Modules - An Update

It's been awhile since I've written about my modules of the west end of Moosehead siding.  In fact, there was little to no progress for several months.  This was due to a lack of track necessary to proceed further.  Fast forward four months, and a box arrived at my door with the required components. 

Track parts in hand it was time to get to work!  Also, picked up a book for a little light reading while the adhesives dry.

  First, I laid out the CV tie strips.  This is an older photo mocking up the scene.

Mainline tie strips laid and glued down.  I'm using the same PL300 adhesive here as I used for securing the foam board. 

 #10 Shinohara switch installed.  I opted for the Shinohara switch because it was the only option for that size, short of splurging on a fast tracks setup.  I'll use this switch for now, later I likely will get a fast tracks jig, and will replace this switch at a later time.  I based my switch sizes on the prototype, the main switch is approximately a #10, the spur is #7. The tie strip for the #7 switch can be seen in the background.  I will be using CV switch kits extensively, unfortunately they aren't available larger than a #9.

Laying out the rail over the tie strips.  I'm using Micro Engineering Code 83 for these modules, on all tracks.  The prototype is all 100 pound rail, including the spur.  Code 83 is too large for 100 pound rail, but since the #10 switch is only available in Code 83 I'm stuck for the time being.  To use Code 70 would be cost prohibitive at this point.


Now that track is in hand, I expect to make steady progress in the near future, so look for an another update soon!

Exploring the Shore Line

Every so often, my work sends me to the southeastern part of Connecticut, near New London.  One thing I really enjoy about these trips is being close to the ex-New Haven Shore Line, now part of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor.  This area of the Shore Line is quite scenic, with many causeways and bridges as the line skirts the shores of Long Island Sound.  In addition, to very frequent Amtrak service, New London is the eastern terminus of the State's Shore Line East commuter service.  Freight service to the area is provided by both the Providence & Worcester (ex. NH trackage) and New England Central (ex CV trackage, although I'm not sure of NECR goes much past Norwich these days).  Both the P&W and NECR are now under the G&W web.  Unfortunately for this trip, all freight action took place under the cover of darkness and was not observed.


During the four weeks I was there, I got trackside a few times.  Here's a few highlights.

Northbound Acela Train 2190, Noank, CT, 5/30/2017

Northbound Regional Train 190, Noank, CT, 5/30/2017 

 

Video of Train 190, Noank, CT, 5/30/2017 

Southbound Regional Train 171, Noank, CT, 5/30/2017 

 Northbound Overnight Regional Train 66, Noank, CT 6/11/2017

Southbound Regional Train 169, 6/11/2017

SLE Train 1633, Old Saybrook, CT 6/23/2017.  SLE operates several ex-Amtrak P40DC locomotives. 

A SLE trainset awaits to the east of Old Saybrook station for its turn to head west.  A little later a crew would pull the train forward to the station, take on passengers, and head west as Train 1637. 6/23/2017

Southbound Amtrak Acela 2151 blasts through Old Saybrook, 6/23/2017

SLE Train 1637 sits at Platform 3 waiting to head west to NYC.  Old Saybrook, CT, 6/23/2017

On the Road

I was sent to southeast Connecticut for much of the month of June for a work project.  Spending several weeks in a hotel away from home can be challenging.  Fortunately, as a modeler, it is easy enough to pack up your workbench and take some projects with you.  I was lucky enough that I could drive this trip, flying creates challenges with how much stuff you can take and hazardous materials (not like we ever use anything in that category)

Here's a few photos of my on the road setup.

Most hotels include desk space that can be converted to a workbench.  Plenty of hand tools, parts, extra lighting and a computer for photos are key components of my work area, home and away.
 

 I used a couple of totes to carry my tools and projects.  Look close and you will see a few things that will appear in this blog in the future.

Another benefit for me being on the road, is that there usually is plenty of opportunities to railfan new places.  I will save the results of this trip for another post.  Stay tuned!

Back At It...

So it has been way too long since my last post.  Work, family, and travel (for both) has interfered.  But no excuses.  Over the past few months, I have made some scattered progress on a few different projects.  I'll be updating you all on these in the next few weeks.  Stay tuned! 

Amtrak Acela Train 2190 northbound at Noank, CT (5/30/17)