MAKING THE GRADE

January 23, 2010

It's been a busy week, so not much layout progress to report on.  As a test, I raised the elevation of the warehouse track using a  Woodland Scenics 2% incline and 1/2" foam roadbed.  I like the visual contrast that the elevation difference offers, and it follows many prototype situations. 

I once saw a similar raised spur at a Georgia Pacific mill, with a low cut-stone retaining wall separating the tracks.  Perhaps I'll incorporate something like that.

Because the NCIR is a small switching layout, I can weigh my cars pretty heavy.  The additional weight helps the cars track better and nicely simulates the mass of the real thing.  Another benefit, as you can see below, is that cars will not roll when spotted on a slight grade.

If you look closely at the bottom of the photo above, you'll see that I began shaping contours at the front edge of the layout.  I am AMAZED at how much a slight upward slope draws the eye into the scene. 

Playing with the camera settings:-)

I'm working on a new post describing switching operations at a beverage plant.  Stay tuned...