Build Progress - 04/23

After a few weeks hiatus due to sickness (both me and the kids) and waiting for some parts have arrived, there's been some progress.

I wasn't happy with the points I originally built for this curve. This is a 24" curve and the previous points were 24"/21". The trains had a habit of 'snapping' into the points and it just didn't look right.

So i've rebuilt them as 28"/24" and its looking much better. All my long wheelbase stock tracks nicely through here.

The relaid track on the penisula. Not glued down yet until its bedded in and all working.

The Helix has is now taking shape in the right corner. Whilst the helix kit was an easy build, the sub-frame its sitting on took a bit of thinking to get right. My first plan was a large single piece of ply as a base, but i've gone with a skeletal approach instead. Bit more fiddly but am happy with the results.

First test fit of the benchwork. The box was assembled across the track first, and the levels calculated based on the grade of the helix.

Originally I thought that 2 levels would suffice, however an additional level was required to ease the grade on the wall to level 2. This was an easy fix, just order another level! I've used Kato SetTrack curves (26" or thereabouts) to handle heat expansion in the hotter months.

Additional Level and Kato SetTrack installed.

I think I've finally got the two remaining pieces of trackwork nailed down. I've converted the former colliery to an industrial district with a small passenger terminus and some industries. The idea here is that a through train to Nowra will interchange cars before entering the Manildra facility, and a local will then traverse the whole layout switching industries along the way.

I say I've got it nailed down, but it'll probably change again.

I've also narrowed the top deck where this scene will be to make it easier to shunt while standing, and provide the illusion of additional space. Am pretty happy with it, was an afternoons work

The additional industry area in the rear left hand corner

Have also updated the Manildra yard. This has had a couple of iterations so far, and I have a real compulsion with double slips that I think I need to dial back a bit. Watch this space!

That'll do for now - thanks for reading!