Laser-cut plug track now on the baseboard - and engine-release turntables

Hi everyone,
I've been a bit absent recently. I've had my head down laying some track and trying to ascertain what the difficulties might be in laying laser cut plug track in a layout setting.
I've been working on my S4 challenge project, working with just the baseboard tops to begin with. I'm sure there are those who will say I should have built the complete baseboards before laying track, but there are several reasons for progressing this particular way, more of which later, but for now I thought I'd share my progress.
I must stress that at this stage, I am just testing out some ideas, and I'm happy to take all of this up and start again if need be, but so far so good. Stock all runs well (as far as I can test at this stage).

I found the assembly process really enjoyable, the major plus being being able to temporarily fit track to ensure alignment between timbering bases before gluing down, and also across baseboard joints. Everything I have laid here is removable, so very easy to go back and replace parts as required.
I've found that filing down some short lengths (40mm) of rail such that they fit into a chair socket useful. The help to hold a long rail length in place whilst chairing, especially on a curve. Other than that everything else has been pretty much to Martin's words and music.

There is still some fettling to do, but I hope this provides some inspiration for others to try.
Given that this layout will be exhibited (I hope), I've been experimenting with different methods to ensure reliability and hopefully eliminate damage to sensitive areas such as the common crossings and check rails etc. To that end I've played-around with various bits of nickel silver bonding strips, and brass pins soldered under the check rails to restrict movement. They look a bit crude at this stage, but everything is rock-solid. I've found that I can grind the protrusions away quite nicely so they should be pretty inconspicuous when complete. Of course, had I used FDM timbering then I would have incorporated Martin's neat little solution of the restraint wires.
I've packed it all away now as I've had enough of track for this weekend, but next time I'll get some more detailed photos.

I've also built the well for a 50' Cowan's turntable, and used plug track chairs for the race rail.

The TT well and its motor are quick-release, being held by thumbscrews.

 

[Phil O]

James,

That trackwork looks fantastic, it just flows. Have you put anything on the Scaleforum site?

 

[James Walters]

Thank you Phil, that's very kind, but it's still a work in progress. There are three boards in total, which when laid out together do flow nicely. I've tried to avoid straight sections as I like the look of stock trundling around a curve.
I've not put anything on the Scalefour site yet, 'still plucking up the courage.

 

[Steve_Cornford]

Well done James, very impressive!
And well done Martin for providing the Plugtrack facilities!
I can't wait to see some switch blades moving under their own steam!
Steve

 

[Martin Wynne]

@James Walters

Hi James,

That's looking great!

Is that all done with loose jaws? Have you soldered the vee rails in situ at the nose? Using SMT paste? Did you make some FDM filing jigs?

I've found that filing down some short lengths (40mm) of rail such that they fit into a chair socket useful. The help to hold a long rail length in place whilst chairing, especially on a curve.

Can you clarify what you mean there?

cheers,

Martin.

 

[James Walters]

HI Martin,

Thanks!
Yes, all done with loose jaws. Including the slide chairs - I can't have been thinking when I exported those files.
The vee rails are soldered. My paste was a little iffy, so I tinned the parts before assembly, then sweated them together in situ. The chairs seem very resilient to heat which is a plus.

I didn't use FDM filing jigs simply because my FDM printer is rubbish - simply terrible. I hope to get a Kingroon printer soon so will get some jigs printed.
My printer has all sorts of hardware issues, which the manufacturer acknowledges, but refuses to fix. I've given up tinkering with it. It's fine (sort of) for coarse stuff but will not print fine layers without jamming. It has a banana bed too which doesn't help.

Here's what I meant by the filed down bits of rail:

They're useful for holding the rail vertically whilst inserting the loose jaws, a bit like a podger. 'wish I'd polished them up now before taking the photo.

 

[James Walters]

Well done James, very impressive!
And well done Martin for providing the Plugtrack facilities!
I can't wait to see some switch blades moving under their own steam!
Steve

Hi Steve, and thank you.
It shouldn't be long now before they are operational. I intend to use a mk 2 version of my servo actuator, with a modified slider which allows for gauge adjustment:

The base boards have pre-fitted fixings, so the units will simply screw into place and be very easy to replace should a failure occur at an exhibition.

And yes, well done to Martin for making this all possible. I couldn't have done any of this without Templot. Every day I learn something new and am staggered by its brilliance. Using Templot has become my favourite hobby.

 

[Phil G]

Hi James,
I agree with all other comments that does look fantastic. well done, just one question is the vee right after the TT prototypical?
cheers
Phil

 

[James Walters]

Hi James,
I agree with all other comments that does look fantastic. well done, just one question is the vee right after the TT prototypical?
cheers
Phil

Hi Phil, It's sort of prototypical.
My challenge entry will be Midland themed, but I couldn't find a Midland prototype for what I need to fit in the space, so have gone with a LNWR prototype from Harbourne.

 

[Phil G]

Hi James,
A prototype for almost everything!
You amaze me, how you keep finding all these little details. how on earth did you find that photo?
cheers
Phil

 

[James Walters]

Hi James,
A prototype for almost everything!
You amaze me, how you keep finding all these little details. how on earth did you find that photo?
cheers
Phil

It's from the disused railways site, (I asked for permission to use it).
For context, here's how the baseboards are shaping up, the wagon hoist has been shoved along to the end adjacent to the turntable. I anticipate this layout being viewed like a peninsular from both sides, with hopefully the best view from the end, through what will be a narrow iron gateway with a view along the snaking tracks.

