The ROCK 3.0: Progress Report 10.24.13

So, this evening, I eagerly enter the train room.  I armed with #68 drill bits, #0 x 3/4" wood screws, and Aleene's tacky glue.  I'm ready to lay some track!

Not so fast Kimosabe!

Problem #1 - What the collet?
I have a Dremel tool (or Dremel knock-off - I forget the brand - it's cheap) and a 205 pc accessory kit.  Surely, I won't have an issue finding a collet to hold the #68 drill bit.  Wrong!  Uggh...  So, resumed other family duties until the kids went to bed.  Ran out to Lowe's to pick up a collet that can handle a 1/32" shaft.

Problem #2 - Hole not big enough!
So, I attach the collet to my Dremel knock-off.  Success!  I drill the first hole in the turnout throw bar.  I go to test fit the Caboose Industries 222s Ground Throw into the hole.  It won't fit.  What the?  I look around, maybe they have a smaller diameter pin adapter.  Nope.  I read the back.  It requires a #58 hole!  *!@#$%!  "Model railroading is fun, model railroading is fun...."    

Problem #3 - #58 Size Hole on PC Board = Trouble
I never read the instructions on the back of the ground throws.  I went off by what my eBay guy stated he drilled (usually does, but not on this initial batch) for throw bars.  I look up the size of the #58 drill bit.  It's 11/1000ths of an inch difference.  For pete's sake!  I compare the ground throw pin against the PC board tie size on the turnout.  Wow!  I'm not sure I would be able to center a #58 bit on the tie without running off the edge of the tie (creating an open hole that would be useless).

Solution:
Maybe I should stick with the #68 bits and try to ream it out.  So, I tried this.  It worked without too much issue.  I went ahead and did this to the next turnout.  It also went off without a hitch.  Well, things are looking up.  I laid down a light layer of glue under the turnouts and heavier on the flex track in between the two turnouts.  I mounted the ground throws and added weight until the glue dries.  I gave everything a good ol' skunk eye to make sure it was in alignment.  It all looks good and the ground throws seem to function well.  The proof will be tomorrow when I go back to inspect.

So, it appears securing the trackwork to the benchwork will be a slow process that will take time and precision.  I have to remember this isn't a race.  I want quality over quantity.  So, once again the brakes are applied on this project as I need to take my time.  Remember Steven, taking your time now will create less problems later.

With all that being said, I was able to mount/install/whatever the two most northern turnouts of the Ottawa Silica plant.  I'll post photos tomorrow night.  After all that running around and trying to find solutions for issues, I was ready to call it a night.