Sandy Hills The new layout

[Mountain Goat]

I have had one not long after they first came out around 15 to 20 years ago and I still have it and that price is half what I paid for them. I use a carbodium cutting disk for precise cuts and the Xuron track cutting shears for all other cuts. They do work well but for more precise work like final cuts which have to be an exact length the drill (And goggles) with the disc comes out.

I make my own track these days using code 100 rail and cutting PCB to make sleepers.

Both the drill and the cutting shears I would not be without. My drill is an old Minicraft 1012 which has to be around 30 to 40 years old and I have used it with drill bits from 0.3 to 6mm and it has had some tough work as well and it is still running without any issues apart from chuck and chuck key wear due to age and use.

[sandy]

I was not saying that is the best way to cut track. Only that is what I used doing my lifting flap. I have been advised the best way to cut track finely is with a Razorsaw when doing things like lifting sections ect. and have one on order at moment.

[sandy]

More progress. The main line is now complete. some wiring to do and section switches to sort out.. Now run out of track pins and fish plates. Ordered some last Monday and they still have not arrived. Managed to squeeze in an extra siding next to the Goods shed. Next job is to build the platforms and get the station looking like a station.

[sandy]

I have never used cork underlay on any layout in my life before. I dont think it makes enough diference to bother with. I like the sound of the trains on the ply boards and think it is no more noisey than real railways.
Wires should be soldered to the rails or solder droppers next to the rails Lighting twin and earth cable is good to use. Easy to bend and shape and easy to solder to. Never solder wires to fish plates (rail Joiners)

[Puddles]

I laid all my track onto the ply boarding without any cork underlay and it was not to noisy running up to six trains at a time. Then I started to lay down the ballast using PVA and the noise just escalated, when the trains ran over the ballasted areas i was not comfortable with the amount of noise. I never got to finish all the balasting so I don’t know how loud it would have been with the whole layout fully covered.
The next layout I build will definitely have some kind of padding under the tracks and insulation under the legs to minimise the transfer of noise.

Puddles

[sandy]

Waiting for more supplies to get on with track laying. Starting building station platforms tomorrow.

[Walkingthedog]

I had an extra siding by the goods shed and built a cattle dock next to it. Just an idea for you.

[sandy]

I had not thought of that WTD. Thanks, I think I will pinch that idea it will add more interest there is going to be road accsess along back of station.

[Walkingthedog]

Helps fill a gap.

[sandy]

The last week has been very busy but not much to show for it. All the points have been fitted with SEEP motors but there is still a load of wiring to do. under the BBs. Have used a a Gaugemaster M3 24 volt transformer to power the points. Have finished laying track now including the Branch Line Termininus station a piece of fence wood is reprisenting the station. Will be glad to get the wiring over and done with. ( I hate it.) I cant wait to getting on with some scenic work and getting the layout looking like country side..