it all ultimately fits together.

    Here I describe how the double track mainline is implemented as a folded figure of eight using gradients of 1:48 which is easily set up using imperial measurements.

    The curves in scenic view are progressive, that is they tighten to the apex and flatten out again to straight using a useful feature of AnyRail, "Easement flex". This makes progressive curves easy to plan, a full size track template is then printed out onto which to lay the track.

    The track is loosely pinned to the ply baseboard through the template, and the 3mm closed cell foam underlay with which I surface the base boards. I then gently tear out the template from under the track at intervals and then push the track pins home.

    I use Peco track pins, for which I drill a 0.6mm diameter hole through the sleepers, the foam and part way into the base board. The track pins can then be pushed in by hand with a nail punch, I aim to drill only deep enough so that the pin is only pushed approximately 3-4mms into the baseboard. This gives me a good balance between anchoring the track and avoidance of using a hammer which can easily bend a pin or end up denting the rails which are then scrap.

    Tracksettas are only used to check the apex of the progressive curves and all curves in non-scenic areas. A home made 15 inch setter is used for the dock areas, and where a tight curve is required under a scenic break I just use set track.

    Images Illustrating Key Features

    Image 1 shows the route of the mainline and its connection to the fiddle and storage yards.

    1Mainline on Floorplan 60%.jpg

    Image 2 shows the mainlines start their descent to the scenic break, the wagon works sits above the remaining descent from the opposite direction.

    2DSCF8387.JPG

    Image 3 shows the mainlines descending and ascending together with the east fiddle yard between them which can also be used for reversing DMUs. Also shown is the embryonic chemical works on a mezzanine level, not shown on the track plan for clarity. Supported using tubes and sockets sold for making clothes hanging rails in wardrobes.

    3DSCF8389.JPG

    Image 4 shows the triple removable bridges across the interconnecting doorway. The lower two are for the main lines (non-scenic) and the top most one links the chemical works to the industrial branch line (scenic). Plugs and sockets used for connecting PC hard drives to a PSU are utilised to convey power to the bridges and approaches to the opening, this is to prevent trains falling to the floor if I forget to replace the bridges. The multi-level scenic break is to the right of the doorway.

    4DSCF8392.JPG

    Image 5 shows the multi-level scenic break from the non-scenic side. On the lower board the main lines connect with the South Fiddle Yard via a tunnel through the wall.

    The industrial branch splits to the chemical works and passes through the wall to more light industry on a mezzanine level (not shown) above the South Fiddle Yard in the workshop.

    5DSCF8390.JPG

    Next, I return to the construction of the superstructure which supports the main (scenic) board.

    Jim.

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    Last edited: Jun 3, 2023
    jakesdad13 likes this.

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