Construction Update #4 - The Helix, Backdrops, Fascia, & Cork

Construction is advancing on several fronts.

The Helix

 

The tightest curve on the layout is on the helix; 30".  The grade is 2.25%.  It will take 5 revolutions to reach the upper level or about 80'  Unfortunately, the lack of materials has stopped progress. 

The backdrop

 

The "stream scene" backdrop had been taped to the backdrop for several weeks.  These backdrops, while beautifully done, are fragile, and need to be handled carefully.  They tear easily and tape, when removed, will damage the image.  I watched the Trackside Scenery tutorial a couple of times before starting.  I cut out the sky leaving around 10 1" wide tabs along the top. The tabs were used to position and hold up the backdrop using blue painters tape.  Per the tutorial, I used Super 77 to hold up the backdrop.  Starting at one end, I applied the glue to about 18" of the backdrop and glued it it place.  The backdrop was then rolled up, from the far end, removing the tabs and tape as I went.  From that point it glue was applied, about 12" at a time, and the backdrop rolled back in place smoothing it out as I went.  The end result was just about perfect.  The whole process took about an hour.

 

The Fascia

 

The fascia is 3/16" tempered Masonite; smooth on both sides.  4'x 8' sections were cut to width on a table and held in place with countersunk wall board screws.  The holes and seams have been patched but not yet sanded smooth.  Not sure about colors yet.

  

 

Roadbed and Cork

 

Most of the roadbed and cork have been installed on the upper level.  Grundy is in the foreground and the initial bench work is in place for the upper staging yard on the far wall and over the garage door.  Grundy is a coal mining town and the site of a siding and three spurs, two with tipples and one with a truck dump.

Powell (name subject to change) is the summit; about 83" above the main floor.  The mainline is on the far right along with two sidings.  The Coalmont Branch, that doesn't show up in the original plan, diverges from the main in the right foreground.  The track on the lower level is the mainline between Grundy and Powells.  The grade is 2.25%.  There is one truck dump on the branch and then it ducks into staging.  The backdrop at this location is on the backside of the upper fascia shown in the third photo above.  Grundy and the Coalmont Branch will justify two locals working out the Preston Miller Yard in Bowling Green.