SVL Extension: Feeder Wires

It has been a while since I last posted an update. I have still been working on the extension here and there. I have now completed the feeder wires for all of the new trackwork. These are 20 guage solid wire that I solder to the web of the rail up top and solder to the bus wires underneath. Soldering to the web can be tricky so you have to work fast to avoid melting any ties. I make sure that I drop feeder wires at least every 3 feet or to each piece of rail if between turnouts. I maintain a color code system with the wires - red & black so I know exactly which wire is which as I solder them to the bus wires.





That's it for now. I will make sure the next update is not so long in coming.

SVL Extension: Golden Spike Laid!!

The day has come and the golden spike has been laid on the new extension. I have finished the trackwork for the extension and have completed the connection to the existing layout.





Here is where the tracks will cross a city street using 3 plate girder bridges. I plan to scratch build these bridges so in preparation for that, I cut bases for the bridges out of .60 styrene sheet. These will be ballasted bridges so the base will not be seen in the finished product. I will build abutments for each end and then build the plate girders which will rest on top of the bases. Until then, I am using a piece of foam to support the crossings. The track is attached to the bases using the same adhesive caulk that I used elsewhere.

I am currently working on feeder wires and turnout control. Then, the trackwork needs to be tested with a few trains. But maybe not necessarily in that order.

SVL Extension: Trackwork Continues...

I am continuing to lay track on the new extension. I have worked my way around to the other side of the pennisula and laid all track on that side. I also replaced the track that was removed from the existing portion and laid new track following the new design.

The only portion that is left is where the old joins the new. Here, I have four tracks that are going to cross a city street. I will plan to have plate girder bridges here. More on this later.

SVL Extension: Track Laying Begins

Track laying has begun. I was able to get some of the projects completed around the house and steal enough time on the railroad to start laying track.

If you are wondering, I am using Atlas Code 55 flex track and Atlas Code 55 No.5 turnouts. I chose the number 5 turnouts since this extension is depicting a congested industrial area and because I had a bunch of them available.

I use clear adhesive caulk to secure my track. After cutting and filing the ends of the flex to fit, I put down a bead of the caulk on top of the cork. Then, I smooth it out with a scrap piece of cork. I take a few minutes to align the track by eye while the caulk is still wet. Then, the track is pressed down into the caulk and held in place by push pins until the caulk sets (about 30-45 minutes).

Note: I do not put adhesive under the turnouts at all. They are allowed to float and are held in place by the adjacent trackwork. This makes it a little easier for me to remove them later if needed for replacement or maintenance.

I have finished the trackwork on one side of the extension and I am now working on the other side. Here's a few pictures of what I have completed.

SVL Extension: Odds and Ends

Well the hot weather finally broke here in Texas. With the cooler temperatures, I have been taking care of some honey-dos around the house that I had been putting off. I didn't get to devote as much time to the layout as I wanted but I did manage to do a few things.

I did some more track demo in the area where the new extension will join the existing layout. I needed to remove some turnouts and make a few track adjustments that will fit the new plan. Here is that area ready for new track to be laid.



I also was able to paint the backdrop the sky color.



Finally, I fixed a couple of the fascia cleats that were a little twisted.



If I can get those darned house projects out of the way, I can enjoy this cool weather working on the railroad. More to come.

SVL Extension: Connection to Existing Layout

Here is how the new extension is connected to the existing layout. I built a tray that is about 2 inches deep and about 5 inches wide that runs the length of the existing layout where the new extension connects. One side of the tray is firmly attached to the benchwork of the existing layout. The other side has a board where the benchwork of the extension can be clamped to. I am using two clamps to attach the new benchwork. I may replace these with two bolts later on.

You may be wondering why I made a tray instead of just clamping directly to the existing benchwork. Well, this is where a girder bridge over a road will be located. The tray allows me to fill it with foam and slope the scenery down in this area for a road to pass under the tracks.

SVL Extension: Cork Roadbed

Over the weekend I laid down the cork roadbed that I made. This is the first time that I tried using pre-cut turnout pads and it sure made it a lot easier. I first glued down the turnout pads and then after the glue was dry, I filled in between with the long strips of cork roadbed. I used white glue to attach the cork to the foam base and I stuck straight pins through the cork every few inches to make sure that the cork dried flat. After everything was dry, I removed the pins and lightly sanded all of the cork. This assured that everything was nice and smooth for trackwork.

