Appalachian Southern

Having only a little time this morning to work on the layout, the final steps were completed prior to laying the first sections of Atlas Code 55.  Some cutting made the walk-through bridge / gate look much better.  You can see in the pictures below, the track lines are now drawn in.  A three inch piece of 1/8 Masonite is invaluable for drawing curves as long as you can find a friend or spouse to help you hold it in place.

All of the lines for the staging track turned out really well. They are located on 1-3/8″ centers.  The six foot metal ruler I was using is also proving to be invaluable for drawing the straight sections of the staging area.

The next step will be to start laying some track. If everything goes as planned, the first sections will be installed this evening. My wife has to work late, so this will be the perfect opportunity to get it done.

Modifications Made to Walk-Through Gate

Guidelines to Use When Laying Staging Track

Staging Area (Lower Level)

Bridge Locking Device (One of Two)

The Look of the Staging Area Prior to Track

The project of the day was to complete walk-through access for the lower level staging area. The results worked out better than I expected. I only have wooden blocks serving as gate ‘locks’ right now.  Tomorrow, I will need to replace these with a locking mechanism of some sort.  This gate should be very handy in the future.  The top level will just be an easy duck-under.

Walk-Through Gate in Closed Position

Walk-Through in Open Position

Closing the Walk-Through Gate

Walk-Through Gate Alternate Angle

After some long days lately,  here are  a few  pictures of the layout. The homasote was installed in the upper and lower level staging areas.  I plan to lay the atlas code 55 track right on top of it.  The lights are working out well above the lower staging level. I was very pleased to say the least.  Not an inch of it is dark. The lights are so bright, it is almost difficult to photograph. The plan for today is to get to work on building several #7 switches so I can begin laying track as soon as possible.

Update 05/12/2009

A reader asked for the specifics on the lighting setup; here are the details.

I bought a four bulb florescent ballast and some low profile single lamp holders. Here are the part numbers:

Ballast: ADVANCE (4)F32T8 RS/IS Centium ICN-4P32-SC Instant Start Electronic Ballast

Lamp Holders: ADVANCE Model FRBP Medium Bi-Pin Lamp Holders Low Profile

I mounted each ballast that I would need under the bench work. There is a wiring diagram on the ballast. I ran the appropriate wires to the ends of each bulb, most of the wire had to be extended due to my bulb spacing. I ran a switched power lead to each ballast. One ballast for every four bulbs. Of course the one switch on the wall turns all the bulbs on. I will just continue this around the room as the bench work progresses.

Homasote Installed in Staging Upper and Lower

Lower Staging Area Lighting

What the Room Looks Like Now with Lighting

These fluorescent bulbs are not wired yet, but it was good to get them mounted under the upper staging level.  It is always nice to see something work as planned.  These are 5500K T8 bulbs.

Lighting Installed

I was able to get the upper level staging bench work completed today. I cut circular notches so my fluorescent bulbs will recess up into the bench work. I think it will work out well.  I am cutting plywood to fit now and need to go out and purchase some cork sheeting for this staging area.

Plywood will only be used in the staging, yard, and city areas. The rest will be cut out and supported on risers for the proper elevation.

Neala is bored and ready to go home and eat.

Round Notches for Fluorescent Bulbs

Upper Staging Level Overview

Quite a warm afternoon; a great day to make some progress. It is nice and cool here in the office and Neala is laying in front of a cage fan on her bed keeping cool. I did well today to finish the reworked staging bench work. Here are some pics from the new 5D Mark II. Nice.

I still need to do the lift-out section where you walk into the staging area, but there is no rush for that at this point.

I am pretty sure I will be laying some staging track this week at some point.

Finished the Staging Bench Work Modifications

Another Angle

A Wide Angle Room Shot

Neala (aka Tinkie)

Not quite finished, but at least a good start. I am still working. Just wanted to see the new camera in action.

Constructing the Modified Staging

Today my goal was to change the bench work for the revised staging lines. I had to remove a section up against the L in the dividing wall since it was too wide. I got that section removed and I am ready to frame in the new section.  It is all going well, but I have to stop and get ready to go to  a wedding. It is 90 degrees here again today, I guess we skipped spring and went straight to summer. I didn’t even get to collect $200.00. I also realized that when I do frame this extended staging in, I will cut off my shortcut to the saw. Oh well, I guess a little extra walking won’t hurt me.

Ok…. I admit it, I was a little lazy today! Not quite ready for these temps yet. It looks to be a long, dry, hot summer. I am already anticipating the cooler fall weather and the leaves changing. I always eagerly anticipate that every year.

I just finished this on AutoCad, I think it is almost ready for the CNC router.  Do you guys see any required changes? 4 inch wide parts in 45 degree sections. I think 3 inches of useful width after mounting is plenty of room for two tracks on the helix. Your thoughts?

12.5% of One Turn of a 48" Helix

I took a shower and had a nice steak for dinner. Walked over to the office for just a little more. I wanted to see the final contour of the island after working on it all day. Cutting all those angles on the ends of the girders was a pain in the butt, so I wanted to see how well they worked. I must say, I am impressed how easy it was to contour the masonite on this half of the island. I will do the other half tomorrow. I have to find those little screw buttons that I see everyone else using. It is next to impossible to countersink screws in a material only 1/8″ thick.

Island Contour