Phase Two Mainline Extension

 

Short clip of GN 229 backing out of staging on a trial run of the just completed mainline extension.

Since my last post, I have worked on several of the steps mentioned there. This past week, I narrowed my focus to adding a small extension to connect the mainline to my existing three-track staging module. A track plan sketch from this earlier post , just as I started the Phase Two work, provides an overview. 

With the Ferndale Junction and new modules in place, I needed to work out a finished design for the extension. As I intend the extension to be part of the permanent  railroad and join further TOMA expansion later and work for now as the access to staging, I had to keep both of those parameters in mind. To complicate both issues, a nearby basement support pole needed to be factored in.  

My first step consisted of clamping a cardboard box in place and creating a paper template. The template showed both the shape and size of the extension and allowed me to test out both the placement of my existing staging and whether a full turn-back curve would clear the metal support pole.

I designed and built a grid framework on the template on my workbench in the garage. Using my miter saw and brad nailer made for fast work laying out, cutting, and glueing up the frame. Based on the template, the frame is not quite square allowing the staging track to clear the support pole. It also allows for the curve planned for the end of the aisle here once the future TOMA peninsula expansion takes place.

This photo shows the module completed, primered underneath, and bolted into place. Knowing that different modules will be attached, I used a forstner bit to create a recess for the bolt heads at the end of the module. 

With the temporary staging C-clamped in place, I was able to finetune the curved track location and then mount the cork roadbed. I also double checked for a future 180 degree turn, and it appears that this extension will work with the planned future peninsula, when I ever get to that point.

Today I soldered two pieces of flex track together before bending it into the long curve. With the iron out, I soldered two feeders under the rails before finalizing the track into position. I extended the DCC bus into this new section and attached both the feeders and the wire to the staging. After then cleaning the track I had just installed and on the staging module, I went ahead and ran a locomotive. The short video at the beginning of this post shows the locomotive running smoothly over this new section. 

I have not yet decided whether to shift to the drop down section at the end of Ferndale Junction and the last bit of backboard there or to return to infrastructure and more floor painting next. Either way, I feel pretty good about connecting the staging and being in a place to unpack some rolling stock and run trains.