Spanning Tibbee

I've run out of track and am waiting on Micro Engineering to make more. Hope to have some next week so I can finish the lower deck main. In the mean time, I've been working on the bridge across Tibbee Creek. Here is the real deal again for reference. 

 

So far, I've completed construction of the Central Valley 150' Pratt Truss Bridge. As you can see, this bridge kit is a great fit for the prototype. This is actually two Central Valley kits bashed into one. Notice on the South (right) end of the bridge, there is a steel deck approach. I had to use the decking from a second CV kit to build this. I also did a few minor changed to the truss as opposed to what the CV instructions said. Over all, it was a fun kit to build. Now for a little sanding, primer and paint. 

The concrete section on the North (left) end has also been a treat to build. I had planned on scratch building this section until someone saw this blog and pointed me to The Scale Segmental Bridge Co. , www.scalebridge.com . They had a kit that was a dead match for this concrete span and it's been a delight dealing with that company. I have to admit that I've had about the best overall kit building experience with this kit than any other kit I've ever constructed from ordering, company support, packaging and to the actual building of the kit itself. A+ product. You'll see more of their bridges on my layout as I move forward. I'm sure we'll also see some exciting products from them in the future.

The first run of the CAGY!!!!!

I'm rolling along pretty good. Today, I finished getting the reverse loop in around the helix. This loop will represent the Columbus and Greenville's track from West Point at Prestage Farms on West to Greenville. I put a curved switch in going around the loop that will lead to an expanded area that will actually be Greenville one day. 

 

Here, the CAGY makes it's first run to Greenville and back with some leased IC power. :)

The part that I enjoyed about his was the wiring portion. I'm using the NCE PH-PRO R system and a DCC Speciallists PSX-AR for the reverse loop. I wired all that in this morning. VERY simple and it works wonderfully.

Lift up section in place

Progress, progress, progress!!!! My original track plan included a helix at both ends of the layout. This would offer continuous run loops over the whole layout. The second helix was going to connect the Meridian yard to the Louisville yard. After getting the first helix in, I realized how much real estate these things eat up. I wanted to keep the middle of the room as open as possible for seating and such. So, back to the drawing board. In order to have continuous run capability, I was going to have to cross a doorway that led into my workshop and attic. I didn't want to cross this but finally decided to instead of the second helix. I toyed with several ideas including lift outs, swing outs, duck unders.....etc. I finally decided to give a lift up a try. I mounted some heavy duty 36" draw slides vertically on 2X4 supports. Now, the section lifts up like a draw bridge. So far, so good but I've yet to lay track across it and run a train. That will determine if I'm successful or not. Here you can see it in the lowered position and the raised position. It's held up by carriage bolts insterted into holes drilled into the 2X4s.  I hope to get some track layed across it soon. I'll report back when that's done and a train crosses...a few times. : ) 

Working on Tibbee Bridge

I've been working on building the bridge that will cross Tibbee Creek. It's been a fun project so far. 

Here is a shot of the Central Valley kit almost complete. I've still got a few parts to apply before it hits the paint booth. I went out yesterday to get a paint chip for a good match. Hope to get it painted soon. 

 In the mean time, I'm starting to gather materials to build the wooden approach trestle as seen here. I plan on building it out of scale lumber and am trying to find a good glue to use and a good stain that will match the creosote color of the bents. Any suggestions would be appreciated.