A gratuitous shot

Bridge 3 is the first to get track

The final bridge built ended up being the first bridge to get track installed, cut and go through the test remove process.

Note, something this large on the floor is a bit of a hazard.

Walkway Changes or when planning isn't good enough

The railroad has minimum 36" aisleways except for one area where the helix footprint encroaches the walkway, narrowing it to about 30".

When compared to other areas with 48" of clearance, a study to improve this area was in order.

After some measuring and test fitting of the helix, it was decided that 6" and change would be able to be cut away.

We set the long fence up and ran the circular saw. Results as follows.

Cut everything at once to eliminate any potential overhang

All done:

Opened up the area nicely.

A few more pictures can be found on the gallery at richmond-terminal.org

Doswell Track Layout

I needed to build a small ladder in Doswell to connect the interchange tracks with the wye and through track for the branch, as well as the industry spot I need in the corner.

After a couple of layout tests using a mix of number 6 and number 8 options, I settled on a all number 6.

I have two right hand back to back that go into the diverging of a left hand.

The final layout being used to cut rail.

After assembly; just needs throw bars and ties.

This area is pretty close to complete so look for some additional pictures in a future update.

Roadbed for Doswell

As the 3rd bridge was in place, I could complete roadbed in Doswell.

Weight down as the glue dries

Final result.

And roadbed has landed on the other side too.

Additional pictures are available at richmond-terminal.org

Staging Ladder Done

I've finished building and installing the yard ladder that closes up staging for the upper level. On this one, the ladder is somewhat a compound design, but a good bulk of the turnouts are right handers, putting the hand throws right against the aisle, which should make operations easy.

Had some nice light and took a snap that I'll share with you here. Posting to the blog is always delayed so there are feeders already in place and the Caboose ground throws are as well when this shot doesn't show either.