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)

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.

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.

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.

  

Switching Layout 14x60 Project - Plan 2

Here my latest plan

Base on suggestion from TTnut forum, I have extended the layout 12" and extended two tracks for off-layout staging if so desired. And added a bridge scene I wanted.

Switching Layout 14x48 Project - Couplers and Planning

Today, I assemble and installed MT 1025 coupler's on the eleven box cars

Also started looking at the plan again and layout the turnouts with cars to see how everything fits.

Switching Layout 14x48 Project - Track II

Track and turnouts arrive today, now I can move forward with this project.

Switching Layout 14x48 Project - Track

Kuehn track has been ordered from an Europe supplier, so it will be a couple week getting here.

Here link to supplier http://www.modelleisenbahn-cms.de/advanced_search_result.php?XTCsid=74gcpd7eao14itisnsctct3nv6&keywords=WL20&x=0&y=0

Photo of one of the turnouts

Switching Layout 14x48 Project - Plan Update

Make a inquiry to Zueke-TT for Kuehn track and shipping cost to USA, so while waiting. I have been adjusting the plan some more, here the result:
 

Switching Layout 14x48 Project - Plan

First project will be a switching layout based on Gateway Central HO switching layout . I am looking at using Kuehn TT Track presently. There are only two TT track mfgr. Kuehn and Tillig or my other option would be hand-laid track. I have build turnout in HO scale using fasttrack jig but nothing smaller scale wise.

Here is a preliminary plan, size 14" x 48"

More to come...