When you add support for that inside corner, make sure you design it such that your step-stool still can get to where you need it in order to reach back into the rear corner.
I changed the track as Andy (Big Jake) suggested. The tracks are now just at the limit of my reach but when the area gets scenery and there’s buildings and trees in the way I will have to stand on the stool if there’s a derailment or other problem there. Doing scenery in that corner would be very difficult so I’m thinking of cutting a piece of foam core or plastic and finishing it on my workbench and then just placing it in that corner.
Or invest in a topside creeper... But I like your idea for a drop-in scene behind that corner! And/or Invest in some ankle weights, so you can extend your weighted ankle out behind you as a counterweight for you to lean just a little further over the layout. ;O
When I start doing scenery I’ll see how I do with the step stool. If it’s too difficult or dangerous I can borrow a topside creeper from a friend who has one.
This may not fit with your scenery plans but since you are using Kato track consider adding three rerailer sections, one at each straight before the curves and another in the straight section in the corner. If this area is hard to reach maybe these will prevent or correct derails making it less of an issue.
Thanks cbg, that’s a good idea. Those re-railer/grade crossing tracks are very useful. Unitrack is very reliable and I don’t have derailments or dead spots so I don’t think I need three of them but one grade crossing would work out great.
I worked on some track modifications. These are the before photos. This is the after photo. I moved the double crossover to the right and the left hand switch to the left. I removed the right hand switch and the industry in front of the Denny’s. I didn’t enjoy switching that spur so it’s gone. Moving the industry spurs to the left frees up space on the addition to the right. On the left side of the U I removed one industry and used the right hand switch from the switchback to make a fourth track in the yard. The left hand switch will be used on the addition. This is before. And this is after. I ran trains to make sure everything works as it should. That’s it for this time until next time.
Thanks in2tech. It’s a slow process but I’m getting there. One good thing is that I can run trains while I’m trying to get the track right.
Thanks Richard. I want to get the track settled so I can start on scenery. I enjoy running trains but I’m getting tired of looking at the Pink Foam Central.
My suggestion is to put a coat of brown or green paint on the foam. Either is a great base color and it basically resets the clock. Think how long it took to get tired of looking at the pink and figure you have at least that long with the new color before you get to this point again
You’re right, painting it will completely change the look. I’m going to spackle the holes and seams so I have a smooth surface and then paint it brown. I like brown as my base color.
Disliked the pink so much the winter layout eps was painted white before placing track on it. Think you will find painting the pink will make a huge difference. Great video. Seeing the trains go around the layout and inner 180 magnificent!
I agree. Painting the foam is a priority. I think it will make a big difference. Thanks Mark. I really enjoy watching trains running around that curve.
Great video! It really helps us help you more since we know more about your plans & ideas. My layout is still "in pink" too. I'm still layering up the background terrain. If you are thinking about upgrading your DCC system to support more loco functions, I might suggest that the TCS CS-105 supports up to 31 Xpressnet throttles, so your existing throttle(s) could be re-used. But I'd suggest getting a TCS wireless throttle to support more loco functions, plus they are cheaper when bundled with the command station.
