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USSAmerica wrote: Mon Mar 06, 2023 3:38 pm

Apollo11 wrote: Sat Mar 04, 2023 12:19 pm

USSAmerica wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2023 5:16 pm Making progress with the train layout helix. Measuring and cutting out all the plywood loops seen in the first picture took me quite a while. The second picture shows the threaded metal rods I'm using to support the loops with the first loop in place. It is tweaked in very nicely for a steady 2% grade that will continue for all 6 loops and a total rise of 16". Next up will be getting the two tracks cut, soldered together, and glued down to the first loop. Then, it will be feeder wires for that track and thorough testing before I add the second loop and repeat the process.
20230226_225917s.jpg

Very nice Mike!

BTW, how long did it take?

Thanks, Leo! Up to the point where the last picture was taken, it was about 10 evenings of work sessions. Roughly half of that time was spent drawing the loops on 4'x8' sheets of plywood and cutting them out with a jigsaw.

I got a new soldering iron and stand yesterday, and after a little bit of practice with it, the first sections of flex track were glued down to the lowest loop last night. Tonight, I'll connect the next sections of flex track to them and solder the joints for reliable conductivity, then glue them in place.