Expansion update

Keith Jul 21, 2014

  1. Keith

    Keith TrainBoard Supporter

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    After a fair amount of time off, I can now state that
    the G Scale expansion to the back is underway! I spent
    some time tonight, laying out my track.
    Reverse loop is in, and now I just need to lay out the connection
    track(s) along the side of the house. MIGHT just have enough track to connect!
    Not sure, until I finish laying things out.
    No photos, since it was getting fairly dark by the time I finished my initial planning.
    Will get photo(s) Monday sometime.
     
  2. Keith

    Keith TrainBoard Supporter

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    Photos of backyard expansion!

    Part of reverse loop in back yard.
    [​IMG]

    Line to back at far right. Curve is front yard main line. Curve that goes behind dirt hill is reverse loop for the front.
    Track that passes right in front of patio timber(s) is a 6 1/2 foot long siding. Turnout to nowhere will be replaced by curve cut to fit!
    [​IMG]

    Closer shot of track towards the back. Couple of turnouts to be replaced by curves cut to fit.
    And a couple of sections of straight track that need to be cut to fit also.
    [​IMG]


    Have plenty of work to do, but at least my connection plan has come together nicely. So far!!
    Additional rock needed, more granite, and preferably, cooler temps! Working in the upper 80's
    and into the low/mid 90's is too @#$ hot to work!! But, I like what I've got laid down so far!
    Should look better, as I start lifting/lowering/leveling the track.
    Now, to find my other set of insulated joiners for the backyard reverse loop!
     
  3. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    "So far!!" It's always good CYA to say that. It doesn't always work, but can help forestall Murphy's Law from biting you.
     
  4. Keith

    Keith TrainBoard Supporter

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    Wouldn't be surprised if something changes at some point.
    I may make changes, in a year or so, after running it As Is.
    But, only if I feel the need to make changes to improve things.
    Shall see.....
     
  5. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Looking good. Can hardly wait to see a K-36 threading its way thru those curves.
     
  6. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I've a hunch there'll be some serious tinkering with track alignment, before that can safely be accomplished.
     
  7. Keith

    Keith TrainBoard Supporter

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    I'd like to see a trio of GP30's and about 15 coal hoppers winding their way through here myself!
    I'm not sure if a K36 is made in G Scale however. Who knows what I'd have to sell to afford one?
    And then, I'm not sure if it would handle my curves, even if the are 10 foot Diameter!!
    But then, a narrow gauge coal train, or even passenger train would look good!
    With full sound of course!! Smoke too, IF the decoder could handle the power requirements.
     
  8. Keith

    Keith TrainBoard Supporter

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    Have 3 days to finish cleaning things inside, for this weekends Layout Tour, for railroad club members.
    Want to spend Friday, trying ot work out the track maintenance needed outdoors.
    The area dug up and rebuilt, due to tree roots has sunk! About a good 1 1/2 inch! I gotta
    ballast that area and get track leveled. then do a little general track maintenance as well.
    And HOPE everything runs good for the weekend!! Was hoping maybe I could run the K, but with
    the problems I'm currently having, that may not work. Getting a noticeable click in valve gear as the
    locomotive runs! Which provides just enough of a hitch, to kill the engine! In that I have to reverse
    direction, to release drivers, when they lock up! Backing up to 5-6 feet, then attempting to go forward again!
    Sometimes it works, sometimes I gotta repeat the process a second time! Love the K, just too many gremlins in it right now!
    Hopefully, I'll have photos to share!
     
  9. phantom

    phantom TrainBoard Member

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    Nice hope to see pics soon!
     
  10. Keith

    Keith TrainBoard Supporter

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    Hope to also!!
    Also hope the weather holds up!
    Had some serious rain today, and more
    for overnight and into mid morning tomorrow.
    Rain late Saturday and isolated rain on Sunday, so.....
     
  11. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thunderstorms? Those are supposed to start hitting here starting tomorrow. At least according to the weather babblers...
     
  12. Keith

    Keith TrainBoard Supporter

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    Yeah, thunderstorms.
    The one we had earlier this evening, was supposed to
    drop about 1.75" of rain. Another .75" due over night, starting around 3AM.
    With several inches due in massive storm to pass through tomorrow.
    It's been wicked! I know its bad, when I can hear the rain on sunroom roof, downstairs
    WITH the TV on!! It poured!
    Thankfully, the railroad only sank, and NOT washed away!
     
  13. Keith

    Keith TrainBoard Supporter

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    Another brief update!
    Me and the railroad are still around! LOTS of rain in recent days
    that has kept me from getting out and trying to get any maintenance work done!
    The last repair work I did, is now in need of updated repair!! The installed drain pipe
    appears to be sinking on the uphill side! And also looks to be half full of dirt!
    The track above is sitting over a few fairly large sinkholes! And with the last major
    downpour, I discovered that I HAVE to install yet another drain pipe. This time, a small
    2" section of pipe will work. If I do NOT install it, the area that had 2" of water behind it, could
    start causing me major headaches at some point.Getting to the point to where I'm starting to
    think about pulling up the railroad, in full, and doing a massive rebuild of the entire system.
    This is only a thought right now, but it is a possibility!
    And from a few things I've read, I'm tempted to want to try the concrete roadbed with next full system rebuild.
    At least that way, the track will be level, while the ground rises and falls!
    However, nothing is going to be done
    until the @#$$%^ rain stops! A few more possible showers forecast for today and maybe tomorrow.
    But then, I also have to realize that, being without my truck for 3 1/2 weeks hasn't helped much!
    At some point, I need to get a load or two of granite again. For both Mom and myself!
    Guess my next project, if it stops raining, is to pull out a train and run! Find out what kind of
    trouble I may have! I've not been able, or wanting to do much outside anyway, since the Aug 2-3
    RR club open house that wasn't!
     
  14. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Sounds like you are getting free scenery done by nature. Lakes and rivers....
     

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