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Post by g3750 on Nov 3, 2020 12:16:20 GMT
I did try flex track. I just couldn't manage to bend it properly. I tried to make a jig for that purpose but that didn't go very well. George Hey George, you can make beautiful curves by bending GarGrave's around a hot water tank. Small or large curves are easily achieved. Gary.  Gary, I just wanted to say thank you for your excellent suggestion. I was able to make a very slight curve using my hot water tank. Tilting the track almost vertical and then bending it around the tank made this possible. Thank you!!! George
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2020 23:27:17 GMT
You're most welcome George. Makes beauty curves and great jogs as well. Gary.  |
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Post by g3750 on Nov 4, 2020 22:51:53 GMT
Updated 11/04/2020: Made a bit of progress today, despite having to teach: - Programmed Switch #36 for TMCC control on the test bench.
- Revised the track plan to include the positions of insulated rail pins and wires and the locations of curves and Switch #36 relative to the Weirton Steel divider (12' to the east).
- Positioned some of the above components on the benchwork in their approximate locations.
- Connected power/ground feeder wire pairs to their respective Eastbound and Westbound buses.
- Tested installed tracks with 18" K-Line PRR Spirit of St. Louis passenger cars (our 1:48 travelers deserve smooth rides!).
Photos below:       More when I know it. George |
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Post by Country Joe on Nov 5, 2020 1:16:13 GMT
George, you got quite a bit done. Nice!👍
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2020 1:40:17 GMT
Some dang sexy curves George!! I like your choice of backdrops to.
Gary.
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Post by g3750 on Nov 5, 2020 2:48:05 GMT
Some dang sexy curves George!! I like your choice of backdrops to. Gary. Thank you! The backdrop was shot on location in the Ohio River valley. The river photos were taken under the railroad bridge facing north (upriver) from my cousin's boat. The river was glassy smooth. Railroadbackdrops.com took the photos and did the processing. The hills are composites of the West Virginia and the Ohio sides of the river with some generic Appalachia thrown in for good measure. I think they came out very nicely as well. It is amazing how much a good backdrop contributes to the model railroad. George
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2020 2:54:50 GMT
There goes my next question about where I could possibly purchase them. We have not settled on a backdrop yet as we are still gathering options. I just may go the way you went George as the colors look awesome1
Gary.
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Post by g3750 on Nov 5, 2020 4:26:59 GMT
There goes my next question about where I could possibly purchase them. We have not settled on a backdrop yet as we are still gathering options. I just may go the way you went George as the colors look awesome1 Gary. I can recommend RailroadBackdrops.com highly and without reservation. They are not inexpensive, but they do a fabulous job. They have a number of items in stock or they can come out and shoot the exact backdrop you want. George
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Post by g3750 on Nov 9, 2020 23:42:08 GMT
Updated 11/09/2020: I caught another issue before it became a problem!  I had tested the arch with my passenger cars, but there was this little nagging thought that maybe the TOFC wouldn't fit. The 1950's Panhandle doesn't run double stacks, but I'm glad I checked the clearance with this car. George |
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Post by Adam on Nov 9, 2020 23:43:56 GMT
Good idea. That could have been the mother of all train disasters George!
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Post by Country Joe on Nov 10, 2020 1:10:23 GMT
Good catch, George.😊
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Post by g3750 on Nov 10, 2020 1:48:40 GMT
Thanks guys! Every once in a while...  Here's what the clearance will be at one of the entrances to the Staging Area.  George |
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Post by g3750 on Nov 10, 2020 22:41:08 GMT
Updated 11/10/2020: We continue to inch along. Today we reached the backdrop divider (Weirton Steel). I marked off the dimensions of the opening I would need.  I was wondering how I would actually cut through the divider (1/4" masonite). I started by drilling 1/2" holes in the upper corners and then using a saber saw. But the real star of the show was the Dremel Multi-Max! Wow, it's awesome having the right tool for the job. It made short work of cleaning up the edges and cutting all the way to benchwork (can't do that with a hand saw!).  Time to lay more track! George |
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Post by Country Joe on Nov 11, 2020 3:40:27 GMT
Nice work, George. The Dremel did a great job. Having the right tools makes life much easier.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2020 14:56:45 GMT
George the opening looks good. We have the same style tool but different brand. They work great for cutting in outlet holes!
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