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.