Hello, I spent the morning of Sunday 10/16 placing the first railroad ties between the 7 1/2" gauge and the G-scale to help retain the slope. John Griffin came by and helped move soil. A total of ten ties were installed that will support the slope. A second row of ties, and possibly a few additional will be added.
While there, John and I managed to get the lower loop operational. A few areas of G-scale retaining wall will need to be added to keep the upper railroad's soil from becoming the lower railroad's.
Upon leveling the roadbed, with a laser, I discovered that a large quantity of fill will be necessary to keep the track level. After some soul searching, I have opted to run a grade of 2% or less up from the new planter to the high point at the west bridge. Another 2% grade will be installed from the west bridge to the original planter boxes and bridges. Almost all G-scale locomotives made today should be able to climb a 2% grade with a moderate sized train, so everybody should be happy.
We seem to have enough track to complete a full loop on the new mainline. Although railroads seem to eat track at an alarming rate.
