Hello all , It was time to do another video. I tried to spruce this one up some, so looking for some input.
Just a short update on the completed items lately on the Albuquerque Carnuel & Tijeras.

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Mike

Well guys , here we go again. This time on update #30 we will have a look at the new NJ International crossing gates installed on the Albuquerque Carnuel and Tijeras RR.

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Thanks , Mike

Here is video #31. I am planning some demolition on the ACT and a slight track change.

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Thanks , Mike

Hi Mike,

That's quite an ambitious plan you have there, but I think the results will make it worth while and with the length of trains you run, I don't think you will have any problems with either the radius or grade you propose.

I would give serious consideration to the thickness of your combined track and roadbed. These will determine what grade you have to use given your radius, and/or the amount of 'finger room' between layers that you have to deal with any issues. If the thickness can be reduced at all it will pay dividends in the long run. For that reason, I would personally not use Kato uni-track with it's built in road bed, but go with 'bare' track direct to the sub roadbed.

That said, you seem to have done your calculations, so go with what works for you, and remember, the hardest step it the first! I'll watch your progress with interest.

Cheers,

Kev

Kev1340 Wrote:Hi Mike,

That's quite an ambitious plan you have there, but I think the results will make it worth while and with the length of trains you run, I don't think you will have any problems with either the radius or grade you propose.

I would give serious consideration to the thickness of your combined track and roadbed. These will determine what grade you have to use given your radius, and/or the amount of 'finger room' between layers that you have to deal with any issues. If the thickness can be reduced at all it will pay dividends in the long run. For that reason, I would personally not use Kato uni-track with it's built in road bed, but go with 'bare' track direct to the sub roadbed.

That said, you seem to have done your calculations, so go with what works for you, and remember, the hardest step it the first! I'll watch your progress with interest.

Cheers,

Kev

Thanks Kev but with the radius and the thickness of materials I will have no finger room. If a train comes off it will just have to be totally removed. I will however be able to totally test it on the floor first and I have not had a single derailment on any of my other super elevated track on the layout. I may however put a re-railer at the top and bottom of each loop.
Thanks Kev , Mike

Well guys , a lot of progress has be made on the Albuquerque Carnuel and Tijeras Railroad. I have now completed the installation of the helix and lower staging yard and all seems to run well so far. The maximum train length on the ACT is and has been about 12 cars plus 2 to 4 locomotives (as dictated by the upper level sidings). We will now have a rule similar to ATSF that will dictate a minimum of 2 locomotives per train for power to incline and decline purposes in the district.
Here is video # 33 and we hope you will take a look.

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Mike

Great to see the helix operating smoothly Mike, you made a good job of it

Those war bonnet GP60's look pretty sweet too shame I can't justify them on either my WC or N&W layouts.

Cheers,

Kev

Kev1340 Wrote:Great to see the helix operating smoothly Mike, you made a good job of it

Those war bonnet GP60's look pretty sweet too shame I can't justify them on either my WC or N&W layouts.

Cheers,

Kev

Thanks so much Kev and have a Merry Christmas.
Mike

Hello all and Happy New Year. I am moving along on the stage II of the ACTRR. I did a new video that explains the plan beyond the staging yard efforts.
I hope you all take a look and enjoy.


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Mike

Nice video as usual Mike. Still seems odd using an iPad for videoing, but heck, turned out fine (I'm only jealous because my 1st gen iPad doesn't even have a camera hock: )

I like your plans to remove some yard tracks and add more industries for switching, it should add a lot of operational interest for you.

Please do video the construction of your trestle, it will be an interesting project.

Cheers,

Kev

Kev1340 Wrote:Nice video as usual Mike. Still seems odd using an iPad for videoing, but heck, turned out fine (I'm only jealous because my 1st gen iPad doesn't even have a camera hock: )

I like your plans to remove some yard tracks and add more industries for switching, it should add a lot of operational interest for you.

Please do video the construction of your trestle, it will be an interesting project.

Cheers,

Kev

Thanks Kev , I already have a short video on the trestle construction but it is very brief.

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Thanks , Mike

That turned out great Mike

I'll look forward to seeing it installed on the layout.

Cheers,

Kev

Kev1340 Wrote:That turned out great Mike

I'll look forward to seeing it installed on the layout.

Cheers,

Kev

Thanks Kev , me too.
I am busy taking down Christmas decorations and fixing leaking pipes this weekend though.
Mike

Well I had a chance today to do the finish work on the saw house of the lumber company. Now I have to work on the storage and distribution building.
Here is the final saw building.









Mike

Great work Mike

Nice to see the interior detail, and the weathering, especially on the roof, is superb

Cheers,

Kev