Test Train Time

Now that the body tracks, the east ladders and the connecting loop are all in place it's time for a test train. 

This is just the beginning of the testing process. Since the East staging yards will be covered by the main level, the trackwork needs to be bullet proof. So, let the testing begin. 

First off was what equipment to use? I started looking through boxes that I had in the train room. I found my Athearn first generation Metro Link train. The cars are very finicky. They have very small flanges which I believe are Proto 88. If these cars will make it, then I'm in good shape. 

Whoops, I couldn't use the F59 loco since it has a DCC decoder. I'm testing with DC. And, most importantly, the first loco to run on the railroad MUST be Southern Pacific. 

Further checking found a new in the box Athearn SD45T-2. Okay, an iconic SP locomotive, that will work! 





I knew I had a recently assembled Triple 57 drawbar connected pair of 89' flats down on the work desk. I figured that they are light and awkward and that would be good for testing. 


For DC power, I turned to the MRC Throttlepack that I've had since 1977. Yep, 39 years old and still works great. 


I use alligator clips to connect to the track. The testing process required me to move the alligator clips to each track being tested. Why? Because Peco Insulfrog turnouts are power routing. Throw the turnout, kill the track. I haven't wired it yet, testing function before electrical.

Here is the test train ready to go. Athearn RTR SD45T-2, Walthers Triple 57 assembled kit on the rear end, and 3 Bombardier Metro Link cars on the front. Yes, I put the control car at the front. I have to be somewhat realistic. LOL!

What is worst thing you can do with your test train? Well, it's causing a derailment. One thing I learned very quickly was to check the track of any debris or construction materials. Especially the push pins used to hold the track in place while the caulk is drying. My test train came to an abrupt stop. A very abrupt stop. I walked down to the connecting loop and quickly understood what the cause of the stop...

I pulled the push pin and then testing continued. I was very happy with the results. All track tested and was okay! Next up, more drywall installation and building the west end ladders for East staging. I'm pretty motivated by the progress.

East staging nearing completion

After my last update, I decided that I needed a method to install parallel track faster. Or at least more efficiently. East staging consists of two yards of 9 tracks each. Each track is comprised of 8 full pieces of flex track and 2 rerailers. Except for the 2 outside tracks.

I determined that one of the fastest ways to get the parallel tracks made would be to use a jig. I determined that while more than the thickness of a railhead, a saw kerf would suffice. So I broke out the tablesaw. I used a 3/4" piece of plywood about 9" long and 2.5" wide (or so). I then cut a very shallow groove in the plywood. I then offset by something around 1.375" and make the the second cut. This produced a jig that would allow me to align parallel track at 2.25" on center. I was originally going to use 2" centers, but after some feedback I opted for 2.25"

The jig really helped speed up the track laying. Well worth it.

With my new jig in hand, I began installing the parallel tracks. This has been a great motivator. I was able to achieve measured progress.

Above you can clearly see the final product. Overall, I'm pretty happy. I'm not done, I still have to install the ladders at the end closet to the bottom. However, this is significant progress.

At this point, I decided to run a test train. My next post will be about that.

More progress on staging track

Apparently, finding time to work on the railroad is more difficult than I thought. It seemed that I had plenty of time when I built the Exeter Branch...

Today the installation of staging track continued. I started by installing the turnout and the front staging track on the other side from my last post. The trick is to have all the materials at hand. Believe me, it's a long walk around the peninsula.

I had purchased a Rubbermaid plastic cart a while ago and it has now been moved into the railroad room. This makes keeping the supplies handy a bit easier. And keeps the extra stuff off the railroad. Although my pictures may contradict that.



A few comments about my track laying. First, I believe in dressing the rails. For those unfamiliar with the technique, it involves using a flat file to remove the lip and add a very slight bevel to the top of the rail. And to add a slight bevel to the inside of the rail. The goal is to make it easier for the wheel and flange to transition from rail to rail without anything snagging disrupting the wheel travel.

I use Atlas joiners for Atlas track and trim them appropriately. This helps to reduce the length of the joiner and make the installation a bit cleaner. Xuron rail nippers work well for this. Not to mention the track

After getting the outside track in place, it was time to install the ladders. As I mentioned in my last post, I had spent quite a bit of time adjusting the ladders for the benchwork design (vertical posts) and compressing the ladder footprint. Next was to install the ladders on the loop end.

I completed the night's work by finishing the inside section of staging. Next up, I'll use a jig to add the rest of the staging tracks. They will be 2" on center.

More staging track to be installed. That should be soon!