Now, it is time to start laying track! But first I need one more Atlas code 55 crossing. Time to run to the hobby store.

SVL Extension: Making Cork Roadbed

That is correct, I am making my own cork roadbed. I went this route for a few reasons but the main one is that it is more economical. I can make cork roadbed for about half the price of the commercial product. Granted, mine does not have the beveled edges but I take care of this with a simple bead of caulk.

To make my cork roadbed, I went to the local hardware store and purchased sheet cork. The stuff I got was 1/8" thick X 48 inches wide. I just bought 2 linear feet which will be more than enough for my extension. I then set up a make shift cutting station and began cutting 7/8" wide strips from the 48 inch side.

From the left over sheet, I made some turnout pads. To make these, I traced a turnout on a piece of cardstock and cut it out for a template. Then, I traced the template on the sheet of cork. Then it is a matter of cutting each one out.







Now, I am anxious to start gluing down the cork.

SVL Extension: Track Centerlines

Since I finished laying the foam table top, I was anxious to start transfering the trackplan from paper to the layout and see how it was going to fit. I first removed the backdrop to get easier access. Then, I started laying out the track centerlines. It wasn't long before I realized that some of the track was not going to fit as I planned it. Namely, where the end curve meets the 3 track area. I also wanted to improve the S-curves on the other end of that curve. So, I modifed the trackplan as shown (red circles).



From there, it was just a matter of drawing out the plan, test fitting turnouts, and carefully drawing good curve radiuses.

Take a look and see how it all flows. I'm am very happy with how it turned out.









Next, I will start laying cork. But, I have to cut my own first. More next time.

SVL Extension: Foam Tabletop

I added the foam tabletop to the extension. I used some leftover foam that I had saved from other projects. Some was green and some was pink. That is why it is two colors in the pictures below. The green is 1.5 inches thick and the pink is an inch. This gives me a 2.5 inch thick base to build on.

I attached the foam with tub & tile adhesive. I used this to attach the foam to the wood cross pieces and to add the second layer. The process was simple, cut a piece to fit, apply the adhesive, stick down the foam, and then add weight so it dries flat. I used model railroad magazines that I have in cardboard storage boxes but you can use anything you have on hand.

Now I am ready to start transferring the trackplan to the table surface in full size. I am anxious to see how things fit as I have drawn them on the plan.

You will also notice that I added cleats to support the fascia. A couple are not straight so I will address that but it will be covered later by the fascia.







Please let me know what you think so far.

SVL Extension: Pre-Wiring

I did a little work on the extension this weekend. Before I lay the foam on top of the benchwork, I decided that now would be a good time to run bus wires for the track wiring.

I drilled two holes in each cross piece approximately where the mainline will run. Then, I ran two wires, one through each hole. These are 14ga ROMEX wires used for house wiring. I stripped off the plastic covering and ran a white and black wire around the entire extension. I will tie the ends of these wires into the existing track bus later.

You will also noticed that I primed the backdrop.

Sorry if these pictures are a little fuzzy.





Next, I will start laying foam.

SVL Extension: Backdrop

Over the weekend, I was able to build the backdrop that runs down the middle of the pennisula. I used 1x2 pine to construct this. I made a frame and covered it with 1/8" hardboard. Construction is pretty straight forward as can be seen in the photo below. The two longer legs at each end will anchor it to the benchwork.



I covered the framework with 1/8" hardboard on both sides. I attached the hardboard with Liquid Nails construction adhesive. It was easier to attach it while the frame was laying on the floor. I laid one piece of hardboard on the floor, applied the adhesive, laid the frame down, applied more adhesive to the other side of the frame and laid the other piece of hardboard on top. Then, I weighted it all down until the adhesive set.

To attach it to the benchwork, I first cut two slots in the cross pieces so the legs of the backdrop would slide into the slot. Then, the whole backdrop is attached with screws to the cross pieces. Later, I will remove the backdrop and paint it with the sky color.

Here is how it looks installed.





Next up is a little pre-wiring. Stay tuned.

SVL Extension: Benchwork

I got started making the benchwork for the new extension. For the main layout I built box frames that were supported from the wall and a few legs. I decided that this type of benchwork construction would not work well for a free standing pennisula as I would have to use too many legs to support the framework. So, I decided to use the "L-Girder" style benchwork. With this design you have two main girders running the length of the pennisula and attach cross pieces to support the decking surface (which in my case will be foam). Two sets of legs will hold the whole thing up.

