Fairfield Update!
Its been quite a few months and things have still progressed. Since the last post. the following has been achieved...
- The 32mm line has been laid and has a passing loop now, plus there are imminent plans for a larger passing loop and some stock storage/steaming sidings.
- The cross over from inner loop to outer loop did move. Plus another was built. There are now 3 crossovers between the 45mm lines.
- The large 45mm passing loop has also been installed and crosses right across the lift out bridge section (which still isnt finished!)
And onto the most recent (and absolute pain in the ass) job...
- Building a Step and level crossing for better access to the top part of the garden. In order to do this I had to build retaining walls between the end of the previously laid blocks and the bridge abutment. this was then backfilled with concrete and had more block laid on it, followed by relaying the track. Having completed the track bed, a set of steps were built up to it, plus one on the other side of the line to step down onto the lawn. All of that took some time fitting it in around work, PTLRfest prep, the weather etc!
Today we reached a very VERY important milestone! Finally setting the track in concrete across the level crossing! All 5 lines! And of course it needed testing with both electric and steam on both gauges! Here are some pics...
A view of the 5 lines freshly set in rapid set, already pretty hard!
A view of the whole step/crossing area!
The electrics were tested first, and worked impeccably!
Atlantic (on the 32mm) and Blaze Away (45mm) sit on the new crossing during tests! No problems whatsoever! If you wanted to run a BigBig Ruston over the crossing however, a bit of filing might need doing!
The next project is the long passing loop and sidings for the 32mm!
Following that, Still to do...
- Proper lift out bridges will be built for better access to the lower part of the garden
-A steaming Bay may be built
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