esngblog

A major step forward as track laying starts on the modules.  I’ve got the main track lengths in place on one board.  I am very happy with the way that the two sets of lines sweep across the board.

I need to cut and lay the last section of track.  I’ve already glued in place the baseboard end joiners.  These are American products, bought years ago, and are shaped copper-clad, already gapped and tinned to solder the track to on one side.  They are a little think for PECO track, and are supported by that rather useful material – old credit card plastic.  This isn’t a credit card, but an old Amazon Prime invitation, I think.  But the plastic is rigid, tough, and can be glued with impact adhesive.  I gather that it also makes very good fixed drawbars between engine and tender.

Here at the join between the two boards, I’ve used up some PECO Setrack lengths that were rescued from an old layout.  The Setrack is tougher than ordinary PECO flexible track, so will (I hope) survive being at the end of the baords.

On the left hand board, I thought that I’d add a couple of sidings, probably carriage or DMU storage sidings, on the inside track.  A quick visit to Invicta today to deliver some exhibition flyers also produced a couple of PECO points.  I suppose that there should be a trap point on the sidings, but I’ll probably ignore that to maximise the length of the sidings.

Next step will be to complete the trackwork on the right-hand board, then lay the curves onto the left-hand one.  After that, my least favourite jobs – wiring and ballasr.

A little more progress on the modules.  Hinges have been fitted between the two boards.  Despite great care in setting them out parallel and square, the boards didn’t quite shut square.  A little basic geometry and similar triangles allowed me to re-drill some of the screw locations, and all now works.

I’ll be able to lay some track in a few days, all being well.  First I need to set out the lines.  All four N-mod tracks will sweep inwards across the board, two passing through each of the gaps between hinges seen below.  I might disguise the hinges with a pair of short tunnels or a wide bridge, much as for our old fiddleyard.

I think that the scenery will be simple and basic, perhaps farmland, with a signal box and huts between tracks.  I’m wondering whether to have a simple two-line goods yard or carriage sidings on the inside track to add a little interest.  I’ll see what I’ve got in the way of PECO code 80 points – I know that I have enough track for the boards.

And here’s one for club members?  A chance to be on Mastermind, that appeared in my in-box, presumably for ESNG.  How about it?  We could enter the Cha(i)rman with a specialist subject of Milk Floats 1970-2020.  Or maybe “Locations of Cafes serving full English breakfasts in Southern England”?  Mr Atfield could star on “Repairing Graham Farish locomotives”.  Paul would, of course, be good on Shinkansen.  And Graham on TV programmes – any TV programmes that is!!  Unfortunately, I don’t rate their chances in the general knowledge round….

Just a quick update.  The new boards are complete, painted (apart from the sides to be a darker colour) and standing on its own legs.  I should be laying track next week.

And just a few more legs to keep you all happy.  I love the way the beards match the guitars….