Progress continues in the loft.  From the original design….

I have built the British Finescale point and crossover.  I made a few minor changes to the point instructions that improved ease of construction.  I also mastered Code 40 fishplates, horribly fiddly, but a good end result.  “Code 40 fishplates” has entered my vocabulary of acceptable curses.  Since these photos, all the track is down.

Since that photo I have fitted and tested the Cobalt point motors.  I do like slow motion motors, as you can test them by just connecting up a normal controller.  Not recommended for full time use, of course, but OK for a quick look.

I will next start wiring.  Point frogs first, then the rest of the track.  I am very close to going DCC for this little layout.  Not that it needs it, but I reckon I need about seven isolated sections, with all the push buttons, plugs and wiring needed.  A simple power bus would be easier.

Eventually, it will be time for ballast and weathering.  I will not be emulating Lance Mindheim modelling dead chickens left on the track after a little Miami voodoo ceremony.

Building the layout has taken a slight pause whilst I spring clean the loft a bit more.  The layout is now covered in small boxes of things, and I am awaiting some more really useful boxes to store bits in.

Despite this progress, ESNG work parties will start again tomorrow, and no doubt I shall have some more building to do at home.  And I still have to build my NCI loops ready for our next show.

Retail therapy is still going, of course.  These arrived yesterday morning.  I’m so tempted to buy the other SR and BR ones.  Lovely models and I think that we shall have a brake van special tomorrow night at the club meeting.