Ovalix Progress 06.19.10

I'm happy to report that the ovalix is installed!  I never thought in a million years I could construct one.  They are quite taboo by many layout builders.

I originally thought that three revolutions would do the trick, but not the case.  With the over/under situation on the peninsula, I needed to be at a height of 3 to 4" above the upper level framework.  So, we ended up with four revolutions as originally designed by Larry.

I think it turned out nice.  The joints seem to be nice and smooth.  I will file down any irregularities that I find, but generally good.  It's a pretty steep run up the ovalix.

Looking forward to getting some track on it and testing it out.

Progress update 06.15.10

Managed to spend some time in the layout room tonight. Worked on track planning in Davenport Yard plus reviewed the track plan drawn out from the river up through Bureau. I'm really pleased with the preliminary track alignment.

With the last design I contemplated tonight, Davenport will not be a straight double end ladder yard, but will have a kink in the rail set adding some flair to the yard.

I considered cutting out the subroadbed for the ovalix tonight, but opted not to as I was pretty tired.

Constructed one of the Walthers Water Street Freight Terminal kits tonight. This will be placed in Davenport.

Not monumental progress by any means, but progress nonetheless.

Progress update 06.14.10

CRI&P Engineering Department reports assembled bridge components for the Mississippi River crossing have arrived on site. Engineering has set a goal to have them installed within the next month.

Two 1x4 braces have been added to the upper and lower level staging yard areas due to a significant downshift of the upper level.

Started drawing out the track plan from the east bank of the Mississippi River up through Rock Island, IL. I'm really liking the looks of the future mainline. The siding length at Rock Island will be an estimated 58" or so.

Constructed the Walthers O.L. King & Sons Coal Yard kit which will be located in Joliet, IL.

Weekend Progress 06.12.10 to 06.13.10

A busy weekend, but managed to accomplish a little progress.

Benchwork update:
Cut and installed the two remaining horizontal supports on the peninsula. Cut and installed all the plywood sub base for Burr Oak Yard, Blue Island, Davenport and West Davenport Yard.

Purchased and drew out the sub roadbed for the ovalix, but didn't get around to cutting it this weekend.

Structures update:
Constructed the Walthers Walton & Sons Lumber kit which will be located in Blue Island, IL.

Purchased some heavy duty markers to use for drawing out the track design on the cardboard sitting atop the benchwork currently.