N Scale Trackwork Display

Click on images for a really big view….

For the Train Show in Detroit last month I mounted some of the Bronx Terminal trackwork to a laser engraved plywood sheet. I did this to keep it from getting damaged, its pretty fragile. I expected it may be handled and this would protect it and also provide a bit of a display.

All the ties are etched into the board, this helps to make the trackwork look a bit more complete. I also painted the trackwork with a simple black paint to add a bit of contrast.

This is the N scale code 40 version of the triple lapped turnout.

Click on image for larger view….

I also made one with both the N scale and HO scale quad diamond mounted onto plywood with the ties engraved.

Click on image for larger view….

N scale code 40 at the front of the image, HO scale code 70 near the top.

Click on image for larger view….

I cut some frog isolation gaps in the N scale crossing shown above just to make sure it could actually be done.� This was done using a jewelers saw while holding the trackwork in a vise. The technique works well, but after a few gaps the trackwork was starting to get a bit weak so I decided to hold off until I am ready to install in place.� I may actually mount the trackwork onto a thin plywood roadbed after the wood ties have been attached and cut through the rail and the roadbed at the same time, this will provide extra support for this delicate operation.

I know, I know, its the same stuff that has been on the site for the last few months and I apologize for that. This summer my time has been quite stretched and hasn’t allowed for any down time. With the building almost complete, we should be moving into it shortly and that should free up some much needed space and time for me to get back to another section of the terminal!

-Tim

About the Author:

I'm your host, Tim Warris, a product developer in Port Dover, Ontario. Since March of 2007 I have been documenting the construction of the former CNJ Bronx Terminal in HO scale. For my day job, I design track building tools for Fast Tracks, a small company I own and operate. Fast Tracks makes it fast and easy to hand lay your own trackwork. Stop by our website to learn more!

N scale Part 1

Challenging build at 1:160, code 40

click on images for large version….

This is tiny stuff! Difficult, but not impossible to accomplish, this triple lapped turnout is what leads into the engine house, the carfloat apron and to the “New Yard” section of the terminal. This is all built in N scale code 40. It isn’t much more difficult to work in code 40 vs. code 55, and in some ways it is easier as code 55 rail is out of proportion when the width of the base is compared to the height of the rail, and this excess width can be very challenging to get everything to fit in tight spots on trackwork like this.

The finished trackwork runs nice and smooth, the cars can handle these tight curves and even couple properly on them which is critical as I do intend on operating this layout.

This is probably the hardest section of trackwork for the N scale version, the rest is still challenging, but not nearly as complex, only variations of turnouts.

To complete the trackwork I will be using all PC board ties mounted to laser cut plywood roadbed and mounted to a foam board. This should result in a light and portable module. Control will be simple DC, as DCC is not necessary for a layout like this as there was only ever one loco on it at a time.

The engine could be a challenge, as there are no small Boxcabs available in N scale that I know of, so I may have to scratchbuild something.

On to the next piece!

-Tim

Posted by: Tim | 05-22-2007 | 10:05 AM
Posted in: Latest Posts | N Scale Version | Comments (7)

N scale “Part 1”

N scale continued….

Click on image for larger view (its N scale, you have to….)

Ok, its not the first piece of N scale trackwork here. This is the section of the terminal I have been referring to as “Part 1” so thats what I titled this post. Part 5 in N scale has already been built.

Thought I would carry on with another section in N scale code 40. Next to the quad diamond the most complex piece of trackwork is the triple lapped turnouts leading into the engine house/car float apron/yard tracks. In the centre of this mess is a complex frog where the three turnouts intersect.

This was pretty difficult to do in HO code 70 and I wasn’t sure it could even be done in N so I thought I would do a test build of just this frog before sinking a bunch of time into the entire piece.

It turned out well so I guess it can be done. I’m glad I did a test on this piece as there a small flaw in it that is bugging me that I will take note of when I build the entire piece. Can you spot the flaw?

-Tim

Posted by: Tim | 05-07-2007 | 03:05 PM
Posted in: Latest Posts | N Scale Version | Comments (7)

N Scale Trackwork Display

N scale Part 1

N scale “Part 1”

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