Switching Layout 14x48 Project - Bridge and Creek

Last couple of days, I have worked on the bridge install and the creek it is crossing.

I am re-using a bridge abutment design from my N scale layout re-size for TT Scale and adjusted for the layout.

Test fit of abutments and bridge

Then added a primer sealer to the abutments. Once these are dry I will apply a soupy mixture of joint compound and paint.

This is what my N Scale one looks like

I also got four TT Scale bridge shoes coming from Shapeways (photos of my N Scale ones)

TT Scale Bettendorf Trucks - Update III

Today, I received the new batch of trucks from Shapeways. I am very happy with the out come of this batch. Wheel sets have a slight tight fit that will required some reaming of the bearing journal pockets for smooth free rolling, which works for me. I have make these available in my shapeways store.

Now I have trucks for the hopper cars and anything else in the future.

Switching Layout 14x48 Project - Track and Turnout Control Part 2

Yesterday and Today, I finished up installing the slide switches for turnout control. All track shown below is glue in place too. Just need track feeder install.

Switching Layout 14x48 Project - Track and Turnout Control

I have given up on using servos for turnout control after four fail attempts at building the electronics, so I have gone back to a tried and true solution for me. SPDT Slide switches, I have used these before with good success.

First I cut some re-enforcement pads for the slide switches and start creating pockets for pads and clearance holes for wires.

 

I use a 0.025" music wire and 0.0325" brass tubing for linkage to turnouts. I just make a small channel for the tubing to fit in.

I am also gluing down track and turnouts, adding frog power wire as I go too.

TT Scale Bettendorf Trucks - Update II

3D printed trucks arrived in the mail, today.

Overall, I am happy with the trucks. One area I was concern with was the truck width. As I had trouble understanding the clearance I needed for free rolling of the axle, and the axle is too tight.

I am going to have to widen the truck and print a new batch.

Here are the photos showing the trucks with and without wheel./axle and you can see the issue with width.

I also went ahead and mounted a set on one of the hopper car to see how it all looks

The hopper car is also 3D printed, but not my design. I purchase 3 of these from this shop

https://www.shapeways.com/product/29NB7BAHM/tt-scale-2-bay-hopper-8-panel-v2?optionId=59706661

TT Scale Bettendorf Trucks - Update

Trucks shipped on Friday 5/20 and per tracking number should be here tomorrow. Also received the RP25 wheel set too.

TT Scale Bettendorf Trucks

Been working on a design for bettendorf truck for some hopper car I got from a shapeways shop

Today I received the wheels for the trucks

And I finished up the design and it to shapeways for printing should have the trucks back in a couple weeks

Switching Layout 14x48 Project - Track and Turnout Servos

Not been doing much MRR lately, but I did finish cutting and fitting all the track, couple weeks back.

And I did receive the servos and laser cut a acrylic mount for them and limit switches for frog power and whatever else.

 Next up is making the servo control circuit.

Scale TT in the US

Another TT Scale blog



Scale TT in the US: The first Blog: My name is Rob Dikken and I have a dream: Bringing scale TT back to the US where it was invented and where it all started. In 2013 a Cze...

Structure - 60' Thru Plate Girder Bridge - 3D Printed Brdige Track

I Initially plan to do a ballast deck bridge, but I receive some comments on that over on TTnut Forum, so since no one makes bridge track tie section for TT Scale. I drew one up and had it printed

Ties are12' long. Rail is ME code 55. The rail press fit into the rail alignment clip nicely, so a little glue should do it.

There are 20', 40' and 60' section 12' wide available on my Shapeways site  KD Models

Switching Layout 14x48 Project - Track III

Today, I got started in transferring the plan to the layout base. Then started cutting and fitting track between the turnouts. I would of done this sooner but I forgot to order rail joiners and they came in yesterday.

The base is 3/8" foamcore board salvage from an earlier layout attempt with 2 layers of ceiling tile.

Plan is to finish cutting and fitting track tomorrow. I have ordered servo's for turnout control and hope to have them by end of week, so I can finalize a mount for them. Plan is to laser cut acrylic for the mounts.

  

Structure - 60' Thru Plate Girder Bridge - Ballast Deck

Yesterday, I drew up the plans for a 60' Thru Plate Girder Bridge. This was based on the plan I did for my N scale layout with changes I noted from that build. First four photos show the material removed from laser, also there is a sheet for a deck plate girder bridge too, that build another time.

Here are the photo of the Thru Plate Girder build