Daley Train Log
Page 22
Early this morning I rewired the layout for the addition. This turned out to be very easy. I moved two terminal strips and added a couple of connecting wires and I was done. I love DCC! It makes everything so much easier.
I also cut a 2 x 4 into two pieces exactly 36" long and this does form the base for the horizontal 1" x 6" board that supports the two steel bridges. I still need to make this arrangement more stable, but all the pieces do fit together. I am delighted with this.
I am back from a quick trip to my local hobby store. I have just purchased a package of foam roadbed (this should be the last one of these that I need), 4 connector tracks (this should allow me to complete the wiring - except for the addition of the two MRC reverse loop modules), and 4 manual throw turnouts (to replace some of the ones I removed and placed on the Jasper mainline track).
I am optimistic that I can test the mainline track before the end of today.
Another full day in the basement.
I have replaced the manual turnouts in Pine Ridge, Wild Rose and Coaldale.
More importantly I have completed all of the power wiring for the entire layout. I have also set up the connector track for the two remaining reversing loops. All that remains is to attach the MRC reverse loop modules.
Best of all, I have set up the two steel bridges on a platform that seems stable and that can be easily removed if I want regular access to the room. The track for the mainline loop has been completely laid around the entire room. It is ready for a slow test to see if a locomotive had any difficulties over any section of the new layout. But now it is time for a dinner break. They have them in real life, so why not here?
Yes! I ran CN 6700 around the outside perimeter 4 times without a hitch. This has been the original goal since I began modifying the layout about a week ago. Here are some photos of the inaugaural run.
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View of Jasper with 2 steel bridges in foreground |
Bridges plus track behind cabinet |
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CN 6700 in Coaldale yard, backing up to mainline track |
CN 6700 leaving Coaldale after blessing from a Buddha |
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Leaving Coaldale, entering location for future high level bridge |
half way across site of future high level bridge |
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leaving high level bridge site, entering area behind cabinet |
entering Lennox from behind cabinet |
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leaving Lennox, entering steel bridges |
entering steel bridge |
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leaving bridges, entering Jasper |
leaving Jasper, entering Black Diamond |
This is a great moment! Let me savour the feeling. There is still a lot of detail work to be done, but the basic mainline effort is essentially done.