Best,

James

 

[Martin Wynne]

HI Martin,

Thanks!
Yes, all done with loose jaws. Including the slide chairs - I can't have been thinking when I exported those files.
The vee rails are soldered. My paste was a little iffy, so I tinned the parts before assembly, then sweated them together in situ. The chairs seem very resilient to heat which is a plus.

I didn't use FDM filing jigs simply because my FDM printer is rubbish - simply terrible. I hope to get a Kingroon printer soon so will get some jigs printed.
My printer has all sorts of hardware issues, which the manufacturer acknowledges, but refuses to fix. I've given up tinkering with it. It's fine (sort of) for coarse stuff but will not print fine layers without jamming. It has a banana bed too which doesn't help.

Here's what I meant by the filed down bits of rail:
View attachment 8765
They're useful for holding the rail vertically whilst inserting the loose jaws, a bit like a podger. 'wish I'd polished them up now before taking the photo.

View attachment 8766

@James Walters @Steve_Cornford

Hi James,

Thanks for the explanation.

Steve suggested using cocktail sticks for that purpose, and they work great.

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Phil G]

I had just found that site myself when your reply came in. Still how on earth did you think to look at that site for inspiration? was it hours of on line searching?
Anyway its all very cool, as is your conceptual drawing by the way.

Out of interest have you figured out how your going to attached the second set of tie bars for the switch blades? Assuming your first set are connected to your modified servo drive as you mentioned in your post to Steve.
cheers
Phil,

 

[James Walters]

I'm afraid I have done hours of searching to find obscure little details.
The jury is still out regarding the stretcher bars. Not sure whether to stick with an REA type for which I'd use an etched kit, or do something a little more 'Midland'. I will be using Midland style rodding so I guess it will be of a Midland round bar type. Exactly what, I don't yet know.
Best,
James

 

[Martin Wynne]

Hi James,
I agree with all other comments that does look fantastic. well done, just one question is the vee right after the TT prototypical?
cheers
Phil

@Phil G @James Walters

Hi Phil,

It's quite a common arrangement to have a V-crossing in the approach tracks to a turntable.

Using a turntable for a run-round release is not so common, but there are quite a few. The best known one is Bembridge on the Isle of Wight (it's not a sector plate, as this page calls it):

https://sremg.org.uk/location/iow/bembridge.shtml

A very strange arrangement at Allendale, which cries out to be modelled:

https://85a.uk/templot/club/index.php?threads/turntable-run-round.505/

p.s. Harbourne is in that topic too.

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Martin Wynne]

.
p.s. Here's one at Rothbury:

https://flic.kr/p/Yrh41K

Martin.

 

[Phil G]

Hi Martin,
well I would never have though about looking though old Templot posts to find that sort of information.

Looks like I should take more time and revisit the disused stations site. To be very honest I got quite disappointed when I found they have not covered Heaton Norris station on there site.
By the way does anybody know if the site is still active?
cheers
Phil

 

[Phil G]

p.s. Here's one at Rothbury:

That one is almost double slip replacement, type turntable.
cheers
Phil,

 

[Phil O]

The much modelled Ventnor Station on the I.O.W also had a turntable for loco release.

 

[Terry Downes]

Hi everyone,
I've been a bit absent recently. I've had my head down laying some track and trying to ascertain what the difficulties might be in laying laser cut plug track in a layout setting.
I've been working on my S4 challenge project, working with just the baseboard tops to begin with. I'm sure there are those who will say I should have built the complete baseboards before laying track, but there are several reasons for progressing this particular way, more of which later, but for now I thought I'd share my progress.
I must stress that at this stage, I am just testing out some ideas, and I'm happy to take all of this up and start again if need be, but so far so good. Stock all runs well (as far as I can test at this stage).

I found the assembly process really enjoyable, the major plus being being able to temporarily fit track to ensure alignment between timbering bases before gluing down, and also across baseboard joints. Everything I have laid here is removable, so very easy to go back and replace parts as required.
I've found that filing down some short lengths (40mm) of rail such that they fit into a chair socket useful. The help to hold a long rail length in place whilst chairing, especially on a curve. Other than that everything else has been pretty much to Martin's words and music.

View attachment 8753
View attachment 8756
There is still some fettling to do, but I hope this provides some inspiration for others to try.
Given that this layout will be exhibited (I hope), I've been experimenting with different methods to ensure reliability and hopefully eliminate damage to sensitive areas such as the common crossings and check rails etc. To that end I've played-around with various bits of nickel silver bonding strips, and brass pins soldered under the check rails to restrict movement. They look a bit crude at this stage, but everything is rock-solid. I've found that I can grind the protrusions away quite nicely so they should be pretty inconspicuous when complete. Of course, had I used FDM timbering then I would have incorporated Martin's neat little solution of the restraint wires.
I've packed it all away now as I've had enough of track for this weekend, but next time I'll get some more detailed photos.

I've also built the well for a 50' Cowan's turntable, and used plug track chairs for the race rail.
View attachment 8754
The TT well and its motor are quick-release, being held by thumbscrews.
View attachment 8755

All looks great James. I'm running slightly behind You and getting similar results which I will post soonish hopefully. I Just wanted to pick up on the 'sensitive areas' e.g board joints etc. I have been considering this area lately and I was thinking about purchasing some of the C&L brass chairs or DCC concept brass chairs soldered onto timber cladding. Has anyone explored this before?

 

[KHC1]

Well done James that all looks great. I am waiting for better weather to set up the resin printer. Also had a slight delay as my Wife was taken ill and it’s knocked things back a bit(had to learn to use the washing machine!). As always looking forward to your next video…….

Keith