Looking east along the fill. .

Atlas Code 55 - Problems Lay Ahead!

I have used Atlas code 55 on the scenic sections, basically because I like the look of the very low profile. However, a number of wheelsets from various manufacturers have flanges that are too deep to run on it. I will also have to re-wheel my Athearne UP 3985 - not something I am looking forward to. Athearne tell me I have to take the wheelsets off, post them to America and then wait for the new wheels to arrive in the UK; then I will have to re-wheel them - not something you should expect to have to do when you have paid £200 for a model!

The track is now laid and already looks good, much finer than the Peco code 55.

I have yet to lay the track to the industrial siding - still messing about trying to get the magnetic uncouplers to work. Used the Woodland Scenics foam underlay - wonderful stuff, so easy to lay and very quiet compared to cork. Time will tell if it deteriorates.

Am very pleased with the BLMA brass bridge. No comparison to the Kato bridge but to be fair, the prices cannot be compared either! Money well spent though. Have started ordering directly from BLMA who's service is first class. As a result of lifting the Kato bridge and replacing it with the longer BLMA etched brass product, I had to realign the track. This resulted in having to hack the benchwork / trackbed a bit (see the photos).

A shot of the west end where the fill meets the bridge.

As can be seen, trains are now running. I don't bother using DCC to test the track - too much risk of a short. I leave that until later.

Looking west .

This shot shows the middle section of the layout .

 

A shot showing one of the Atlas #10 switches

Tunnel #9 .

Looking west where the industrial siding will be. Note the hole for the magnetic uncoupler.