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Post by Rob Albritton on Sept 24, 2012 9:07:15 GMT -5
Very cool stuff guys - your inspiring me to build more on the Gotthard!
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Post by mgatdog on Dec 14, 2012 18:10:30 GMT -5
Hi Curn Nice layout. Any new updates
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Post by Curn on Dec 18, 2012 1:51:00 GMT -5
I have been taking it rather slow on the layout. Ive mostly been distracted with other seasonal obligations and work. I spent some time testing track and running trains back and forth. Some of the turnouts needed additional work to get them just right. My MTL and AZL diesels ran over the turnouts just fine, however some of my Marklin steamers would have problems. The Marklin steamers have very little clearance above the rails. If the turnout frogs stick up even the slightest bit, the steamers beach themselves. I had to remove the frogs on troubled turnouts and file away any excess flash and get them to sit flush with the rails. I lost one turning during my modifications and had to replace it. Some of the grade transitions also needed additional work. Image of the clearance between my Marklin steamers and the rail. Some of the major sections of track have been glued and soldered together. The little window in the side of Rokuhan joiners is really helpful when soldering rail. It is the perfect place to apply solder. The bridges have taken me more time than I had thought. The biggest issue was the bridge abutments. The two bridges have footings that are at separate heights, and the track plan doesn't leave a lot of room for abutments. Because of this, only one commercial abutment could be used. The center pillar had to be custom built to accommodate the footing hight differences. One abutment/retaining wall is still being finished. I used MTL flex on the bridges. I figured its tie spacing would simulate bridge tie spacing as compared to Rokuhan track. I added a set of guard rail to the track on the truss bridge. I also evaluated Marklin and Peco flex track. Peco flex track is a perfect match to Rokuhan track in rail profile, tie spacing, and tie size. So if anyone is looking for a road bed less flex track to go with Rokuhan track, go with Peco. I received a rock portal set from John Cubbin, and somewhat have it installed to test clearances and get the foam around it carved. I am very happy with John's products, and need to order one for the other side. Everything needs to get painted soon. The paint is really holding me back. I can't place the top on the tunnel until the track through it is painted and ballasted. I cant install the track to the bridge until I get it painted. So I think this is the next big step which I hope to get done during my Christmas break.
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Post by mgatdog on Dec 18, 2012 7:46:11 GMT -5
Wow started to come together . Really looks good . I wish I could get started on mine,but having a hard time figuring what kind of layout I want . Also little bit of a set back too. My dog has kidney failure. What money I had set aside has went to vet bills. God bless her,she 's my little shadow. Again keep up the good work and keep us updated
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Joes
Fireman
Posts: 84
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Post by Joes on Dec 19, 2012 20:58:21 GMT -5
Curn, looks great! Are you DCC on this one or DC?
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