NTS&B Phase 5 fall raised area town started

Installed and wired the small town on the lift-out section of the raised area.  The light wiring is run over to a barrier strip by the power control station.  There is a 4 pin connector under the lift-out, for easy removal.  I haven't yet installed switches to control the lights, since I have other building and lights to add to the stationary section.  These can not be added until I install the main line track, because I won't know how much clearance I have until then.  Here is what the new town looks like.  The church will be located around the current position, but for now is only temporary.

NTS&B Phase 5 fall raised area track installed

The upper track is now installed.  Since the bridges are partially under the curved track, I had to make wider and slightly longer bases for them.  The small loop has been 'ballasted' and fastened down, with track power run to the power stations. Here is the final results.

NTS&B Phase 5 fall raised area tables tunnel liners and temporary mountain sides installed

Installed felt under tables for tunnel liners.  Also, temporarily installed it on the sides of the raised area, to try to make it look good for the upcoming Piedmont Pilgrimage.  Here's the pictures

 

NTS&B Phase 5 fall raised area tables built and installed

Finally got the plywood, built the tables, and got them painted for the fall raised area.  Big cutout in the middle is for a lift-out access area.

Table with access area removed

NTS&B Phase 5 fall raised area laid in

Hard to believe I'm starting the 9th year working on this.

Making a little progress.  Made cardboard prototype of the 2 raised areas with sides and tunnel portals, and laid track above the disappearing loop to make sure it would fit.  Here are the pictures.

NTS&B Phase 5 'ballast' and track power finished

The ballast (carpet) has been applied to all loops, and the track power permanently connected to the tracks.  The track control switches are all installed and connected in their permanent locations.  Most of the accessories are in their final locations but not wired in.  Trains are running on all tracks, but with some problems to work out yet.  Here are the pictures.

NTS&B Phase 5 module Third Loop and Disappearing Mountain track laid in

Lionel developed a Disappearing Mountain layout in the 1950's to highlight its newest innovation "Magnetraction".    Basically the train went into the mountain and down a steep 1 loop helix, then back up and out the other side of the mountain.  The train was long enough so the caboose entered the mountain just before the engine came out.  Mine is a variation on the theme on the inside siding of loop 3.  The train is long enough so the engine starts coming out just before the caboose goes in, so it has more of an accordion effect.  The outside siding has a Lionel stop train station.  As the train engine passes the station, it stops for a period of time (adjustable in the station) to drop off passengers, then resumes.  Here are some pictures of the  helix being built and the finished loop, with a video showing how it works.

Base of module dropped about 5 inches below table top to allow room for helix

 Module painted, and supports added for upper level of mountain.

 Helix completed and train running. Notice engine entering mountain as caboose  comes out.

Temporary mountain and outside loop laid in. The mountain will continue to the left to the edge of the layout after the 2 tracks next to the current mountain, then a loop of track and a village will be located on top.

NTS&B Phase 5 module Second Loop laid in

The second of 3 loops on this level is now laid in.  It still had a few problems with the switch tracks that need to be worked out.  Accessory clearance continues to be an issue when running the bigger engines and cars, but believe it will all fit.  All of the planned accessories for this area are now out and most are in final position.  None of them are wired in yet.  The train station, beacon light, and Road Runner shack will be moved to the upper level when that is built.  The 2 switch tracks not connected to anything are located approximately where the third loop will be.  Here are some more pictures. A short video is also at the end.

NTS&B Phase 5 module Outside Loop laid in

I finally got the outside loop laid in with the planned and some additional accessories.  I had not planned on using the tractor trailer loader, 1950s Gantry Crane, or 1940's Coal Loader, but may be able to fit them in after all.  I had to re-arrange the track plan multiple times to get the accessories to fit, but believe I finally have it.  Most of the accessories will be on one side, since the other side will have the mainline running over it.  Here are a few pictures of the results.  Wiring will be connected later.

NTS&B - New Gargraves Switch Modifications

The last 4 Gargraves switches I received had the center section redesigned from a solid coffin shaped piece to separate rails.  This has caused multiple shorting issues when running 6 wheel trucks or cars with wider wheels, and uncoupling / shoe problems with cars with shoes.  Below  is a correspondence with Mike from Gargraves, and pictures of what had to be done to modify them to work reliably.

 Original design

 Note to Mike

 Various problems with new design

 Modifications required to switches

Modeling clay used to fill in gap