2. Stage 3-June 2020 Framework Build Started

The framework for Stage 3 build has been started.
The front posts were trimmed down to the lower level height but the rear ones were left longer so that the risers for the loop that will go back up can be mounted to them.
These will be trimmed later.

The white string shows the path the second loop will follow to get back up to where it started all those months ago.

The Helix/Spiral track contemplated earlier is not required because when measurements were taken of the whole track length vs the rise and calculations made, the grade is between 3 and 3.5% which will not be a problem for the locos.

Across front of Shed

Looking from Shed toward Trestle Corner

Looking from Shed toward Stage 2

Looking from Stage 2 toward Shed

Looking toward Shed from Firepit

I will finish the lower loop track laying first so I can run a train continuously while I relax before building the second loop and contemplate where I will put the industry sidings and buildings later.

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1. Stage 3-June 2020 Stage 3 is Commenced

Stage 3 has been started.
The first task was concreting in the posts that will hold the track baseboards for the upper and lower loop tracks.
They have been made longer than usual, so that the planned spiral/helix that will take the loop that "came down" in stage 1 back up to the upper level, can be mounted on them.  They will be trimmed after the spiral/helix is correct; this will be a complex build so extra time will be allocated to its construction.

This area is where the planned "town/industrial will be situated with a few sidings to provide some shunting interest included.

Looking toward back fence

Looking toward Stage 2

Looking toward shed

The proposed "sugar cane railway" will be built with the mill on the Left Hand Side of this picture and the rail running out to about where the dirt pile is.  

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9. Stage 2-June 2020 Lift Up Bridge Finished; Stage 2 is Complete

With the completion of the lift up bridge and the baseboards around Coleus Corner and Across the Yard; Stage 2 is now complete.

The bridge was the final part to be completed the arch is made from aluminium angle filled in with a plastic lattice cut from the bottom of old bread delivery crates that I found at a local recycle centre.
The cross braces that join the 2 track decks are made from aluminum 'U' channel with a flat bar down the centre..

Looking out from Firepit area

Looking toward Firepit area

Train crossing bridge

The bridge only opens to slightly over 90 degrees I made it that way so that a person has to hold it open to pass through then they will close it. This stops it from being left open by accident.

The non hinged end track is located by "Hillmans" lift out bridge clamps when it is closed.

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8. Stage 2-June 2020 Baseboards Across the Yard completed

The base boards extending from the Lift Up Bridge gap, across the yard fronted by the lattice fence have been finished.

This is the extent of Stage 2 and once the bridge is finished Stage 2 will be called finished.

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7. Stage 2- June 2020 The Lift Up Bridge Rail Decks are Built

After proving the concept of the hinge mechanism, work started on building the rail decks.
Aluminium was the chosen material primarily because it is light weight but still strong enough for the purpose.
The main deck is made from box section with 2 angle pieces riveted on either side that fill in under the sleepers.

The hinge tongue was extended by the use of a piece of galvanised steel 

The tongue extension fits inside the box section and adds strength to the join.

The first deck was then constructed and rail was fitted.

To keep the correct gauge a "Gauge Plate", made of a piece of brass, was soldered into place. (the heat damaged sleeper will be replaced for aesthetics as it does nothing to hold the gauge).

The non hinge end track will be located using "Hillmans" lift out bridge clamps to hold the alignment.

Both Decks are now completed and work will start on linking them together so that they form one lift up bridge structure as opposed to what they are now which is 2 separate lift ups.

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