The Atlantic and Southern Build Thread Continued, Part 3

[ACL1504]

Finally, after many years of working on the Ovalix, I've reached the top and now the three passenger cars are on the top/third level.

[PRR Modeler]

Congratulations Tom.

[ACL1504]

Congratulations Tom.

Curt,

Thank you. Its a small milestone but and accomplishment all the same.

Tom


Curt is switching a leased PRR L1 2-8-2 in Tahope and the Judge is at the throttle of the ACL Champion.

[jrmueller]

Thanks for you pm and the follow up withe pictures. I figured that was what you were doing  I think my problem can be traced to a poor soldering job and nor using connectors. Jim

[ACL1504]

Thanks for you pm and the follow up withe pictures. I figured that was what you were doing  I think my problem can be traced to a poor soldering job and nor using connectors. Jim

Jim,

You are very welcome, happy to help.

I've never used connectors if you are talking about them to connect the feeders from the track. I solder my feeders directly to the buss wires. It takes more time and is a hassle but for me it's well worth not worrying about a loose wire.

Tom

[ACL1504]

Once I got to the top of the Ovalix, I wanted to install two #8 turnouts. I either needed to "kitbash" the turnouts or lose 1.5 degrees of the 36" radius. This 36" radius curve is part of the north reverse loop on the third level.

I decided to make the adjustment at the turnouts instead of reducing the 36" curve to a 34.5" radius.

In the photo below the left turnout goes to the mainline and north reverse loop. The turnout on the right is just the opposite. One line comes up from the Ovalix and the other is part of the south reverse loop.

Here are the two #8 turnouts.



To get my 1.5 inch back, I need to remove 3/4" from each turnout. This 3/4" length is equal to three ties and rail from each end of the turnout.



More in a few.

[ACL1504]

I removed the three ties as shown. The black Sharpie mark is where the rail needs to be removed.



The rails on the left turnout were cut, squared with the Dremel, and rail joiners added. Notice I also shortened the rail joiner by cutting off the end.



Continued -

[ACL1504]

I kitbashed the right turnout as well.

Now you can see the two turnouts are quite shorter, actually 1.5 inches as needed.



Continued in a few.

[ACL1504]

Over the past two days I've laid a box of Midwest Cork Roadbed. Laying cork is also like laying track. It has to be free of any bumps and should be considered a model also. Look at the roadbed as a subassembly to the track.

Here is where I started. The turnout main is the south section of the north reverse loop section. You'll see more of this when track is laid. The track going to the left is the north section of the north reverse loop.

I have a different way of laying the cork to ensure a smooth and level sub roadbed for the track. I'll go over this tomorrow.

[ACL1504]

Instead of changing all the narratives above, I'll change it here.

When I mentioned "reverse loop" above, I was actually meaning the north "Y" and south "Y", which is what I refer to as the reverse loop.

[PRR Modeler]

Doing great work Tom. Am I correct in thinking there is a wye on both sides of the 3rd level ovalix?

[Janbouli]

Your trackwork is inspiring Tom , would the Ovalix be easy to scale down or do I have to speak to Gregory about one in N-scale 

[ACL1504]

Doing great work Tom. Am I correct in thinking there is a wye on both sides of the 3rd level ovalix?

Curt,

Thank you. Yes, you are correct.

Tom

[ACL1504]

Your trackwork is inspiring Tom , would the Ovalix be easy to scale down or do I have to speak to Gregory about one in N-scale 

Jan,

Thank you. I'll send what information I have Greg did for me. See if it will work or you can scale it to "N" scale.

If not I'm sure we can get Greg to help.

Tom


PS - Jan, I sent the information to you in a PM.

[GPdemayo]

Your trackwork is inspiring Tom , would the Ovalix be easy to scale down or do I have to speak to Gregory about one in N-scale 

Jan,

Thank you. I'll send what information I have Greg did for me. See if it will work or you can scale it to "N" scale.

If not I'm sure we can get Greg to help.

Tom


PS - Jan, I sent the information to you in a PM.

Be happy to hop in if needed.