After working on Plan D of The Blackwater Canyon Line for 2 years, I have declared heavy construction and wiring are done. I moved a bunch of tools and materials to the garage to make room for scenery and structure building. Granted, there will be times when I need to drag some of that out to wire lights etc.
I do want to mention a few items before we close this phase. I never got back on where I placed the uncoupling ramps. I have indicated where with red arrows. The long siding to the left is where I plan to put engines and cars on and off the track. The siding in the lower right will have two buildings, so I put in two uncoupling ramps. I considered putting them in the yard underneath the wye and enginehouse area. Those tracks are in blue in the upper right. The upper level is removable, but for the sake of good track integrity, I laid the track and switches right over the seam in the table top. I had such a time getting track to match up with my lift up bridges, I copped out on making the enginehouse area easily removable. If I find I have to have uncoupling ramps there, I'll remove the track above, so I can get into the lower space.
As I mentioned when I put in the first push button, these are temporarily mounted until I put a fascia on.
Besides checking out all the DZ1000 switch machines via the AIUs, I also checked out them with the pushbuttons. I labeled all my DZ1000 pushbuttons with the Dymo labeler. Yes, it is the old fashioned kind that wears out your hand. The address on the literature in the box has a postal code instead of a Zip code. That dates it to early or mid '60s. I brought it home when cleaning out my dad's things.
I did get back to my Walthers HO substation kit. One thing I learned from this kit is that I have trouble handling very small parts, and that is one reason I switched from HO to O gauge. I can see everything fine; fine enough that I am disappointed with how it is turning out. Even with spray accelerator, I can't keep the small insulators straight. I just set the main components in a back corner for now and will turn my attention to other things.
I want to build my Carolina Craftsman Thomas West Virginia Station, but need some practice on laser cut kits first. I have a couple easier ones I will work on. I also want to get some scenery built as well. These photographs show the 'canyon' area I want to do. That will also use up my left over Styrofoam so I have more space under the layout for structures and scenery building things.
I know someone will ask about the 4 heavyweight cars in the first photograph. They are actually a beautiful New York Central set I bought from Chris A to be pulled by my K-Line Hudson that is at Pat's Harmonyards awaiting its turn for an upgrade. See, I do have some other interests besides Western Maryland!! Thank you for taking a look.
