I now have a completed route over the gauntlet bridge-gate. Trains can run all the way from Chehalis to Yakima. Time to start on some structural upgrades to the layout.
Gauntlet bridge-gate installed.
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Category Archives: Layout Construction
Bridge to the future
This was a major step forward to completing the bridge-gate from Yakima to Chehalis
Turnouts under construction
One of my favorite restful pastimes is the construction of turnouts. I only built the more complex curved turnouts and not the simple #4s and #6s I use in the yards. This is the entrance “crossing” to the gauntlet bridge/gate tracks. Thank you “Fast Tracks” for your great templates. All mainline turnouts will be powered while the yards will have manual throws.
One last step to finish the bridge
I added the clear plastic guard walls to the bridge sides, another hobo at the campfire, and a track worker on the bridge walkway. The only job left for the gate is to move the magnetic lock on the bridge end due to the extra width of the clear plastic wall. I can then go back to laying track up to and away from the bridge/gate.
Bridge work nearing completion
I am putting the finishing touches on my bridge-gate and can soon move on to laying more track. The hobo at the wood fire was a nice idea. I also ballasted the bridge ends and added the walkways. I may put a track worker on one of the walkways. I am still trying to decide if I will need horizontal adjustment of the gate for temperature or humidity changes in the future.