What I’ve written
here includes both things I did and things I wish I had done when
building Shandin Loop and while participating in building NorCalF’s new Mojave
Yard. I’ve also
incorporated comments made by other Free-mo modelers as well.
If you’ve never built a module or installed trackwork before,
following the recommendations presented here carefully and without
compromise will result in excellent trackwork.
Even the most
beautiful locomotives, equipment and scenery are no pleasure if trains
don’t stay on the track or don’t look great traveling along it.
While prototypical modeling occasionally results in models that
simply aren’t suited to reliable operation, most derailments and other
operational and appearance problems can be traced to avoidable trackwork
problems.
Remember that the
Free-mo objective is to create trackwork that is as prototypical,
operates as well, and looks as good as our best locomotives and rolling
stock. This means that
trackwork needs to be treated as an important part of your overall
modeling work and made as reliable and faithful to the prototype as your
prize models.
The time and care
invested in every step of planning and installing track will invariably
be paid back many times over.
This is especially true for modular trackwork.
While applicable to all trackwork, the emphasis in what follows
is on Free-mo trackwork.
Everything recommended here is intended to conform to
U.S. Free-mo standards.
In many of the
subjects covered below, I emphasize the need for flatness, very gradual
transitions between different track heights, etc.
A good quality square, a long straight-edge (like a metal
yardstick) and between
the rails straight and curved track templates will help to determine if
you have accomplished what you intended.
Even though you have and use these tools, nothing will substitute
for the following “invaluable hint”.
An invaluable hint: After using all the tools available to check your work, sight across and along the module framework, roadbed and track at rail top level. It’s often amazing what is revealed when you do. You’ll observe things that your tools might not have exposed. Dips, rises, twists, kinks, crooked track and turnouts, and all manner of other deviations from perfect cabinetry and trackwork will show up with surprising (and sometimes embarrassing) clarity. Do this frequently as you progress through all phases of building your module and your track