The New Northern Central

[OldEastRR]

So, is it cheaper to keep putting the train back on the tracks when it derails than to fix the track?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

So, is it cheaper to keep putting the train back on the tracks when it derails than to fix the track?

Back in the day?

Yep. Well... Kinda.

See, fixing the track would have definitely taken money immediately. Not fixing it and just cleaning up derailments was a gamble.

[wazzou]

That track reminds me of a lyric from a RUSH song, "testing the limits of machine and man".

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Track has been straightened up and pinned in place.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

And started thinking about this space some more.

On one hand, one thing the layout is missing is a "large industry". This could be the space for it. But that'd cause reach in issues and wouldn't really be keeping with the theme of the area and I'm not sure if I want to cut in another switch that needs to have the appropriate detection info, etc... in place.

So I hit on another idea... what about modeling it as an abandoned siding? Cut the track right there at the crossing, include the derelict mill building, etc... I think this has real possibilities.

The real area has inspiration for both options.

What do you guys think?

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[wazzou]

Did you put a straightedge against the rails when straightening it?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Did you put a straightedge against the rails when straightening it?

Against the ties.

I can see that it still needs some more attention, but that's why it's pinned instead of glued at the moment.

[CRL]

One thing I’ve learned to do is to put a straightedge next to the track when soldering the rail joiners. If you don’t, you can end up with a kink at the joint that can’t be removed without resoldering the joint. It can be done, but it’s much easier to do it when you first solder the joint.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

One thing I’ve learned to do is to put a straightedge next to the track when soldering the rail joiners. If you don’t, you can end up with a kink at the joint that can’t be removed without resoldering the joint. It can be done, but it’s much easier to do it when you first solder the joint.

I will DEFINITELY be doing this on future stretches, as I've had some issues with it already.

[wazzou]

Against the ties.

I can see that it still needs some more attention, but that's why it's pinned instead of glued at the moment.

Try and use a metal ruler, metal square or a metal yardstick if you have one instead of that big fat level, that way you can see the rail tight against the straightedge.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Try and use a metal ruler, metal square or a metal yardstick if you have one instead of that big fat level, that way you can see the rail tight against the straightedge.

I will agree that it was quite challenging to see what was going on on the back side of it, but I had to since I brilliantly  used the front rail as my reference for everything.

[davefoxx]

Ed,

Where's your four-foot metal straightedge?  You recommended that I get one, and it was indispensable for tracklaying and cutting foam on my layout.

DFF

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Ed,

Where's your four-foot metal straightedge?  You recommended that I get one, and it was indispensable for tracklaying and cutting foam on my layout.

DFF

Hanging on a peg on the garage.

But I'll be getting it out.

[reinhardtjh]

Against the ties.

As others have said, I'd put it against the rail.  I don't remember if you're using Atlas, Peco or ME flex, but the ME flex that I have has irregular ties so using them as a reference for straightness is a mistake.

[wm3798]

Regardless of your installation technique, I love the idea of an abandoned factory.  Nothing says Conrail Era like shuttered stacks of bricks.  There useful manufacturing days over, and the micro brewery hasn't really been invented yet.

Looking forward to this unique approach to Negative Space.

Lee

[Point353]