Willow Springs Under Way -- First Steps

Willow Springs ready for track!

After clearing off the clutter that had accumulated on the Willow Springs side of the layout, I finally prepped for track laying. A how-to description of the details of the process is on an earlier post. Basically, I followed a four step process:

1. cut slots in the cork and drill holes for the switch machine actuating wires
2. cut, sand, and glue on switch stand pads
3. sand the cork bevels
4. paint the cork with a color similar to the ballast.

Because installing a control panel for the Tortoise switch machines and a UTP for the NCE throttle will be needed for checking the wiring, I installed a four foot section of fascia now, rather than after the scenery is started. After cutting, installing, and painting the fascia section, I ran the cab bus wire from the initial UTP , repainted the metal panel, and cut a 1" X 2 1/4" hole in the fascia  to mount the UTP. I also installed two dowels as a throttle holder.