Turnout manufacturing

In order to be able to proceede I need track and switches. Since Atlas have problems, or at least have had for the last couple of years, I decided to make mine own using Fast Tracks template and material.

As a first step however, I bought 13 "frames" (track with no wooden tiles) from Per Eklund in order to get some practice and a kick start. These are now about to be finalised and ready for the layout.

I use the paper template from Fast Track ind glue the wodden tiles onto the paper using ordinary carpetenter glue.

With all the tiles in place it is time for testing.

It fits fine, lucky me

Thirteen turnouts read for painting

Painting the tiles and track separately is a good way to ensure good paint coverage.

Now I only have 20pcs of #6 turnouts left to do from scratch and 3pcs of #12. Life is fun.

Change of heart

Previously I stated that only mainline should have cork track bed but I have changed my mind and I will use cork for most of the tracks.

So todays work was manufacturing cork stripes and glue in place.

A slight improvement

Another version version with a slight improvement. This way I have both main line and siding un touched when switching the upper industrial area.

Switching area - layout revision

Constructive critisism from my good friend and mentor Micke C gave food for thought. The result is to be seen below. I hope this will provide a more interesting and smooth switching, although not without complexity.

It also gives one more staging track for arrival or departure.

End profile and soldering

A few things in box this evening. A small step for both mankind and me.

The end profile is according to the FREMO AmericaN standard. This allows for docking of other modules with the same standard, of which I have about 15 in my hobby room.

The PCB laminate are glued to the Masonite and the tracks are then soldered onto the PCB. The removable "Doorbridge Gate" will connect here.

Block Buster Movie - Clarion Line first track test

It is not every day you get to experience a world premiere so enjoy this unique occasion.

The track is just preliminary nailed in place. No electricity, no soldering and no switch control. 

Just testing...and it looks good.

Time for cork

I am using regular carpenter glue to fixate the cork to the now painted plywood. The main line is the only track that will have a raised embankment, the rest is yard area and will be mounted directly on to the plywood.

First section of the main line cork in place. Curve is yet to be done.

A bit of careful positioning and testing with the curved turnout before fixing the cork-bed.

A piece of Masonite is glued in place at the end of the line to secure that the track en will be held firmly in place. The removable "Doorbridge Gate" will here connect to the main layout. My experience from modular railoading proved to be very useful.