Oops - Major Nov. 2019 Track Fix

- Bench Work -
- Platform & Console Build -
- Topography -
- Ballasting & Scenary 1.0 -
- Bridge Redesign & Scenary 2.0 -
- Scenary Detailing-
- Lighting, Animation Work -
- Diorama Refinements -
- Oops - Major Nov. 2019 Track Fix -
- DCC Turnout Control Installation -
- 2020 Layout Extension -
- 2020 Layout Extension - Scenery-

...Hindsight is 20-20. Having built the layout to this point, using flex track for the first time, etc., I realize how much I did wrong. So finally bit the bullet, and decided to fix some problems with the wotk I'd done initally, to prevent the frequent derailments and other issues. The first problem was with the curve on the North end of the inner loop, which had too small a radius over the second 90 degrees of the turn.

The fix was to replace the #8 Atlas with a #6.5 Shinohana. The tighter radius of the Shinohana allows the arch of the curve to be spread more evenly over the 90 degrees of the turn. ... So... the patient was put under the knife!

The other problem was with the Atlas #6 turnouts used in the cross-overs between the inner and outter loops. Some folks praise Atlas, and say they don't have no problems with them. I've not been so lucky, and replaced them with Peco Electrofrogs. I didn't know when I made that decision to move to Peco but the added raelism of the Electrofrogs meant a lot more work to insulate and wire the frogs, so their polarity can be switch switched!! Oh well, live and learn... But to be sure, I prefer the powered frogs, once they're installed.

After putting it off for months, the whole thing was more than worth the effort. I also took advantage of having the two track segments ripped out, to add redundant power drops along the track route, plumb some depressions in track elevation, and realign things for more reliable operation.

After several days of testing, I applied ballast, pained the track.

Getting close to the holidays, that sweet time for model railoading, I cut in one of the guardrail sections. The layout is in as good a shape as it's ever been.

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