Spline roadbed

I am starting the trackwork to Ophir following the completion of trackwork in Rico.  I am trying out a new technique to make the spline roadbed.  This was suggested to me via email from Steve Hatch, of Railway Engineering.  This method is faster to construct, and I find that it is easier for me to keep the splines and blocks aligned crossways than in the method I used before.

As before, I cut splines from scrap lauan plywood.  I cut the strips 3/4" wide, rather than 1/2" as I did previously.  The thicker splines were chosen to match up with the 3/4" plywood base used for Rico.  I then squared up a piece of leftover 2"x2" pine, as used for legs on the layout, such that it was exactly 1.5" square.  The legs were carefully crosscut on my table saw into pieces 3/4" long.  These were laminated between the two 3/4" splines, and glued in place with Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue.  This glue is waterproof, which is an important consideration, since delamination of the roadbed while installing scenery would not be a good thing!  The width of the completed spline roadbed is an exact match for the Cascade Rail Supply milled Homasote roadbed.  It still requires a lot of clamps to construct the roadbed!

Initial installation of the spline roadbed.  The outside spline was simply clamped to the existing 3/4" plywood roadbed.  The roadbed will be trimmed, and aligned with the track centerline.

The spline roadbed with about half of the spacer blocks glued in place.

Question:  How many clamps does it take to build spline roadbed?  Answer:  All of them!

A closeup view of the spline roadbed.  The roadbed will be sanded smooth prior to installation of the Cascade Rail Supply milled Homasote roadbed.

A closer view of the completed spline roadbed.

The spline roadbed sanded and with the track centerline marked.  The milled Homasote roadbed will be installed using the marked centerline. 

On To Rico

I have just completed laying track into Rico on my version of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad.  The majority of the trackwork was fitted onto a piece of 3/4" plywood 12 1/2 inches wide by 8 feet long.  Adjacent to this is my version of the Pro Patria Mill.  This was scratchbuilt by me, and resided on my previous layout.  Fortunately, I was able to relocate it to my new home, and I completed the model with the addition of the truck dump, and associated support structures.

As with the rest of the layout, the trackwork consists of Micro Engineering Code 55 Flex Track.  I scratchbuilt the nine turnouts using Fast Tracks fixtures.  All turnouts are Number 6.  One turnout, behind the depot, will connect the Enterprise Branch to Rico.  I anticipate much operating potential arising from the inclusion of the Enterprise Branch.  All trackwork is installed onto Cascade Rail Supply Homasote Roadbed.  All turnouts are powered by Tortoise switch machines, and are controlled by Berrett Hill Trains Touch Toggles.

 Because of space constraints, my version of Rico does not include the engine servicing facilities located at the prototype.  However, I believe that the flavor of Rico is captured, and much operation should be possible at this location.  I will be interested to see how the scale track works into the operating scheme!

Next up:  Ophir!

The first train to Rico leaving the Coke Ovens and approaching Rico.  The 3/4" plywood roadbed is clearly seen.

The East end of Rico.  The yellow building to the left is the scale house, which has its own track.

The Pro Patria Mill at the West end of Rico.

An overall view of the town of Rico.  The station under construction is a Raggs...to Riches kit.  I built it to this stage in order to check clearances within Rico.

The first train to Rico, powered by RGS 461, enters Rico.  The locomotive is a Blackstone Models K-27.

The train is stopped at the Rico station.

Mudhen 461 is on the mainline headed toward what will be Ophir.

Mudhen 461 is on the siding which will service the Rico Power and Light facility, and a commercial coal bin.