08-31-2010, 07:52 AM
ARRRGH! Bit of a set back last night when I began spiking the turnout on to the pier for the float bridge. I should have probably tested the craft plywood for "spike-ability" and found that it does not take spikes very well. In other words...it like trying to spike into a rock! :evil:
So, for every spike I drive I've been pre-drilling a pilot hole into the decking in order for the spikes to seat properly without them bending all to heck. At one point out of frustration, I removed the turnout ready to snap. (...it also did not help that yesterday was as humid as all hell and the house was taking forever to cool down when I got home and had just turned the AC on...) But after a couple beers and regaining my composure, I went back at it and eventually got the turnout installed, in gauge and functional. I also must admit that the pilot holes make for a smoother and cleaner looking spike install.
One extra step I did not anticipate, but I'm kinda set on course right now so getting the track laid is going to take sometime. The good news is, with the turnout spiked in place, I can at least move ahead as planned with the Tortoise install before I affix the whole works in place.
I hope to get the Tort and the Remote Switch installed tonight, maybe even wired up and tested. Then I'll proceed with finishing the track work for the pier.
So, for every spike I drive I've been pre-drilling a pilot hole into the decking in order for the spikes to seat properly without them bending all to heck. At one point out of frustration, I removed the turnout ready to snap. (...it also did not help that yesterday was as humid as all hell and the house was taking forever to cool down when I got home and had just turned the AC on...) But after a couple beers and regaining my composure, I went back at it and eventually got the turnout installed, in gauge and functional. I also must admit that the pilot holes make for a smoother and cleaner looking spike install.
One extra step I did not anticipate, but I'm kinda set on course right now so getting the track laid is going to take sometime. The good news is, with the turnout spiked in place, I can at least move ahead as planned with the Tortoise install before I affix the whole works in place.
I hope to get the Tort and the Remote Switch installed tonight, maybe even wired up and tested. Then I'll proceed with finishing the track work for the pier.