A revised Track Plan (v.18)

Baseboard construction was put on hold this week due to the creation of a credible Signal Box Diagram. While I’d been waiting for the glue to dry on each section I’d put some thought into the signal diagram and how engine movements would be controlled. Even though I’ve read a few books on the subject I eventually realised that I needed some guidance and posted a request on the Scalefour Society’s Forum for advice. The information I received was superb and highlighted a number of issues with my original track plan and future thoughts.

If you have a few moments to spare, as it does run to 45 posts, the forum thread can be found here.

In a nut shell, the main issue I had with the plan was the control of movements across the crossover that allowed exit/entry to the Engine Shed. The general consensus was that railway companies tended to build track layouts that were cost effective for the location, (in both track and signalling).  It was thought that my crossover design added a level of complexity that the GWR would not have built.

So I set out to draw a simplified track plan which, like the GWR, will save me money in track and signalling components along with time in construction

 

Luckily I’ve been able to draw the new track plan to, as near as dammit, fit the profile boards that I’d previously cut. The outcome has created a more prototypical plan and looks better for it.

 

With the original track plan, if all my thoughts had come to fruition, I was looking at around 30 levers in the signal box. The new track will only require 20. The number sequence above is not set in stone because the creation of a locking table and dog chart might highlight levers that could be moved to simplify the interlocking. At this moment I’m not sure if I’ll build the locking frame as a  mechanical or electrical frame, one thing for sure is it will be a project in its own right.

Baseboard construction has restarted so my next post should show them built, painted and ready for track construction to begin.

 

Clamping and Gluing

The clamps I’d ordered to help with construction of the baseboards arrived yesterday, which enabled me to start constructing the framework for the first board. In an attempt to keep these large baseboards as light as possible I’m only gluing the components together, no screws or pins. On my previous layout (Tredethy Wharf) I’d glued and screwed the boards together so this is new territory for me. On these boards with the amount of joints and the supposed strength of wood glue (around 3000ppsi) I’m hoping it will be strong enough without the additional weight of the screws. The only addition I might make is adding a right angle brace of some sort in each corner of the board for added rigidity.

So I’m taking it steady, clamping and gluing each section in place, checking levels and leaving to dry before moving on to the next section. The instructions claim the glue is dry within 30 minutes but the joints are fully cured in 18 to 24 hours. I’m leaving each section for about 6 to 8 hours before moving onto the next. At this pace this framework should be finished tomorrow, when I’ll start on the next board. The tops will be cut and glued in place when the frames for all three boards are built.

Making slow progress on the first baseboard

I have made some progress on the construction of the first baseboard. Hopefully the pictures will help to explain my thoughts on how I’m building the boards. At the moment nothing is fixed in place, the books are helping to keep everything upright.

All profiles have been cut to reflect the different ground levels, with additional sections cut out for the turntable and inspection pits. The baseboard top is at the bottom with the track plan on. This is so I can position the infill sections to miss any possible conflicts with turnout wiring and TOUs. Fingers crossed I’ll get them all positioned correctly. There are just the last three infills to cut and position. This will be done when all others are fixed in place in case I have made a miscalculated on the dimensions.

Looking from the turntable end

The joint between the two main boards

It might workout OK

The shed area being flat is a good start

Mainline Gradient (1:103)

I’m hoping to start putting it all together in the next couple of days.