Saturday, June 11, 2011

Mainline loop trackwork completed

Finally!  I had a friend ask if my railroad workers were on strike!  Picking up where the last update left off - as always, click the photos for a larger view -

Above, looking from the viaduct, the upper track crosses a double deck girder bridge, which was built from two single bridge kits, and along the "TV" wall, while the lower track emerges under the bridge, and winds lazily toward what will be a small fishing harbor area.  This track is climbing a grade beginning just as it appears from under the bridge.

Beyond that turn, the upper track begins descending, and crosses a wooden trestle bridge.  This bridge was stick-built from scale lumber, using plans from a magazine.  It had to be finished to a point to be put in place, but I'm not giving away any closeup photos until it's complete!  The lower track continues to climb and turn, and as seen in the overview shot below, ultimately joins up with the upper track, to complete the loop.

So, now comes some tedious work with wiring, cross tie and rail painting, and cleaning and polishing the rail of the mainline loop.  When that is completed, continuous test running can begin, and any trackwork or electrical "kinks" that may be found will be worked out.