With the wee dog suitably chastised and the camera cable repaired, I figured I might as well post an image. As you can see the majority of the roadbed has been installed and I've started laying some track. Already I am infinitely happier with the look of the C55 track vs. the C80 offering. Likewise, it is easier to work with, with the exception of soldering - a light touch is needed to keep the ties from melting! It didn't take long to learn how quickly the rail heats up so the rest of the joins were perfect - the first one has a beauty mark...
Looking great
We've all heard the story about the dog eating someones homework (or equivalents therein). You've restored my faith!
Nice progress. A trial run looks to be in your near future.
Cheers,
ScottL
Ahhh... Green foam!
Haven't seen the green out here. Finally found some pink and blue, but no green.
What is the material you have laid over the risers and grading? Looks like brown paper bag. It seems to be very neatly and uniformly spaced (or overlapped, if you will) for the most part. If this is the time and quality you put into the skeleton I can't wait to see what it looks like dressed up.
I hope to start soldering track in the next week or so. I went to the my LHS today and they were out of c55 turnouts. Then the guy said something about things moving away from c55 and towards c80. But I really like the c55 better too, so I hope he's just blowing smoke.
So based on your observations, though, here's a question: what makes the c55 easier to work with? Also, are you using flux and what wattage is your iron?
I'm not that neat - look in the background!
You are correct - I opted to build my own styrofoam risers and I filled the gaps/solidified the assemblies by wrapping the foam with glue soaked paper towels
I think the guy is blowing smoke - out his caboose! I haven't seen any evidence that people are returning to C80 - if anything, the fact that every hobby shop I encounter is sold out of C55 should be an indication of where things are heading.
I found the C55 easier to work with as its smaller size makes it more flexible and easier to cut and file. As for soldering, I'm using a touch of flux, resin core solder and a 25W iron.
Thanks.
Lookin' good! I'm feeling a
Lookin' good! I'm feeling a need to build more modules but I must... MUST scenic what I have before allowing myself to build more monstrosities!
Keep us updated and keep a close eye that mutt. :)
-mike
Do what we must
Funny you should say that - I have a 38"x12" shelf in my office at work that is begging for a module...
Office Layouts!
Funny YOU should say that as I have a 12x48 inch shelf begging for a module! I'd like to do it sometime but I have other priorities at the moment. Would be a nice project but you'd have to make sure it can stand up to people poking and prodding it when you're not there. :)
-mike
melting ties no more, well, less at least
Hi
Great progress on the layout, it's fun to follow along. A tip I thought I would pass along to prevent too many ties from melting while soldering rail joints is to take some a small piece of paper towel, wet it, then place it over the rail (one on each side of the soon-to-be solder joint) The wet paper towel will act as a heat sink and as well, when temps start to get too high you can hear the water sizzling.
It works for me
Chris