Benchwork and roadbed
Milestones
A few days ago, I celebrated a milestone with my wife - 20 years of remission from cancer. But the other part of this milestone was that the time I spent in Chemo was when I was building my first layout. (1 module survives yet). Or the time I was in the hospital putting rooves together for some covered bridges.
Bah! No progress in weeks.
The household has been involved in other projects for two months or more. As a result, we have not made any progress on an inch of roadbed or track.
It is time to re-arrange priorities. I have to allow some time for funs as well as works.
-Doug
Micro Engineering insulated rail joiners
Since I am new to hand laying track, looking for lots of advice and experience from all of you veterans. I purchased ME insulated rail joiners but don't have a clue how they should be installed between the rail section where electrical isolation is needed. Can anyone show a picture of a Micro Engineering insulated rail joiner installed in their rail work?
Jim
Charlie Comstock turnout jig and tutorial
After watching Charlie Comstock's tutorial on building turnout using homemade frog jigs and pc ties, I attempted my own version. I have just finished the first no. 5 turnout for a turning wye. The jig worked just as shown in the video. Charlie recommended using Rolly Holders from Railway Engineering. I ordered a set for code 83 rail and after a two week wait they arrived by mail with postage due (probably why it took two weeks). They are an excellent tool for track alignment and work better than three point gauges for laying turnout track.
So, I went to my local home store today to buy some lumber
Precut to certain specs for my modular layout. Wouldn't you know it? The plywood cutting tool for the store was down.... Oh well, got some plumbing and electrical supplies for the house. All the plumbing is now done in the house (8 jobs total), so wife is happy. Maybe tomorrow I will tackle the 2 electrical issues. Wish me luck in not getting electrocuted. Both electrical issues are in bathrooms, which introduces water into the electrical area....
2 level peninsula
I've seen many bi and tri level around the wall layouts. Has anyone ever seen a bi level peninsula? I'm mainly interested in how to support the top level. I know I can have legs at each of the corners but I was hoping someone has done something more creative. Blayne
switch machines and foam modules
I'm building some Fre-mo-like modules with 2" foam as the surface. How does one mount switch machines such as Tortoise? I don't have plywood under the foam in most areas.
Cool Tool!
FastCap has a new tape measure that makes squaring up benchwork and fitting braces for shelf brackets a snap! It's called a SquareOne tape... and it automatically calculates the distance of the hypotenuse of a right triangle. So... it you measure out from a corner of your benchwork, say 17", make a mark, then measure out the other direction, mark it, and lay the tape between the marks... you read the other edge of the tape and if it shows 17", your corner is square! Goodbye Pythagorean Theorem!
Multi-level layout
Hello. Our club is designing its first layout for a 23'x23' space. We plan to have three levels: two operating levels and a staging level at the bottom, all connected by a two-direction helix. We are discussing the heights of the various levels, needing to consider construction and decorating, viewing ability, operations, and ease of access. Our preliminary plans are (from the floor) 30" staging, 38"-40" lower, and 56"-58" upper. Are these heights practical? What heights do others with a similar layout have? Thanks for your help.
How would you attach sheet cork to plywood?
Getting ready to put down some sheet cork for a staging area, and wondering what the best way to secure the cork to the plywood is. What works? I've used adhesive caulk to fix cork strips, but thought maybe glue might be better in this situation. Good old Elmer's wood glue maybe? Any hints, tips, suggestions, warnings, or ancient family secrets are welcome.
thanks
Randy
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