Large Scale Central

Expanding South Willow Hill

Indoor and Micro
#101

I have been focusing on the Mik Challenge, which directly relates to the expansion project. In the mean time I have been gathering up track components to build that last configuration. Last night I think I finally made a decision on bench level as well. The bench will step down from current level to several inches below the test roadbed for the area to the right of the pipe. I need to get that sketched before I forget the idea!

Here is a test layout of track to see if my RR Track drawing can be done with actual track…

#102

Looks like it will work, Jon… (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)

#103

I decided that I need to figure out all of the track and levels before I finalized my Mik build of McGillicuddy’s Supply. I finally made a decision today on how the bench work will be done. Referring to this picture…

The rear track will run at about a 3.5% grade down to the freight door. Most likely supported by a wood trestle in the future. The center track will stay at bench level and run over a trestle where the track in the picture is unsupported. The foreground curve will stay at bench level. The flat board at the left is bench level, the studs and plywood at the right are the lower level. The curved track will be on an embankment running down to the lower level. Where the 5x5’s are supporting the track, the bench will be at the lower level on a triangular piece ending about 18" toward the camera from the existing framework. The balance of the curve will be at bench level supported by the book case that lives along the stairwell wall.

The center track car spot will either be a coal dump trestle, or a tank unloading facility. If I can squeeze in two cars, maybe both. Not sure if the curve will have car spots, or just be space to drill cars.

I still need to confirm that the switches will fit before I commit to wood and nails.

#104

Sounds like a plan, Jon… (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)

#105

This has become very interesting…

#106

Jon

I am see another project for you …like you need one.

In the above pic were you have the two blocks holding up the track in the lower left…

What if you hid a draw behind/integrated the fascia ?

You could make the fascia into a retaining wall , with a print of this, and have it sweep around the front of the track …am I making any sense ?

Image result for concrete block retaining wall

#107

Make the retaining wall with the same colored block that the Building supply will be made with …

#108

That’s a very cool idea Sean. I was undecided as to weather or not to decorate the back side of the curved track as it really would not be visible unless you hang your head over it; but the front I hadn’t thought about. This is the style / size of block I used at the BOX Tunnel and was planning on for the foundation of McGillicuddy’s…

In scale, those are 2ft tall by 4ft wide. I could curve a thinner foam, but in real life it would be a series of angles which is easier.

EDIT to add: No problem with another project. Since this is the view that everyone will see first when entering the basement from the outdoor layout I want to do a nice job with scenery. The rest of the indoor layout is in various stages of incompleteness and will stay that way for quite a while.

#109

Jon said: “Incompleteness”

This post has been edited by: ROOSTER

#110

Jon

You can get away with a curved wall… It’s done all the time…

Image result for curved block wall

#111

I made a serious commitment last night. All indoor operations were suspended for major renovations. This is the before shot of BOX Tunnel so I can remember how to place the rocks & ballast…

Immediately after that shot was taken the rocks, ballast, tunnel facade, wall facade and track were removed. Fortunately I had this in mind when I constructed BOX tunnel last year, so it was a matter of removing a half dozen screws and popping a few brads from the black PVC wall to allow BOX to be gently lifted out of place revealing this view not seen in over a year…

Once the new bench is installed behind the existing wall, a shortened version of the BOX will be put back in place. The closed tunnel will end about 4" beyond where the footer steps down in this shot taken from the other side…

Warm up the saw. Lets cut some wood!

#112

I know that cross track!

#113

Jon

Do you have a new track plan ?

#114

Sean McGillicuddy said:

Jon

Do you have a new track plan ?

No, not unless you consider this one from a few pages ago new…

Reality never quite works out the way RR track draws it. In order to get the curve in, the crossing needs to be closer to the LH switch at the top of the drawing. The picture Nico quoted above was my reality check of how it will fit together using sectional track. This is why I need to get off the computer now and get down there and build the bench. Only then can I test-fit track to be certain the plan will work.

#115

Jon, You said - “my reality check of how it will fit together using sectional track.”

I think that is the rub, using sectional track. Even on the “Timesaver”, I had to “dremel” some adjustments. When you are governed by what a manufacturer gives you, your creativity can be stifled. If you use the purchased turnout as the starting point, you can creat great track work. Enjoy the ride and build what you think looks right.

#116

Thanks Ric - I’m already expecting a few custom cut pieces. I have an old school bender if I need to go that route, but so far I think it’s going to work with mostly sectional track with a trim here and there.,

#117

Olde Rock Saw just wasn’t quite big enough to slice the box…

I had to finish with a hand saw, but it worked out OK…

I moved the rear legs to the section I am keeping than re-installed it…

This short section gets me past the pier to where the footing gets deeper. From there I will build bench from the inside of the paneling wall up to the block wall. That’s about it for tonight. Bench frame tomorrow.

#118

This is great! It just keeps expanding and growing. Good work, Jon. Enjoy the experience!

#119

Bout all your missing down there is a helix, and Ric could probably fix ya up with that…(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

#120

Ken Brunt said:

Bout all your missing down there is a helix, and Ric could probably fix ya up with that…(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

Not that I would actually do it, but if I built one here and went out the window I’d be in the garden! How would that be for a roundy, roundy, roundy, round!