First run

Dear followers (both of you).

I am sorry for being so passive here. For about a year I have focused on moduls in accordance with FREMO´s AmericaN standard but now I am picking up the stick again for an ongoing progress.

Today I connected power to the line in order to test functionality before continuing with track. Short circut (naturally) was found in one of the home made turnouts. Once the faulty part was disconected it worked fine, at least as long as the track was powered.

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.