I also decided to rip a 4x8 sheet of 5/8" thick plywood into lumber-sized pieces instead of purchasing the same size regular lumber. I did this with the existing railroad and it has many advantages. It's cheaper than buying individual boards (for those who know me, this is very important) and because it's plywood, it doesn't warp as easily. The disadvantages are you have to cut it yourself and you can't screw into the edges very securely. I minimized the disadvantages as you will see shortly.

The first thing I did was rip the 4x8 sheet of 5/8" thick plywood into "boards". You could use 3/4" thick if you want but try not to use 1/2" (it's too hard to join on edge). You need an 8 foot cutting guide and a circular saw. I used a sheet metal stud found at the home center. Then I cut the "boards 4" wide by the 8 foot length. You need four pieces for the girders. Put wood glue on one edge and join two boards to form an "L". Next, drill pilot holes for coarse thread drywall screws and fasten it together. Do the same for the other girder. I then made my leg sets the same way but using 2" wide boards. Take a look at the pictures to see this in more detail.

The cross pieces that support the foam are made with a 4" wide plywood board and a 1x3 pine board. I used pine here because I would be screwing into the edge of these pieces and needed solid wood (these will not be glued). I also attached a 2x2 block at the bottom of each leg. This is so I could screw in a lag bolt that I can use to level the pennisula.

Hopefully, you can see from the pictures how it all comes together.







That's all there is to the benchwork. Next, I will make the backdrop that runs down the middle of the pennisula.

SVL Extension: Demolition Begins

I have taken the first construction step in adding the new addition to the existing Southview Lines. I started demolishing where the new pennisula will join to the layout. Demolishing is such a strong word, I should call it selective demolition. I started by removing the front fascia and scrapping off the liquid nails adhesive that held it on. I feel good about the stability of the rest of the fascia because this section was attached very firmly! Next, I directed my attention to the trackwork. Luckily, I have not started scenery in this area yet. It was pretty easy to pry up the flex track (it was secured originally with tub & tile adhesive) using a putty knife. Then, I removed the turnouts. I never solder the rail joiners at turnouts so this was easy. I also clipped the wiring going to the turnout throws and any feeder wires. The last step was to pry up the cork roadbed which was held down with white glue. This just peeled up off of the foam surface. I am left with what you see in the pictures. I will fill any ditches with scraps of foam as I lay the new track and fill the rest when I do scenery on this section.




Next is benchwork. I plan to build the new pennisula using the L-girder method. I also plan to make my "lumber" out of plywood. Stay tuned.

SVL Extension: Design

I have been playing around with a design for the new Southview Lines extension. I really enjoy trackplans that feature an urban switching design and taller structures that impart an "urban canyon" kind of feel. So, that is what I was after when designing the new extension of the SVL. My goal was to have more complex trackage in between large warehouses and multi-story brick buildings. I wanted to have the operator look over the buildings to see his train navigating the right of way. Hopefully, I have accomplished that.

First, to give you a better idea of how the new extension fits in with the existing layout, I have included an image of the layout as it stands today.




I was never really happy with the way I had to squeeze the small yard in the city area. The trains don't navigate this section too easily as there are too many turnouts too close to curves and it just doesn't flow too well. This seemed like the ideal location to add an extension and turn my "L" shaped layout into a "U" shape.


So here is my proposed design. I tried to maintain larger radius curves and provide that urban switching feel to the layout.

Next up, DEMO!

Expansion of the Southview Lines

If you have been to my website (http://www.southviewlines.com), you know that my current railroad is built in my garage. The original layout was designed to utilize one and a half walls of my 2-car garage and still allow room to park a car. Over time I have been parking less and less in my side of the garage (of course I can't have a railroad on HER side). One day I decided to use some of the space formally reserved for my car and expand the Southview Lines with a new peninsula. The new peninsula will be designed to be detached and moved out of the way if I ever need to park the car and my side of the garage.

Stay tuned for future posts as I plan to document the construction of the new layout space in this blog.

New Blog Site for The Southview Lines

Hello,

I have created this blog site in order to more easily document the progress and development of my N scale model railroad - The Southview Lines.

The Southview Lines website can be found here: http://www.southviewlines.com

Please be on the lookout for future posts.