C&L Track

Added 14 May 2011

Most of the track and points so far have been Peco although I do have one C&L point and one using PCB sleepers. The C & L and PCB points seem to be handling the weather conditions without any problem.

I did not do a very good job of the alignment of the main line leg of the triangle. It proceeds through a series of curves and straights. I have used Templot to redesign this area and incorporate the junction itself on the curve.

I have also used Templot to design the west end of the station to get away from the fixed geometry of Peco points. The inner curve has a radius of 9 feet and the 5 points are C10s. I have moved the baseboard for this into the conservatory and started work but I didn't like the big gap in the frog on the point on the inner circuit so I am building the outer ones to 1.5mm gauge as a trial. So far they are looking good and my stock runs through them much more moothly with no wheel drop. I thought I might have a problem with my Heljan diesels but the 1.5mm flangeway seems to be OK. I think their flanges might be hitting the chairs on the nside of the rail but I won't know if this is a serious problem until I install and test the new trackwork outside.

I am using C&L plastic sleepers and separate chairs to build the track for these sections. Hopefully it will get finished sufficiently to move back outside while we still have the nice weather!

This shows my method of construction.

The paper templates are fixed to the felt using roofing adhesive and weighted with bricks while it dries. The sleepers are fixed to the paper templates using Butanone. The track is completed while you can still see the template and then it is wired and ballasted in my normal way. I think it is important that the paper does not get damp before it is sealed by the varnish during ballasting. Time will tell whether this method will survive the weather outside.