Thursday, October 20, 2016

Quick Update 1

The track crews have been busy at Hollister Yard. The photo below shows the new turnouts that will connect the coal yard and the freight yard.








































The background story on this can be found here: http://cwerailroad.blogspot.com/2016/04/helping-out-yard-crews.html. This connection will enable the yard crews to hand off cuts of coal and freight between the two yards without having to run all the way out the yard leads. This will be especially helpful in building and classifying the locals, all of which handle both coal and freight.

Of course, everything about this little project will be a challenge. Locating the toggle switch for the turnout on the yard panel will require moving a terminal strip that supplies track power to a bunch of toggle switches. Which will, in turn, require some more wiring. And the throw bars for both turnouts are located right over cross members under the layout. So those will have to be moved or reconfigured in order to accommodate the Tortoises. And... well, you get the picture.

Actually operating the layout can produce all kinds of fun projects!

8 comments:

  1. Tom,

    There must be something in the air prompting yard track crossover installations. I also am in the midst of adding crossovers. In my case it is three sets linking the four yard body tracks in my Oakridge, OR, yard. Yes, I, too, have had to fight very difficult switch machine installations. One had to deal with a stringer, the top of an L-girder, and the leg for all of that. Fortunately, I won't have the yard panel issue, as this will prompt an entirely new "panel" (today's project). Yes, I know exactly what you are working with! In both of our cases, I am sure our operating crews will issue huge sighs of relief. <>

    Bill Decker
    https://espeecascades.blogspot.com

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  2. Bill,

    Sounds like you have a bit more of project in the works than I do. I've been following your progress on your blog- what a great looking railroad! It's hard to beat the combination of the SP and scenery of Oregon. And I certainly wish I had the space to use the track standards that you are using. Keep up the great work!

    Tom Patterson

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  3. Tom,

    Have you finished your crossover yet? Would love to see a photo of the finished project.

    -Jack Shall

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    1. Jack,

      Yes- it's finished. I just need to paint the rail where I added track feeders. Look for a follow-up post with pictures and maybe a video in the near future.

      Tom

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  4. Tom,
    Hi- I've been looking back at your previous postings and certainly have enjoyed the variety of what you have shown and described- and indeed your modelling is superb! Well done indeed. I'm just starting out- never built a Layout before- though looking very much forward to it. Your efforts on the CWE have inspired me. Regards. KEV.

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  5. KEV,

    Thanks for the kind comments, and I'm glad you've found some inspiration in the posts. Good luck with your layout!

    Tom Patterson

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    Replies
    1. Tom,
      Thanks for the well wishes. I'm nearing the measuring up of my shed and near to starting the Track Planning stage. Regards. KEV.

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