Extension to the PRR Bellevue Sub Branchline

[Powersteamguy1790]

Looking forward to your laying down the track Curt.

Stay cool and run steam..........

[PRR Modeler]

I installed the roadbed today. Although I model HO the road bed is N scale to give a lower profile. In the picture the roadbed looks crooked but it was measured and is even.

[PRR Modeler]

This is a print that a friend gave me Saturday. It's on the wall in the train room now.

[Powersteamguy1790]

I installed the roadbed today. Although I model HO the road bed is N scale to give a lower profile. In the picture the roadbed looks crooked but it was measured and is even.

Looking good Curt.

Stay cool and run steam...........

[PRR Modeler]

Today I laid the track, soldered the connections and added feeders to the entrance ladder. I will add the rest of the feeders tomorrow most likely. I put in feeders on both sides of a T/O, and because of their length two sets of feeders will be placed past the T/O's on each track. There will be a total of 8 sets.

I ran a RS1 through the ladder and the 2 outside tracks without issue, but for some reason the loco dies when the rear truck leaves the end of the T/O. The feeders should fix that issue.

[Powersteamguy1790]

The track looks great Curt. Feeders are the key to successful electrical connections.

Stay cool and run steam.......

[PRR Modeler]

Today I hooked up the power feeders on the 3 tracks and started testing it by pushing and pulling 3 loaded gondolas without issue. I started drawing out the roads and platforms I need to build.

Laying things out using trucks, rail cars and crane I realized where I was planning on having a road for loading/unloading containers won't work. I was planning to do it between rails 2 & 3, but it will work on the left side of track 1. Because of it being there the 2 buildings and road that is already on the left side have to move and will most likely turn into trees. I haven't decided if the hobo scene will move or not (My wife really likes a hobo scene with a lighted fire).

[Powersteamguy1790]

Nice work Curt. Now you're ready to roll.   I also have a hobo scene on my layout.

Stay cool and run steam........

[PRR Modeler]

Thanks Bob.

Today I weathered the tracks in the siding and cleaned them. I started working out how I'm going to do the two platforms. I discovered that 2 cheap wood yard sticks stacked on top of each other and scale "wood planks" on that, work great. This will be easier and cheaper than building the very long platforms with only scale wood.

The picture doesn't show the weathering on the track. A friend on another forum asked about the truck traffic flow.

[ACL1504]

Curt,

This addition to the layout will certainly give you a few more switching opportunities. Looking forward to seeing how you finish this area.

Tom

[Powersteamguy1790]

The switching yard is starting to take shape Curt.

Stay cool and run steam..........

[PRR Modeler]

Thanks Bob.

I was feeling under the weather for a couple of days, but today I put together one of the platforms and the glue is drying. Tomorrow I need to add some "planks" on the ends and make a ramp.

I will post a picture tomorrow.

[Powersteamguy1790]

Thanks Bob.

I was feeling under the weather for a couple of days, but today I put together one of the platforms and the glue is drying. Tomorrow I need to add some "planks" on the ends and make a ramp.

I will post a picture tomorrow.

Looking forward to see the platforms Curt. Hope you're feeling better.

Stay cool and run steam..........

[PRR Modeler]

Today I built the platform for track 3 along with a people ramp and a truck ramp. Of course it looks really bare without any detail parts on it, but those will have to wait.

Tomorrow most likely will be a non-MRR day as I have family commitments. Friday I should be able to finish the platform between track 1 & 2 after I buy some more scale wood. I have already cut about half of what I will need. I will also be using the same wood for the track crossings (the next project).

I have been experimenting to see how I can use code 83 rail for the crane wheels (to allow crane to move down rail cars), but have to do more thinking on it before I decide.

[PRR Modeler]