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Still some progress, and this time I have started the spline roadbed !
Yay, actual model railway preparation, at last.
What I found: It does need alot of clamps. I'll be buying more over the next few weeks. Also your choice of glue is important. From Joe Fugate's DVD he recommended the yellowe builders glue. could not find it , but there are two types of PVA white glue here, and another wood glue product that is very hazardous and needs gloves. I thibk I'll try another glue. Do not like a product that has too many warning on it. Still choose the stronger PVA out of the other two available glues. Well back to the spline. I had cut our a curved template out of 2mm plywood of several common radiuses, the jig I nailed to the joists to help star the first spline. I then started the process by cutting a notch into the upper station's plywood. Next I started with that STRONG glue (the one will not use again) and glues the initial spline in and added 1 extra spline to the first around the curve jig. Useing nails to hole it around the curve, I then clamped it all together. At this point I reaslised two important things. The first was the station end. I had to hammer the spline above the plywood by about 5mm. This is because I will be laying the track on a roadbed, not cork or canite,but still probally a 5mm ply roadbed in strips. I do not want the track laid direct on the ply so I can build up a ballast shoulder - and allow yard track to sink to the ply - I do wish it all not to be level, straight etc. I also intend to cut alot of the ply away if it is not used. The other thing was the curve at the other end whaer I'll be extending it. I hasd allow 4 inches to connect, but relaised the spline was trying to straighten out. So I clampled anotehr spline and used the curve jig to extend the curve with nails to keep the end of the glues spline tru to the curve - which is a importsant thing I will have to remember. Well the first spline was done Saturday night. The next one was done Sunday morning - on the end to extend the spline in that curved shape. A third spline was added to the first two Sunday evening early, and another later(11.30pm). Anothet final spline will be added tonight. The spline is great. Enjoyed it, but have to stop soon. I found setting my grade was also easy. Back at the start I clamped a piece of wood over the first 5 inches to keep the spline from bowing up too quick. I think I'll have a great vertical transision curve ! This morning I placed wood packet under the joists to test the grade, and it is so easy. When the spline is finished I'll be easily be able to secure the spline. Until next time. |
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Page written & maintained by David Head.david@nmit.vic.edu.au