Archive for the ‘Benchwork’ Category

Even with the birth of my grandson, progress has continued……….slowly but continuing. Almost all the plywood is fastened down for the first three communities for the railroad.

The question of  turnouts and how am I planning to control them has been asked so I will address that here. One big word here Micro Engineering code 55. I have been building my turnouts using a jig I purchased from Fast Tracks and even though they are coming along I ran into a problem with them that I didn’t notice until I was getting ready to use them. I thought I was being very careful but the wheels are getting pinched in the Wing Rails. Not sure what I was doing wrong but I will definitely be watching much closer next time I build one. In order to get a couple trains moving a little quicker I have purchased a number of Micro Engineering turnouts. These are spring loaded so they can easily be switched with a pick or finger but I will likely eventually have a unit installed underneath to keep fingers off of the layout  as I am also thinking of installing operating switch stands. The turnout control will very likely be either the Fast Tracks Bullfrog or a home made style or a combination of each. One problem I am coming up with is finding a small piano wire for these small turnouts. I have asked at hardware stores and they look at me as if I’m nuts and tell me they have no idea what I’m talking about. If anyone knows where I can find piano wire please let me know.

Going to try and get the rest of the plywood levelled and cork down this week.

 

Later

Al

After much scepticism from the locals, many tireless hours from the Planning, Property, Construction Committees and the CEO of Wolf Valley RR (WV), the construction has finally begun!!!! Sources say heavy equipment moved in late last week and started the foundation of phase 1 of this newly created railroad. Sources say at least two and possibly three towns will be the first to benefit from the newly created railroad company. The CEO (Roy Wolf) is staying tight lipped as to what towns will be the first to benefit from the railroad and none of the town mayors or officials will comment while they are in negotiations with WV.

 

Wolf will say that once traffic starts to move and is generating revenue for WV, the settlement of Wolf Valley will get a big boost.  Wolf says they have already made plans to build a yard and Engine facilities on some of the family property in the settlement. This land has been owned by the family since it was founded by Northern Wolf back in the mid 1700’s. Northern Wolf was a Master Carpenter from The West somewhere. No one is really sure as to where exactly as he was always moving to where the construction jobs were. When he retired he made his way east and settled into this valley.

 

Wolf Valley is only one mile from the small town of Cole so there is strong speculation that Cole will benefit as one of the founding towns of the railroad but again no one is saying anything as to whom will benefit.

 

Wolf also says that it takes a lot of equipment and financial support to start a railroad and that they have been negotiating with the Canadian National Railway (CNR) but is not saying as to what extent.

 

I guess we’ll just have to stay tuned and keep an eye out, an ear to the ground and soon to the rail.

 

See Ya

Al