Trackwork continues

The track on the balky curve has again slipped causing derailments - just like the real thing! Same unfortunate results - the railroad comes to a halt since it is the mail line. No room for a shoo fly so the pike is currently on holiday. So in utter frustration I yanked out all the Shinohara flex track between the two switches on either end of the curve and put in Atlas Assortment track pieces and some 1/3 and 1/2 curve sections from Atlas snap switches in the "track pieces" box. Not the greatest track but it is a guarantee to be a smooth curve when assembled properly. This track will need more cleaning than the Shinohara track but it is easily accessible and tried and true! The curve has been reassembled (for the upteenth and, hopefully, last time) and tested with Mikado #32 at higher speeds than previously tried and it was much smoother than any of the previous attempts to finish this section of the layout trackwork. As I write this, the glue is drying under the weight of a 2" by 3", the tenth edition of Miriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary and a one gallon pitcher of bird seed. Gotta use what is handy in these delicate operations!




I cannot wait to begin the Rutland yard! The drop leaf is constructed and awaiting installation. It will, however, probably be a while before the yard gets attached and track laid. I am going to build Depot Park and Merchant's Row first. Then there is the engine terminal to construct with turntable, etc. So much to do - so slow the progress! It is paying off - taking my time - the track is smooth, the electrical connections are all soldered and easily traceable, switches are all free moving and the trackwork is straight and "gap" free. All in all - very cool!