Yard tracking changes

The curved portion of the HBS yard is now in. 

As is the double slip ladder on the north end of the yard. The next step is to verify that the  Erie yard tracks and the first section of HBS yard tracks between the north ladder and the slip switches are equal. Why? So that the switcher can move equal cuts of cars between them. This is a good example of those small decisions that should be made with operations in mind. 

In this case, I empirically verified that the optimal number of 40' cars is 4 that can be accommodated on each side of the ladder. 

Across the way from the interchange yard over at Bethlehem, the shoreline is getting glued to the module so I can continue laying track inside their property. This end is where the dry docks and piers run into the aisle. A large ship will float here somehow sliced in section to fit. 

Foaming

Installed some foam tonight at water modules to clean up bulkhead line at Bethlehem Steel and float bridge.

Battery radio control system from CVP ordered. It will be an involved project to install in a switcher with an idler flat or gondola carrying the battery and maybe chip, too. Stay tuned.

Skirt boards

Skirt boards installed.

I'm making progress on installing skirt boards on the HBS. These are ex-West Texas sky boards, and I will be painting them a different color (perhaps the color of the wall beyond.) I used self-adhesive Velcro reinforced with super glue.

The materials and tools.

No thoughts on the fascia, yet, but I'd like to make it good.

Upcoming things in approximate order:

• re-building the Erie 149th street yard bench work in 2 parts so I can move it and store it more easily.
• procuring foam board for building up right of way on the modules that are lowered for water.
• battery powered radio control systems testing. I'll probably try CVP first. I'm thinking about trying it in a double lash-up of 44-tonners 700 and 701 or more likely a trailing idler gondola.
• get rid of beds in room and replace with inflatables for guests.
• operate!
• build bookshelves in other part of the house for the multitude of books in the room.
• get rid of TV.
• build workbench for modeling and computer.

I also found out that my cat likes Spicy Nacho Doritos. I assume it is the salt at crunch more than the spice, but he enjoyed the little taste he had either way. 

Wordless Wednesday

Track laying

I was able to make progress on track laying this weekend. Main line from yard past Bethlehem Steel to car float yard in. Also got track into Maxwell House and American Can. 

Coming out of west side of yard. 

Car float yard skeleton is in. 

Maxwell House and American Can. 

West yard crossing. 

Yard ladder. 

Bigger picture of the chaos. 

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday