Madras Switching Layout HO Scale

[postman]

Great work!. I also have some pieces of CVMW ties, what do you use to glue the ties to the roadbed and the rail to the ties?

[mountaingoatgreg]

Postman: I use DAP adhesive caulk CLEAR to glue both the cork to the subroadbed and the ties to the cork. I place a bead of the caulking down the middle and use a scrap piece of cork to spread it out. I then lay out the strips using a piece of rail to slide back and forth across the tie plates to make sure everything will line up. I think the drying time is about an hour, but I only ever work in 3 to 4 foot sections. To glue the rail to ties I use a 50/50 mix of MEK and Barge Cement. USE IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA. The BArge cement by itself is to tacky to control, the MEK thins it out and I am able to brush it on. I used an empty bottle with a brush to apply my mixture to the ties. I let it set for a few seconds then press the rails in place. I also use a couple of ME rail gauges to slide back and forth of the top of the rail applying pressure making everything is seated properly. As an added measure I plan to place a few of the ME micro spikes along the track just as an added measure. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[mountaingoatgreg]

I received my BNM models PC tie Strips and was able to start completing the track work on my modules. I got all the switches upgraded with PC board ties for the switch stand and new throw bars. I replace the ME ones as I do not want them to lock in position and I also like the looks of the upgrades better. All I need to do on the first modules is connect the feeder to the bus wires. As for the other two modules I have tie strips secure and flex track to secure. The switches are ready to be secured once all the track is ready. Then I can get to completing the wiring.



Once I have everything running properly I plan on going back to the switches and doing some super detailing. I have already replaced the ties for the switch stand and the throw bar on the rest of the switches.

[RobertInOntario]

Looks like a good layout plan and prototype.

Rob

[postman]

I received my BNM models PC tie Strips and was able to start completing the track work on my modules. I got all the switches upgraded with PC board ties for the switch stand and new throw bars. I replace the ME ones as I do not want them to lock in position and I also like the looks of the upgrades better. All I need to do on the first modules is connect the feeder to the bus wires. As for the other two modules I have tie strips secure and flex track to secure. The switches are ready to be secured once all the track is ready. Then I can get to completing the wiring.



Once I have everything running properly I plan on going back to the switches and doing some super detailing. I have already replaced the ties for the switch stand and the throw bar on the rest of the switches.

Is that a throw bar kit of Proto87 stores or a scrathbuilt one?

[mountaingoatgreg]

Robert: Thank you much, I look forward to watching people switching on it in the next few weeks, it should be interesting!

Postman: They are parts from Proto87 stores attached to a PC board tie. I like their products, but the plastic bars they provide seem a bit in inadequate. I am thinking of going back in later and adding another set of throw rods like on the prototype, but not sure how much time I want to spend.

I did reach a milestone today with getting all the track and feeders in place. I will need to wire everything to the bus, hook up the DCC, and get the turnout controls working.

[Canadian Atlantic Railway]

Very nice setup Greg :mrgreen: I may of missed it but what year/years are you going to model?

[mountaingoatgreg]

Thanks Railnet! I model Autumn of 1968. This was the busy season for the Oregon Trunk as lumber was still moving along the route and the potato harvest was in full swing. There were also a few special moves made in September and October of 1968 that I wanted to replicate.

[Tyson Rayles]

Nice progress!

[Canadian Atlantic Railway]

What type of reefers were used to ship potatoes in Oregon? Here, CN used a lot of old MDT/NYC Woden reefers and the cars were at the end of their service life. By the time CN brought in newer cars the traffic was pretty much dead. I'm very interested in seeing the cars and ops for the Madras layout. Maybe I'll end up backdating mine...

[mountaingoatgreg]

Stephen,

The Oregon Trunk was interesting as it was served by two separate railroads. The majority of the traffic was Spokane Portland & Seattle, who was by the Northern Pacific and Great Northern jointly, but the line was also serviced by the Union Pacific. From what I gleaned the majority of the cars were cars from the Hill Lines, GN & NP, with lots of Western Fruit Express and NP reefers. I have seen a few Fruit Growers Express and some Pacific Fruit Express cars also in the mix. It kind of look like anything with plug doors were wrangled up and put into service. Lots of wood and steel 40' cars, but some new 57' cars in service also. Most of the spots were setup for the 40' cars, so they appeared to still be the preferred cars. I am still trying to figure out where and how they prepared the cars. I am figuring they were not iced, but were cleaned at some point. Also not sure if they sealed them up or ran them with the hatches open. Nothing like prototype modeling to create more questions than answers.

[mountaingoatgreg]

I was able to get the 4' module wired up and just need to secure the terminal blocks to the end and hang the Anderson Power Poles. I was able to get one of the track wires on the other two modules. I went to the local big box and grabbed the wrong stuff. If I had picked up the proper stuff I could have probably got it all done. Oh well I should be able to wrap it up tomorrow and test the DCC out. I can then get the blue point turnouts working.

[mountaingoatgreg]

I made a short video showing the track work completed and wired. I still need to get the switch point controllers working, then it will be 100% operational.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4AnQGT1...e=youtu.be

[UP SD40-2]

Greg, the layout is really coming along nicely . I liked the vid you posted , its gotta feel good to run trains

[Twist]

Hi there,

Fine looking progress on your layout. Great work...

Cheers,Chris