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I handlaid a spur using Code 55 and Micro Spikes. Without drilling, I bent maybe 1 in 5. On this job, I drilled #78 and only bent 4 of maybe 100 (I didn't do 'spike every tie' on the back sides of the rails, as it isn't viewable from that direction).
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James -
All,
I am also busy at work on my Civil certificate.
I found that as a narrow gauge modeler, I wouldn't have most of the eligible track work features on my layout. For this reason I have decided to build a small module with the 3 merit judge track items for civil. I also plan to use them for the Electrical certificate. I chose to build a #6 turnout, crossover and 14-degree crossing. The work in all in S scale 3 foot gauge.
I've got s photo album that describes my work at the following link. I'll post this photo to wet your appetite. Go to this link; look for NMRA demo layout link.
http://www.narrowgauge.org/sn3/scenery.html
Mark L. Evans
Http://narrowgauge.org/sn3
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Mark,
The idea of making a module to demonstrate the required Merit items is a great idea. I checked out your website. Very nice.
I haven't started working on the Civil Engineering Certificate yet. At the rate I work, that will probably be a year or more down the road.
BruceComment
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Bruce
I hope others out there will look at this as an option for building the track items for merit judging. The AP is very doable if one thinks outside of the box.
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This is the code 100 handlaid switch I've been working on, after the application of Details West RB-919 adjustable rail braces.
Their adjusting wedge projects on either side of the plate, which my prototype didn't, so I nipped them off before Goo-ing them down. Paint is Floquil Rail Brown. Now I'll go straighten the switch stand sign...
JamesComment
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James,
Now that looks great!
BruceComment
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James,
I'll echo Bruce's comment.
Since you need to achieve 87 1/2 points in merit judging for the trackwork, is adding these details required or is the focus of the merit judging more on meeting the NMRA standards (per the NMRA gauge)?
Chuck
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I had this switch judged before I started the work I've shown, and only got 87 points. At the time, it worked well and conformed to NMRA standards but used large spikes in every 4th tie and had only "three foot" details: switch stand, headblocks & signaling contactor. My judge felt that it needed a higher level of prototype accuracy for the Merit Award. This time, I intend to submit the pictures and a brief write-up, because among other things, the scratchbuilt gauge plate I added behind the points is almost impossible to see without poking your eye out on the crossbucks...
JamesComment
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Good points are being made here. As a judge at the Woodstock Turn it is important that you note all these extra details for the judges -- so we know they are additions and not just "already molded in" etc.
The paper work, when done correctly, really helps you. Sometimes there is not enough time for a judge to see everything and has to assume some things.
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Just don't bury the judges in so much paper that they don't have time to read it. There's a fine line between "not enough," "just right" and "too much." Tell them what they need to know (including the features that really make your project sing!)....quote:
Originally posted by railmus
Good points are being made here. As a judge at the Woodstock Turn it is important that you note all these extra details for the judges -- so we know they are additions and not just "already molded in" etc.
The paper work, when done correctly, really helps you. Sometimes there is not enough time for a judge to see everything and has to assume some things.
Pete
in Michigan
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Pete: I like your description!
"Tell them what they need to know (including the features that really make your project sing!)...."
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Has anyone tried submitting their "one original scale drawing" via a CAD program? Taking XTrkCAD as an example, there is a lot of detail like curve radii, elevations etc. that is normally only visible when zoomed in. I printed a simple electrical plan to JPEG and our AP Chair said it would be OK for Electrical. But for Civil, I'm thinking it's going to be enough work to make all the requirements visible in a JPEG that I might use my original paper plans instead.
JamesComment
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I prepared my track plan for civil using 3rd Planit. As long as you can get your track planning software of choice to display the required information you should be OK to use digital plans.
Mark L. Evans
MMR 500
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Mark,
Was looking at your work. Really nice. I model Colorado & Southern and have the same issue as there is no where I model with the required elements.
Can you post your add-on module track plan? I think I will follow your lead and approach the same way.
Thanks Cameron
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Cameron
The plan for the demo layout is pretty simple. It includes the 3 required scratch built items. I have a crossing, cross over (2 facing turnouts) and a turnout. I also included the bridge I had to build for AP structures.
Here's a link to a small photo album about the module: http://www.narrowgauge.org/sn3/graph...MRA/index.html
Here's a PDF file of the plan...the plan is in S scale. Squares are 12 inches by 12 inches.
Mark
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