Two Steps Forward…And One Step Back.
A bit of progress report on the layout.
Things began rolling along will installing the bridge piers and get that all situated. I first painted the abutments with a wash of Woodland Scenic slate paint, and then used some styrene pieces to raise the bridge up to the benchwork top.
And then I noticed something….not good. Even though the bridge was even with the benchwork on both sides, it wasn’t level. Something was wrong.. really wrong.
It appears I have what looks like a slight bulge in my benchwork. On the Elmwood side you can see it (how I missed it so far I have no idea), but it’s not that big a deal. It actually adds a little natural looking hill in the benchwork. But on the river side, the river is cut right almost at the apex of the bulge, so I ended up with river banks at two different levels. How much of difference?
It looks worse that it really is though. A little extra cork, a Woodland Scenic riser and then all will be well. Just a little added work, though I guess I’m just more annoyed that I didn’t see this a long time ago.
So anyway…. I wasn’t going to let this stop progress. Today I began securing in the first sections of the track.
I began at the bridge and worked westward, installing the switch and junction line. I’m using Latex Caulk w/Silicone for securing the track in place.
Shaun,
I wouldn’t worry about it too much. As you have probably seen (if you’ve spent any time in the Feliciana Parishes, for instance) rivers and bayous seldom have the same size banks on both sides. Often one is a steep bluff (think Vicksburg) with a much lower other bank. So without knowing it, you’ve actually upped the realism of your layout.
Can’t wait to see the first video of trains running!
Shaun,
Been checking your site all the time to see updates. I just finished my benchwork last night. I used the open grid style. Plus my layout will only be 8ft long instead of 9ft(I have a small room). I liked the way you inserted a switch on the one side of the layout. I also will be inserting a switch on this side, however it will go towards the scenic divider. The switch will lead to a coal mine loadout. Your wiring looks terrific! I like the way you used the communications bracket for the electronics. Eventually I will add signals. I was able to use the Kato track I already had to finish the main line. I will be using other track for the sidings and yards.
Keep up the great work!
Marty
Hi Marty,
Thanks for the compliments.
I’ve been working on some small video projects the last week so I haven’t made a whole lot of progress on the layout lately. Hopefully this weekend I can finish up the mainline on the Marigny side and move over to Elmwood.