Elevations in Operation

I finished laying the track for my inside run, a standard figure 8. I used long stick pins to hold the track in place and regular track spikes where the foam thinned out to reach the plywood below. Overall I am happy with the results of both the home made pink elevation and the Woodland Scenic. There are obviously some spots I will massage over time, like the bump going from the low elevation to the foam.

The video was shot with my old camcorder as my HD video was having issues.

Next up is starting to plan the scenery while adding in some turn outs to join the two runs together and run some track into the open spaces to be filled with buildings.

Note: You Tube "Auto" fix mangled the video even worse. I will post a better video once I fix my HD problem.

Lessons in Foam

I finally got around to starting the middle run of my train project. I had originally thought I could build the 3% incline myself, had a few set backs and in the end built one side myself. I have them pinned in place and will get them glued down and track installed hopefully this weekend.

The white side are store bought Woodland Scenics 3% incline set. I purchased this set because I got a great price and it was after my initial failures when I thought I would simply purchase the set. The pink or obviously my set.

I am not 100% happy with my set, but I will not re-do them at this point in the project. The big thing with the foam cutter is NiChrome wire and variable voltage. For those modelers with patience, it is a reasonable alternative. For me, the cost of foam and parts for the cutter were only slightly cheaper than having to purchase 2 full sets of inclines.

The one discussion group/guide on building inclines indicated that using a hack saw to cut the slats to allow the foam to bend. Don't do that. It may be slightly quicker, but the end product is not as clean. I used a molding hack saw on the first section and was really disappointed. I used the foam cutter on the rest and they turned out way better.

On to more track then to real wiring.