I hope you have better progress than the R.J. Corman rail replacement crew working the KCS Gulfport (MS) Branch Upgrade. I was told by the Foreman that they bid 4800 feet per day to replace 90# jointed rail with 115# CWR. However, they appear to be averaging way more than 5000 feet per day depending on the number of grade crossings. Then again they just took a 5-day break over this past weekend, so they must not be that worried about finishing within the contract period. I believe they will be back on the job tomorrow morning, but then I'm not risking a bet either. Tell you what, Jerry. You finish your outside track with Code 55 (134#) rail, post a photo, and I'll show the Foreman what a one-man crew can do in just a few hours. :tb-cool: Somehow, I don't think he would see the humor in my sarcasm...:tb-hissyfit:
Heres some for Rick Cormans crew. Got alot done on the outside loop, and started on the inside loop. Fresh liquid nail on the cork is where the new outside loop curve started.
Tomorrow after work, (Hopefully), I will glue the last 4 pieces of flex track to the cork. I have it layed out and some of the inside loop layed out too.
Once the glue dries I will add more ground material to fill in the gaps below the tanks concrete wall.
Excellent as always. Is the proto refinery this close to the main? Do you have a modern view of the line in this location? One question: do you solder your curves on the workbench before laying flex? I did on my HCD layout, and it worked great to keep the tight-ish curves (14" rad) from kinking at the the joint. I think you lay track almost as fast as the UP did in the 1860's!
The ATSF tracks run right through the big Tosco Oil Refinery. http://www.flyerguide.net/viewphoto.php?id=213633&nseq=5 The SP tracks are not too far away also. So, on my layout, the location of this model refinery is not completely accurate, but gives the proper 'feel' of the area. You know me....close is good enough. Now on the other side of the layout, I am planning on doing the Tosco Oil Refinery....or a close copy of it. I did solder all my joints on the SP Line until I found that in the garage the constant movement of the rails due to the changing temps defeated the benefits of it. So now, no, I dont. I do solder feeders to every or every other rail. I probably would solder if there was a really bad kink I could get out by filing and then cut an expansion gap somewhere else on the rail. Hope that makes sense!
Nice work Jerry, your an inspiration to me to get going further on my layout. Not sure I'll post progress on Trainboard or my website yet.
I'm glad you brought it up, I just noticed looking at the pictures there's no rail service at the refinery. Keep on truckin'!:tb-tongue:
