BUILDING AND LAYING THE TRACK
As already mentioned, I opted for C&L Finecale Flexi-track and point kits, all of which feature Code 75 Bullhead rail. Unlike propriety, off-the-shelf track and points, the C&L components allow for much greater flexibility, in terms of geometry. This would be perfect for Hemyock, as the prototype location stood on a sweeping curve.
Step 1 As with my previous layout builds, I used 5mm foamboard as a track base. This allows me to assemble the track on the workbench. This can be a real bonus, as the trackbed can be flipped about easily, especially during the wiring phase, without having to lean over a wide baseboard. The foamboard was cut and shaped to match the profile of the river, incorporating areas where the tracks and roads would bridge the gap.
Step 2 Here you can see the extent of the layout’s sweeping curve. The foamboard track bed elevates the track above the flat baseboard, for a more realistic appearance, while also reducing the noise of moving trains.
Step 3 C&L Finescale can supply paper templates to match its range of point and crossing kits. These can be modified with a scalpel to allow the template to be curved to the required geometry before it is glued to the face of the foamboard with a glue stick or slightly thinned PVA glue.
Step 4 Building points from kits is something that we’ll cover in a future issue, although instructions are supplied with the C&L packs. Much of the labour is involved in shaping the point blades and crossing ‘Vs’, filing the sides of the bullhead rail with a flat file and sanding pads. Clamp the rail to a scrap of plywood to keep it steady and flat while you work.
Step 5 C&L can also supply pre-assembled common crossings, which greatly simplifies the process and speeds the process along nicely.
Step 6 Using the templates as a guide, the points are assembled. A set of gauges is essential to ensure correct spacing. C&L’S butanone liquid solvent was used to bond the rail chairs to the sleepers.
Step 7 With the points assembled, the plain track sections were cut from lengths of C&L’S Flexi-track (with insulation breaks added wherever required) and everything was secured to the foamboard with PVA glue, fine-tuning the joints and geometry where necessary. The wiring stage then follows. I work through this chore slowly, one section at a time. I apologise for not photographing this, but I do colour-code the wiring to allow for any fault tracking in future and to avoid getting completely confused as to what goes where.
After a thorough test, the track is painted – I used Halfords’ military brown aerosol. The paint will also seal and protect the porous foamboard during ballasting. Being able to paint the track on the portable foamboard trackbed is a real bonus, as it’s easier to work into all the nooks and crannies.
With the painting complete, the foamboard base is glued to the baseboard top, marking out and cutting holes for point motors in advance.