WE HAVE TRACK....!!!!

It has been a while since we last saw any new track on the Colcester layout boards but now i can finally reveal we are in a position to actually make a start on the Lower Storage Yard.

Because this yard is on the lowest board level and will have the Upper Storage Yard fixed directly above it, it was important to get this bit done first and to test it to make sure it all works correctly. The first stage is obviously laying the track. For this we have a roll of cork matting which will give an even surface on the already level boards and it can be laid in strips too. This will be glued down and then when dry the track will be fixed to the cork using tried and tested track pins.

There will be provision for 6 long storage roads and two shorter ones. The 6 long roads will cater for Class 87, 90, 91, 373, 395 and 800 units in fixed formation running push/pull services. The 2 short roads will be for Classes 156, 350 and the forthcoming 755 units which are all either 2 or 4 car lengths.

As part of the track laying, the points and 4-way slip leading off the mainline and splitting up the tracks into each storage road will all be put in place with side mounted point motors attached. The decision to use side mounted ones is because they are easier to replace if a fault occurs rather than ones mounted beneath the boards. There will also be another piece of track laid down which will not be connected to the rest of the layout. This will be the DCC coding track and will be wired up to the new Gaugemaster controller when ready.