Northport Quay

[David Holman]

 After much tinkering, cursing and furrowed brows, there is a chance that the loop side of NPQ might now run properly - until the next show that is!

 As can be seen from the picture below, have also managed to disguise the baseboard join a bit better, though a check rail is still essential on the approach to the left hand point, otherwise the tight curve [should be six foot, but probably isn't] means stock wants to derail at this point.

 In an effort to stop stock uncoupling going in & out of the siding, have added check rails here too - not perfect, but getting there. Indeed I often wonder if it would have been better to work in S7, rather than just 7mm timescale, because the tighter clearances would probably make running better. However, whether I could build to such standards is another matter...

 During the trial and error of getting running better, a mysterious electrical problem manifested itself with voltage dropping to just 2.5 on the crossing vee. At first, I thought it was the internal switching in the Tortoise point motor. Though very robust and reliable, they can occasionally start to wear, so [invalidating the warranty], I took it apart and cleaned up the contacts. All to no avail though, as the problem turned out to be a half 'dry' soldering joint on he feed to the vee.

 Unfortunately, the Tortoise didn't go back together as planned, so have had to pinch one from the right hand point until I can order a new one. This point has been temporarily soldered shut, as shown below. One of these days, I'm going to get round to doing something new for a change!

[jhb171achill]

Looks very real...

 

[Galteemore]

Great patience and persistence David. Chasing down faults can be maddening. 

[Northroader]

Have to admit the addition of check rails here and there can help things along no end. S7? Errhh, I once picked up this goods wagon at a bring and buy, and it started falling off all over the layout. Then I spotted the collars inside the wheels. I’ve tried to keep away from such stuff ever since. Nice deep finescale flanges seem to accommodate my layout irregularities. You’re a much better craftsman, though.

[Tullygrainey]

Respect, David. Track building is the last great hurdle for me (leaving aside the black arts of CAD and 3D printing). I've looked at what's involved many times and tiptoed quietly away on every occasion. Someday...

[David Holman]

Know what you mean, Alan. Built all the track on Fintonagh and it's been fine, but not my favourite occupation - mainly because I don't seem very good at it. Just way too many variables - sometimes it's not the track, it's the baseboards; other times it turns out to be the wheel back to backs. Feel sure your methodical approach would see you just fine.

 Other 'final frontiers' must be outside valve gear and indeed inside motion. Have both of them on my CV, but not sure that enables me to claim to be a real man as I stopped with just a single example in each case! Stop when you are winning, I think...