Rebuilding the Iantha Branch

Hello all.

After closing on our house almost a full month ago, getting everything moved down here, then unpacked and organized somewhat, I finally started work on rebuilding the layout today. It had to start with pulling up the old track. It left enough damage that I went and got a sheet of 1/2" foam to resurface with, which I am getting glued down tonight. I plan on getting the extra modules built later this week or maybe as late of the weekend. After everything is in place, I plan on drawing out the track plan I settled on to make sure I like it. Based off feedback I received in my previous thread, I chose the plan that drew inspiration from the patch. I'll post the track plan below.
After not doing much for the past 4 years, I am excited to get back in to it.
Ethan

 

Ethan, looking forward to seeing your layout progress!!! What do you want to do on the bridge to connect the two modules?

Joe

 

Joe, Im thinking some sort of lift out bridge. I planned on getting the last of the bench work in then designing something to fit the Space

 

This week I was able to finish the bench work (minus the lift out bridge). I built an additional module, then finished the other side by attaching L brackets to the wall and attaching the plywood to the brackets. Next I should be able to get the track plan drawn and start laying track. I do have an idea on how on how I am going build the lift out bridge. I'll post an update on that one when I get it done. Pictures will be attached in the next reply.

 

Pictures

 

Thanks guys. I'm looking at making a true lift out bridge. I think it will fit the space better. I think a hinged bridge would take up too much space in the walkway, and it would be hard to make it work with the turn it needs to make.

 

Try a custom-built aluminum lift-out bridge from Andover Tool in Andover, KS. They align with magnets and conduct electricity. I have two on my layout and they work perfectly. andovertool.com

 

On Sunday I got 3/4 of the road bed put down for the main track. Tonight I got the first stretch of actual track put down. my goal is to have the loop done by this weekend
For some reason to he picture doesnt want to attach tonight

 

I pushed really hard and today I finally have the main line installed and a couple feed wires soldered on. I even got the lift out bridge built this morning. Didn't come out quite as I had expected, but it works so that's all that matters. I'll be posting a thread on how I built it. I am having some derailment issues and I can't figure out why. All of the track is secured well and I have the turnout points spiked so they can't move as the train rolls over it. I'll have to keep looking at it. I do have pictures to attach this time. For some reason I can't get them to attach directly from my phone.

 

I also shot a short video of an SD45 pulling a cut of loaded hoppers across the lift out bridge.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

I'm a little worried about how close the track is to the edge of the liftout... a derailment could send a car or loco to the floor.

 

Yeah I thought the same thing. I'll put up some sort of wall along the bridge

 

Work has been crazy busy since were understaffed at the moment. I haven't made much progress lately. I got a sort of retaining wall put up this morning. I painted some card board sky blue and nailed it to the side of the module that isn't up against the wall, and to the lift out bridge. I also put up the display cabinet that is in the workshop Wednesday thread.
I do have a big frustration that I want to air out here cause it's the second time I've had this issue now and I just don't know what to do with it. I've done all the right things and put down what looks like flawless flex track on cork roadbed. But I can't make it a full lap around the layout without 2-4 derailments each time and I can never figure out why. I've looked everything over and cannot find a reason why anything should derail.

 

Ethan, do the derailments happen in the same spot and same rolling stock each time? You might want to check the gauge of track, turnouts and wheels if you haven't done that already.

Joe

 

It's completely random. I haven't been able to find a pattern.