Modules - Part 4

Roadbed is complete!  Over the past couple of days I've wrapped up the last remaining installation of cork.  I previously had finished laying everything except the switch ladder into the siding and spur.  To lay out the cork, I needed to know approximately how the switches would fit.  Since I currently do not have the switches in my possession (or even built for that matter), I utilized some Fast Tracks templates, which are available for free off their website.  The templates have to be assembled from a couple sheets of paper.  To reinforce the paper to provide some durability I covered both sides in clear packing tape prior to cutting the paper.  The completed product is shown below. 

Fast Tracks templates



The switches on the left are #10s, and the ones on the right are #7.  I chose these size switches for a couple of reasons.  First, they are approximately to scale to the prototype.  Second, large size switches, particularly on the main is important for flawless operation, particularly for long equipment such as the VIA Atlantic that will traverse my layout.  In his blog, Trevor Marshall discussed the importance of aiming for zero mechanical and electrical defects during operating sessions.  "Aiming for zero – and really meaning “I want no derailments during a session to be caused by equipment, track or other things I can control” – means that when a problem does occur, I make note of the issue and try to resolve it."  This statement really resonated with me, and I am challenging myself to reach for this goal in building my layout.  If you want to read further into what Trevor has to say on the subject, take a look at his blog:  http://themodelrailwayshow.com/cn1950s/?p=5907

 With the templates made, I was off to the modules.  Here I have laid out the templates in the approximate locations of where the switches will be installed.

 Some of you may have noticed that I have used standard HO cork roadbed on the main, and thinner N scale cork for the sidings.  I did so because there is a pronounced drop off on the prototype, see the photo below for reference.

Tools of the trade:  Tablet with prototype photos, wrasp for shaping the foam and a tube of foam-friendly adhesive 

 

The final product

One step after these photos that I don't have a photo for is that I took my belt sander to the cork to smooth the top of the cork to ensure a nice level surface for the track to lay on.  I also used the sander to create the transition between the main and the siding.  I opted to keep the turnouts level from end to end, which led to the "hill" between the spur switch and the main.  I'm not sure if I am satisfied with this arrangement, as it results in the track having to rise 3/32" in 6 1/2" of run.  While 3/32" doesn't sound like a lot (its not), mathematically it equates to approximately a grade of 1.5%.  While I have confidence that my CP trains using the siding will be overpowered enough that 1.5% is not an issue, I have concerns that the combination of grade and curvature into the main line switch will risk the concept of flawless operation.  I will have to think further if I will keep this arrangement on not.


The next step will be to lay the track.  I have made my decision in what track system I will use, but I have not purchased it yet.  What track will I use?  That question will be discussed in a future post.  Since I still need to raise funding, so it may be a little while before there is another update on these modules.  Stay tuned, more will come.