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.