Extension: Build progress part five

Since last week's update, the front & rear sections have now been wired.

The extension was fitted between the existing boards for the first time. Some warping has occurred which was to be expected (it happened with the other boards too) and the track height is slightly out on one side so this will need to be raised slightly. Other than that, the boards and track line up pretty well.

The viaducts needed to be cut to size to fit into the five feet of space.

These were then test-fitted along the back of the board.

Yellow LED strips (left over from the initial build) were installed in the roofs of the engine sheds.

And the polystyrene filed to accommodate the arches of the viaducts.

The board dips slightly in the centre and this could be seen with the viaduct as well, so later on we screwed the viaducts to the back of the board to keep them level. The perspex front has also now been drilled and bolted into place.

The plastic protection will remain in-situ until modelling has been completed, this will reduce the risk of scratching it.

We need power to the track section on the upper loop, so two holes were drilled into this viaduct section and the wires threaded through.

PVA glue was laid under the polystyrene ready to fix into position.

The gap here is where there will eventually be a road linking the crossing.

The track wires then need to be routed to the underside of the board, a screwdriver was used to assist with this.

And the viaduct can finally be put back into its final position.

Need to straighten the track before screwing into place.

Some more, shaped polystyrene about to be added to the front of the viaducts.

Modrock will be added over the top before scenery is added.

There was a lot of debate about where the engine sheds should go. The right hand shed is fixed into position.

And the left hand one is left loose until scenery is complete. It'll now be sited in front of the viaduct, otherwise it's difficult to see the operation of the crossing & signals!

After tidying and vacuuming (removing the snow scene!)

After an evening of hard work, the look of the new board has been transformed.

Electrically the wiring is complete but untested - bringing the switch panel would be too distracting!

Although not genuine Hornby Dublo viaducts, the effect is quite impressive!

 

Now the scenery can begin...