Right now, not much. I am busy helping prepare for Prairie Rail Invitational Operating Weekend 2020 (February 21-23), so that involves helping solve electrical/mechanical problems, shakedown operating sessions and tweaking of a number of the 27 layouts that will be participating. After Prairie Rail, the guys will be pushing me to get going and helping so mine will be operational for 2022. Note that I did not say finished. I'll be helping at Rick McClellan's Frisco Northern Division Friday and Saturday afternoon and Mike Borkon's Union Pacific Third Sub Saturday and Sunday morning.
Great RR model of Cape Girardeau, my home town. I am getting back into historical railroad societies and modeling. Enjoyed your Cape railroad industries presentation last year. Don Neumeyer Madison Wisconsin
Here's a building that still exists in Cape at the corner of Frederick and Independence that had a red light reputation back in the day (Reference Patrick Flory's post [http://www.frisco.org/shipit/index....ory-for-your-model-railroad.12722/#post-83082]. It was right across the street from the MoP Depot. I think it might make it onto my layout. It has some interesting details; note the difference in window framing and the difference in brick. I am going to have to investigate whether there was a fire there in which a lot of the building was destroyed but then rebuilt.
I believe I’ve had a drink or four in that building back when it was bar. Back in the ‘80s. Was it called Corky’s maybe?
Keith, always liked that structure. Never made it there for a drink in my SEMO days. I think you have a very modelgenic structure, there...scratchbuild or kitbash?
That is yet to be determined. I would prefer scratchbuilt for better accuracy, but I think I would be using some parts from a kit to get the Frederick Street (front) ground level exposure.
I decided that I needed a double crossover to maximize operating possibilities and enhance traffic flow, so I bought a FastTracks Double Crossover jig and the Point Form Tool to go with it. Here is the result after two days of meticulous measuring, cutting, filing, and soldering. Just like all the other FastTracks switches, trucks glide through like rolling on glass. .
Looking good Keith. I have found that a jewelers saw is the best to cut the gaps in the rails to isolate the frogs. I have about a kabillion blades if you need any.
Yep. That's what I used to cut the gaps. Thanks for the offer, but I have what I think is a lifetime supply as well.
Looks really nice Keith! Do the trucks give you a nice klickety klack as they roll through the crossovers? K
Dang Keith, thats a spectacular piece of craftsmanship there. Lots of craftsmanship and concentrated work there. Is it a #5 double slip? As info we here have a 15 mph dble slip right next to a 50 mph dble slip, also right next to a 50 mph curve.
The ties that are on this dbl. crossover and the other switches that you built match the height of the other track that adjoins it? I assume you are going to use flex track, is shimming required?
Just because I am so meticulous about trackwork, It took me the better part of two days, working on and off. Yes it is a #5, sharp eyes! I would have preferred a #6 or #8, but I needed to save length. It is going in at the north end of the Shops Yard, on the main and siding. It will allow some special moves that will enhance operations.