Superior & Seattle Railroad Build

[S&S RR]

I took some pictures of my helix build process today.  I will walk through the process of building one of the sections (there will be approximately 150 sections like this to complete the return loops inside the mountains on the S&S RR).

[S&S RR]

The first step is to fit the pieces of benchwork together under the layout and make sure everything goes together correctly. I then number the ends so I can get them back together again, once I have the track on them. The sections then make their way to my workbench where it is much easier to work on them.

[S&S RR]

The next step is to add the cork roadbed. This section is an HOn3 helix  - for the under the layout track work I'm using a minimum radius of 24 inches and a maximum grade of 3 percent.  Most of the helix will be at 2 percent but there are a few local sections that will be at 3 percent to work my way around and through all the existing benchwork and braces that can't be change. I'm nailing the cork roadbed with an air nailer using brads.

[S&S RR]

The next step is to add the track - I use track templates to make sure all the curves are a true radius. In this under the layout track work the track will be nailed down - no glue and no blast.

[S&S RR]

Next, I add the jumper wires. My rule is 2 positive and 2 negative jumpers per section of flex track. It's a lot easier to do the soldiering on the bench now than have to stand on your head and soldier a jumper under the layout latter if we loose one.

[S&S RR]

At this point the rails get a very good cleaning and inspection.  The next time I have to clean them they will be under the layout. All accessible, but much harder on the back to clean.

[S&S RR]

The final step on the workbench is to add the guard rails. These foam board rails are there to protect the locomotives and rolling stock from finding the floor in the event of a derailment in the areas where the operator can not see the equipment.  I nail the strips using the air nailer and then add a bead of glue along the top for added strength.

[S&S RR]

The next step is to install the sections under the layout.  I will take a few pictures as I go through this process on this first helix.

[S&S RR]

Yesterday, I added the new braces and supports for the first sections.  Wayne Olson was over and he made up 4 or 5 more sections so I should be able to get the first loop in this week .  We also made some real progress in speeding up the build process - we have a lot of sections to build. I think this 2 - 3 month side track will really make the layout run better and display better for open houses. It is a lot of work but I think it will be worth it.

[ak-milw]

Lots of work ahead John, but worth it in the long run.

[S&S RR]

Lots of work ahead John, but worth it in the long run.

Andy


Thanks for stopping by the thread.  Yes - I agree,  and the changes really setup the two long term expansions.

[S&S RR]

I spent most of this week installing the first few sections of the helix.  It looks like the process of assembling on the work bench and then installing the sections is going to work. I need to figure out how to take a picture of the helix inside the mountain when I'm done.

[S&S RR]

Today, I spent most of the day pulling the wires for the helixes that will be installed inside the mountains.  It meant crawling under the layout from one end to the other many, many times.  I may need help getting out of bed tomorrow.

[GPdemayo]

.....crawling under the layout from one end to the other many, many times.  I may need help getting out of bed tomorrow.....

Isn't it fun getting to a certain age. 

[S&S RR]

.....crawling under the layout from one end to the other many, many times.  I may need help getting out of bed tomorrow.....

Isn't it fun getting to a certain age. 

Oh yes, great fun.