Testing

Today it was time for some test driving. Two DC-Locos drove back and forward and tested all tracks on the module set. The picture is false because it was one loco at the time (someone, guess who, had made a bad connection). It was meant to have the possibility to disconnect the crossing line with a switch if there is a need for several DCC-boosters on a bigger module layout but that didn´t work out today.

Sandwichmodule

I regulary build my modules as a "sandwich" with thin (4mm) plywoodsheets and pine strips around a core of styrofoam.

First step is to cut sheet at the right measures (fitting inside the end and sides) I use to cut the sheets in long strips in the hardware store where i buy it.


Then i glue and nail a frame of pinestrips on the top sheet. Also a supporting strip directly beyond the roadbed.


Then i take a brake when the glue hardens. (It´s below somewhere)


Then i fill up the hollow space with styrofoam and glue and nail the bottom sheet.

(To be continued)

In the modulebuilders toolbox

Ok, there´s one part missing and i thought that i will take the opportunity to show a little bit closer the way i build a "sandwich module"

Some of the tools

The straight angle is necesary in a lot of places

Here also

Not here, but that wasn´t meant.

A saw to make straight angles

North End

Next section to build is that which will connect to the right. Instead of the trackconnection in the previous plan there are just a simple loading track with a storage shed used by the Countys Farmers

Soon in the right colours

Two shots with the result from yesterdays small paint session (with a real helpful four year old daughter) Some parts will get another layer with paint before it´s ready for grass and turf.

The Countys Farmer got a possibility to send and recieve goods on an of the interchangetracks

Milwaukee track

Track on the crossing line(Milwaukee) laid.


The set with sections are meant to be transported in a stack with the centerpiece in the bottom and the four small sections bolted in pairs. The crossing line sections fits together and makes a 108 cm long piece.

One more piece in place

This afternoons work was to mount the connectors between the centerpiece and short section so it will be ready for tracklaying.

Harvest?

Alongside the right of way of the "Q" are the fields almost ready to harvest but i still want the crops to bee a bit more dense.

A closer look.

It´s growing!

Today after a short vacation it was time for some building. The homebuilt "Grassmaster-clone" was used together with static grass from Heki. To make the grass a little more rough I used som blended turf before the grass was set.

Here is a wiew from the secondary road that´s cross the maintrack.

Prototype Information

For those who is interested in the prototype "Crawford Tower" there is the following link:

http://www.signalbox.org/overseas/usa/crawford.htm

(And if you now where there are more prototype information, please send me an mail)

Terraforming

Terraforming has started on the southernmost part. I use a mix of plaster, glue, paint and sawdust. The plywood strip are going to be a narrow road.

More testing

Last evening the trackwork on the third, the interchange section began. And here are a few photos from today when it was ready to test. First a wiew of the layout.

A closer look to the connection. There are still a lot of soldering to do.


Testing

First real trains on Crawford Junction

After a long yesterday evening with the two sections bottom up and soldering switchmotors and track connectors. That made it possible to the first real test run of two Crawford sections today. First an overwiew from "South" or Chicago in the real world.


Ready for todays work is CB&Q 9215, a Kato NW2 with a short train.


Waiting on the interchange track is three cars from the Q


After a short trip are the cars on the interchange track for Milwaukee Road.

A short move.

And out again on it´s way back.

The dispathers office, Uhhh!

The temporary switch control.

And at last mr FredI.

And a short wiew of a pair of NW2:s, I was lucky and found a matching brother to the first on ebay.

Line up

Today the track was glued on the section with the interchange switch and here it´s lined up together with the central section

A Tower!

Todays small works, a test - Tower Zero, to see how it will look like on the module and to see that it looks prototypical (I´ve got just one picture of the real Crawford Tower). The big change to the real model will be the windows ant to mount them much closer to the surface.


On the module it looks nice I think.

Yesterdays work, legs aren´t fun to make but necesary.

Paintshop?

One step further... tomorrow i hope it will get the right colour.