Progress Report 7/14/26

 A mixed bag for this report.

 Last time I mentioned how the Bachmann 4-8-4 has a magical ability to detect trackwork flaws. It still does.

I did change up the narrow gauge, installing a turntable in place of the Y. This did indeed give me the opportunity to broaden the curve going into the hill, which helped considerably. I didn't single-track the line on the hill though, instead I combined the sidings and built a 2 track main because that's a long stretch, and if I want to run trains in both directions I am going to need a way for them to pass each other.

I was a little concerned about the curve at the top of the hill, I didn't know if there would be enough separation for long cars to pass each other. I tested it with a couple of strings of autoracks, and they did not hit each other. I also tested with passenger cars, and they were fine as well.

However, I have run into another problem, one that won't be so easily solved. My benchwork structure is not working out. I have the basic frame built out of 1x2's in an L arrangement which works well. I then topped it with 1/8" masonite and topped that with 1/2" foam.

This was a bad idea. The masonite isn't dense enough to support itself, let alone the foam, between the frame crossmembers, and it is sagging badly. I have as much as 1/4" between stringers 2 feet apart, which of course means the track has the same undulations, and the aforementioned Northerns have struggles making it through the turnouts in that area. The biggest problem is the main from where the loop return ties in to where the curve is starting the grade, a total distance of about 5 feet, which is where this whole thing started to begin with.

My options are to take up the track (ugh) and fill/sand those areas, tear off the foam/masonite and replace the masonite with true 1/8 or 1/4 plywood, brace the area with 1x2 framework, or cut the affected mainline out completely and replace it with a piece of 1x4 hardwood. 

I'm not fond of the first option because there is nothing to prevent future sagging. I don't like the second option (although realistically it is probably the best one) because it would mean pretty much starting over. The third option would probably be the easiest because it wouldn't involve removing the trackwork, and is probably the route I will take. The fourth option is something I will explore if the third option doesn't work out like I want it to. 

And then maybe those darn Northerns will run on the layout.

As a side note, I have a picture of my track plan below. Maybe it will help to envision what I am doing. I should stress that it is definitely not to scale, the yellow loop is smaller than in the picture and the tunnel portals on the yellow loop will be side by side. You will also note that 1) the yard to the left is completely un-designed at this point and 2) the narrow gauge is not shown. You may also note the layout is broken into blocks to facilitate the DC operation option, although at present all the blocks are wired together for DCC operations.