Model Railway Forum

Hi Stese.
Those home made versions look the ticket for angled cuts, I also found a video on YT where they used brass screws and soldered the rails to those, I may give that a go as the lower section will be in a tunnel so not visible.

As mine is literally a lift out section, I cant plug and socket it, but I have now removed the loose pin hinges and used some suitcase catches which look better (not that they will be seen once all is done), but more importantly are going to be easier to get to (I hope).
I am going to use some small right angle brackets to butt up against to ensure alighnment front to back for now.
I also will have an upper level to deal with, but I think I can use some vertical plug and sockets for that, and if fixed to the lower level removeable section, hopefully will ensure that it all lines up properly.
A walk in the park for the experienced builder, but for me its a steep learning curve

My lift out section is held in position with large metal pins pushed into holes from above. Almost invisible when pushed fully home.

It has been a while and not a lot to add (life !) but I have 3DP myself some point jigs for frog wires, point motor and dropper wire holes.

I also had time to contemplate th growing collection of Loco's, and so I decided the lower level branch line will now become a dual line too.
This obviously compromises on scenic plans a little but I think I have it sorted in my head now !

So the new layout will closely resemble this: Upper in blue, lower in grey.

Nice looking layout. Does the high level connect to the low? What size is it -the layout not the gauge?

No connection, Upper and lower levels will remain physically seperate. I deemed the space required for a sensible gradient was too much of an impact on what I am hoping to achieve with scenery.

Size: approx 16ft long overall x 8 ft wide at the right side and 5.5 ft wide at the left side, with the wider left side being 8ft long.
In mm L 4880 x W 2440 on the right, W 1700 on left.

My layout is a slow burner ATM, Not a lot of visible work gone on to show. I have now fixed down the goods yard , magnets added in sidings for Kadee uncoupling, and every individual track piece has had dropper wires soldered. I am now starting work starting on the lower level mainlines.
At this point I realised the Peco set-track spacing were likely to cause issues for larger steam locos and longer coaches with combined over/under hangs, so re-tweaked to give more space on the curves.

Below is the tweaked plans, firstly lower level, then upper level, than combined.

The metal pin idea WTD has is interesting.

Looks a lot of track on the layout plans. Impressive. Any thoughts on how to clean the track?

Yeah .. I have decided to make life easy and wont have a removable section now

I have a Dapol cleaner thingamebob, no idea how effective they are, but that is what I hope to use mostly. With a manual clean once in a while if required.

While I was housebound I thought I would do something for the layout
Nearly a 1/4 of my viaduct done on the 3DP. All my own work and I am pleased with how its going, but am no-where needing it yet !
I aim to use embossed brick plastic sheets under the arches, hence the grooves.

That really does look very good - cannot wait to see the finished product.

Thanks, But you may have a bit of a wait !
I haven't even got the track down for the lower main lines yet, let alone started on the upper where this will be going !
It is a time consuming print (all the parts for 1/4 of the length required have took a little over 8.5 hours). Total Viaduct length will be close to 1.2 Metres. Most of today will be printing all the rest of the brick lower/leg section, as they take around 100 minutes each and I need ten ! Once all the parts are done they will be put in a box ready for final assembly when I get around to the upper level track laying