Long Time - No Post

As I finally get around to writing a post, I see that my blog hasn't been updated since January. That's pretty pathetic on my part. I don't have much to say. I do have a myriad of excuses, but the bottom line is I haven't done any updates. My apologies.

On to the railroads. As I mentioned, I had backdated the Exeter Branch to the early 1960's last year. The year in between saw a refinement of the the rolling stock which involved trying to make it a bit more accurate. I know some folks will challenge me on that. I eliminated a lot of multi-colored herald PFE reefers. I still have a few to go. I also reprinted the waybills as I wasn't happy with the balance of the system. I don't want perfect balance, but it became awkward. 

Most of the jobs remained unchanged. But I did permanently annul the Oil Can and now both the SP and the Santa Fe serve the tank car facility in Oil Junction. 

As I write the I am hosting session 200 on the SP Exeter Branch. I feel this is a pretty significant milestone. 

Last month, we hosted the Desert Ops operating event in Phoenix. The event is hosted the fourth weekend of October on even years. The 2018 event marks our 4th Desert Ops Phoenix. The number of railroads available for each event has fluctuated a bit, but we always have a core of railroads. For this year's event, I hosted 3 sessions on the Exeter Branch. Many of my guests were repeat visitors. So, hopefully they enjoyed the railroad again. 

Below are some updated pictures of the Exeter Branch.

I have made some progress on the LA Division. I now have benchwork up on four of the five walls. I made enough progress that I ran out of risers. I thought that would take a bit longer, but that's how it worked out. So, progress stopped while I made more risers. 

Below are some shots of the progress to date.

First up in installing risers. I got everything close with a laser level and then added the risers. Since you cannot find a un-warped piece of plywood, I clamp the risers to a level to remove the warp. I then level the riser front to back and height wise with the previous riser. Next is to install screws thru the pre-drilled  steel cross members and into the riser legs. 3 legs and 3 screws per riser.

Once the risers are installed, I cut a sheet of 1/2" drywall and install it onto the risers to from the subroadbed. I used a bead of Liquid Nails on the riser.

I continue adding sheets of drywall forming the main level. 

For the inside and outside corners I have opted to unstall 1/2" plywood as a base. The will provide extra support for the radius of the corner. It also is a solid surface to attach fascia when I get to that point. 

I follow the same process for the inside corners. 

Another view of the corner and the front wall benchwork. 

Next up is the decking with drywall.

I clearly have a lot more to do. This will give you an idea of the progress. 

I'm motivated to get going on laying track. My current challenge is that I need to get the main level installed on the peninsula. It is critical so that I have a point of reference for the track. 

My wonderful self leveling green rotary laser has failed, so now I'm looking to get a replacement. Once I can accomplish that, I'll get rolling on the track. 

In my next post, I will describe the new helix design that I'm planning to try. The key to the design is a laser cutter. I'm working on securing laser time now. It's not as easy as I would have hoped. 

I would like to wish all my readers a Happy Thanksgiving and I will work very hard to provide a December update.