Appalachian Southern

Being that is Friday, I thought I would start my own version of the weekend roll-by. Not that I have a whole lot rolling yet, but here goes. This will just give me an opportunity to play around and take some fun pictures.

Misc Photos

Misc Photos

Valium is completely overrated… I was looking forward to the calming effects it was supposed to have. It is funny how Benadryl can knock me on my butt, but Valium does nothing….  With a sore mouth,  I spent the morning gluing track and inserting filler cross ties at my track joints. The scene is improving every day. Unless my plans change for some reason, tomorrow will be tortoise switch machines and DCC installation day.

Filler Cross Ties Improve the Looks of Things

Today is not a good day. This afternoon, I have to go have  endodontic therapy performed on my rear upper tooth.  I  have never really had any dental problems to speak of except for this one tooth. It has always been a problem. First a crown and now this. The pinnacle of dental fear for me and most others according the the wiki page.  I don’t get scared about too much, but this has me frazzled.   It would have likely been better off  had I not looked at the wiki page and viewed all of the detailed pictures of the procedure.  I have a Valium waiting for me at 2:00pm and the procedure is at 3:00pm.  One of the guys from the office is going to be driving me there and back so that my fellow drivers will be safe.  My wife is working today and tomorrow which means she won’t be home until Friday night. Hence, I am left to fend for myself and no one is going to be here to listen to me complain. I guess I will have to have my own pity party.

My Mom just called to check on me. She said that they were headed out of town to Savannah, GA. They are going to attend a reunion for my Dad and all of his buddies from Vietnam. They get together every two years. Oh well, I am on my own for this one.

So, until I recover from this, here are a couple of shots from the layout. This end of the staging yard is almost done now. On to the far end.

Turnouts Complete in Staging

Alternate Angle

Happy Mother’s Day everyone. I hope you were able to spend some time with your mother. My mother just arrived so I am finishing up here for our dinner tonight.  Here is a progress photo from today. I am pleased with the progress.

Working on the Yard with #7 Turnouts

I admit it, I used the Dremel tool today without safety glasses. One of the dumbest things in the world you can do, and an easy way for a nasty eye injury. I, of all people, should know better.

Earlier, I cut the rails so that the drop gate / through-bridge could open and close. It worked marvelously. The staging lines got a little longer today. The now infamous MPLX test car saw another day of action with the index finger motive power. An extremely productive couple of hours this afternoon.

Functional Walk-Through

MPLX 1048 Test Car

Atlas code 55 finally made its way onto the layout today in the staging area. I figured I would do the complicated part first.  I haven’t cut the track at the gate yet. The adhesive is still drying.

First Code 55 Atlas Track Laid on the Layout

Atlas Code 55 N Scale on Drop Gate

#7's Ready for Tortoises

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

This afternoon I am preparing to start laying the track in the staging yard.  I am a little reluctant to start before I draw the return loop at this end of the staging yard. I need to make sure the main line switches are in the appropriate position. Where did I put that piece of string….  I have a hard time finding things sometimes.

Anyway, the track centers worked out to be 1-3/8″ in the staging area. The 19″+ radii  inside the  staging yard will work nicely with this spacing I suspect. I staged a little scene for myself this afternoon. I thought I would share it. Here you can see the #7 switch I built using the Fast Tracks jig. I think it turned out great. Many more of these have to be constructed before this staging area is complete

Have a good afternoon everyone.

Laying Out the Staging Yard

Here is another idea, maybe good, maybe not.

Oops. I see a problem. Laughing at myself…..

Version 11

I have been struggling with the modifications made below. I think I have it worked out now and like the results. This was an idea proposed by Jamie of CSX Dixie Line. This may not be the final revision, but it is getting pretty close for the main level. I like the double ended staging. The two walk-through sections are not the best, but I think I can link the lift up sections so they will come up together to provide access to the layout. Now, I need to get the classification yard in and should be in business for the main level.  I am using Empire Express for the track design. Pretty nifty application.

As usual, you can click the image for a larger version of the plan.

Version 10