Simple.... but not too much!

This weekend I don't have so much time to complete my first double slip, but, after some errors and remake.... here we go!
 I can say "now" I really understand why prototype RRs chose to lay down two standard turnouts instead of a double slip, except if space is a big premium!
Last step will be ... cut the points rails just in place... and fit a half rail joiner to act as a hinge.
Well, we will see how ( if ?) it works in the next post.

Rails nigthmare? Make it simple with FT tools!

Referring to this layout , one of my friend said : "How's proceed your "boat" costruction downstair?"
Well, to demonstrate that I not only like woodworking.... and to satisfy Ricky query about my double slip.... here is the first slip still in progress:


Last two pictures are just to compare the Slip with a corresponding #6 simple turnout.
Enjoy

A tiny silver spike : first turnout down

Last weekend the "Chief Superintendent" (aka my wife) leave me free, so I spend an entire half of the day downstairs! It was a very productive time!

Install the Backdrop on the walls back Menlo Park up to Palo Alto: do this job as lone wolf, believe me... not simple nor comfortable! But, this is the life... when you've time... no friends around!
Then some refinements on the lift bridge: retaining walls and a lock.
Then finish to install all "thin hills" along the Bay....

And finally.... why not some tracks?

I've solder "off-line" 3 #6 turnouts made using a Fastracks jig , cut some ME Flex tracks and test fit the Visitacion icing facility.

I'm still waiting the curved turnouts jig I've order two months ago so I can't start from the main line and I decided to wait to glue down tracks as soon I can test fit all turnouts.
I ended this nice day after lunch.... starting my first #6 double slip ( well better to admit... "re-starting" as my first one was destroyed by my "sweet" cats! )

Tweaking the plan - 2nd Section

Just two little refinements on the plan:

• Added a crossover before Burlingame to better service the Feed Farm and Station Team Track (thanks Alex!)
• Added an Icing platform i the Santa Clara background. This is not prototypical, I know but will add some operation possibility ( as well find a place to fit the already done CGlaser platform I've :)

At Bayshore I plan to rebuilt the concrete PFE platform and icing house at Visitacion. Platform will be built from scratch in styrene and corrugated roof and the house will be a kitbashing from a Walthers kit.

I know on this plan there are some freelanced path , see the list here above, but these are solution I've found to flow future operations ( at least this is the reason I've found to justify the plan? )

• The branch to Los Altos - Kaiser cement plant - San Jose ... have both ends in wrong geographic position.
• Redwood Jct .have two of the "real" spurs to some industries, but a really "wrong" Wye to Dumbarton bridge! No space to model anything else but I like to have the tower and some possibility to emulate the "false" diverging route. I'm nearly sure to make the "double slip on the main" not operable!

Well.... next post will be on .... tracks !? You can believe this?