Back on track.

Momentum is building up on the layout project, and today I decided to lay the track on the layout. Lay the track being rather over describing the work as there is barely six feet of track to deal with. As there is one third of that on the yet to be built tipping dock. I thought that a bit of track laying was in order to create the impression that a layout is on the way.

Regular blog followers will know about my track construction method. If not check it out here. You’ll also know it’s one of my least favourite aspects of layout building. But as there’s not much to do, and it’s all in a straight line. I figured I could put up with it. In addition to that, as the tipping dock will have a timber surface, I thought it would be a good idea to try spiking to basswood. 

In a change from my previous method, I decided to try Micro Engineering medium spikes instead of the large ones previous. I had always thought they looked a bit large, and I think they may have interfered with the wheels on the rolling stock.

I definitely feel that the newer size of spike looks better and the flanges of the wheels most definitely do NOT touch the spike heads.

Where the floor of the workshop will be on the model I spiked the rail to some basswood strip. Working on the theory that If I made a real pigs ear of this process it would at least be hidden under the floor of the  building. Not enjoying the original process. I enjoyed spiking basswood even less. It’s a tough wood to spike, and it helps to pre-drill a small hole in the sleeper to start the spike as you push it home.

Anyway, after a couple of hours, I had all the “ground level” track installed. 

I’m sure most of you have thought at some time of other. “Why on earth does he persist with this track laying method when he dislikes it so much?”

Quite simply. It looks good. I like the way it looks. A lot of people like the way it looks. So I think it’s worth sticking with. I might get to enjoy it after a while. 

I'd better get on and build the layout then...