A couple of years ago we became tired of moving trains from one mainline to the other. We constructed

a small crossover to enable trains to move from one to the other. The location that we chose was convenient

for the operator, but not ideal for trains. One line was higher than the other thus the crossover had a

small grade. This was fine as long as the train was being pulled through the switches. When backing up

either the locomotive or a car would detrail. This was upsetting and time consuming to say the least.

So after consulting the engineering staff we decided to install a switch line that would take the trains

from the yard (garage) to the outslide loop without using the original crossover.

Below you will find photos of the various states of the new construction. We have salvaged track

for this project and only needed to purchase one new switch.

Be sure to check back every couple of days for updates on this project.

This is the original crossover

Showing a closer view where you can see the elevation difference of the two lines

This area is where the switch is being placed to move trains from the yard to the outside loop

The rails to the right where the switch is laying runs to the garage where we store trains on a couple of sidings. The other

rails to the left is the inside loop.

This photo shows the location for the new switch that will allow trains to join the outside loop. It will join the line on a spur (siding)

This is a overview shot of the area after some of the track has been fastened together. We have used Hillman Railclamps for years on all our

projects.

Another view. The track has been clamped together to the curve in the upper middle of the picture. Once all the track has been laid and fastened,

we will place rocks on either side of the track and excavate under it for ballasting. You may note that we use a type of pea gravel for ballast.

While we do not like the look, it serves a very good purpose. We have exceptional rainfall in our area. In addition, our railroad is based as

a mountain line. Due to this, we have experimented with several types of ballast and have found that this material works best for us. We can

live with the look to enjoy more running of trains and less maintenance.

Another view showing where the line will be located

Going back to the location of the original crossover, these photos show the area as it is now.

The area now looks very clean.

On a side note, the road just to the left of the grass plant will be extended. It will slope down the hill and cross the

rails and continue to the Octagon, Chief Running Horses' Gift Shop and a house which is to the lower right of where this picture stops.

Personally we think the appearance of this area on the railroad has been improved by the removal of the crossover.

Update:

We have moved right along on our construction project. The following pictures will show you what has been done

since our last workday.

This early morning photo shows the area that we are working in. You can see the inner and outer loops. Also to the right of the photo

you will see the two switches indicated at the red arror that will enable trains to run on either loop.

This picture shows the rock work that has been done. Due to the slope of the railroad in many areas, we use rock to keep the fill and ballast

where it needs to be. It also allows us to build the area up to the level needed. The red arrow in this photo shows where the new

switch will be located. This spur line reconnects with the outer loop at the middle top of the picture and just south of the tunnel.

Top soil has been dumped between the rock areas to bring the new track bed area to the proper level. We had purchased 6, 2 cubit foot bags and

how realize that we need at least another 7 bags....so back to Lowes this evening. Once the fill work is completed and packed down, we can

get back to track work.

Another view of this area

This side view shows the rocks that were placed on each side. Top soil or garden soil will be placed between the rocks. Once that has been done

we will come back and transplant some sedum plants. The soil and plants will make this area seem like it has always been part of the railroad.

2nd Update

The fill dirt has been put between the rocks and on the high side (right). In addition to top soil in those areas, we have put in some

garden soil on the left side, between the supporting rocks. As we indicated before, sedum plants will be put here and a couple of

other low growing plants.

Over view of work area

Closer view.

We anticipate that the first train will run in this area sometime this weekend. We will post pictures of course!

 

3rd Update

The track has now been fastened together. The additional short siding will have one more

section of track attached that will bring in down to the rocks to the left of the bottom switch.

Another view of the area

Here you can see the outside loop (bottom right through bridge) and the inner loop to the left of the railroad

ties in the middle of the picture. We are getting excited and hope to run a train later tonight or tomorrow

on this new section. Of course we still need to ballast and level the track.

Another view

In this picture the red arrows indicate where the sedum plants will be placed. The yellow arrows

show where we will add more of the red lava rock that is just behind the bridge. This area has been

a tough area to keep plants growing. It is very hot in this area due to the driveway and road.

There is a dry creek that runs through this area indicated by the blue arrow. It carries drainage from the

driveway through a piece of 3" PVC pipe under the outter loop. It then flows into the dry creek and to

a hole in the drainage pipe to the left of the bridge. The dry creek will be resealed once all the track work

is done in this area. Again, where the yellow arrow is, will be more lava rock.

As we mentioned above, all the track that is being used on this crossoever/spur is salvaged from

our scrap pile. We were very fortunate to have enough to complete the work. There are a few

bends in the track but nothing that wouldn't be found in a old rail switching yard.

The drainage pipe we wrote about eariler can be seen in the lower right corner of this photo. It also

shows the ballasting work that has been started at the head of this crossover.

Next to Finished....Train on track

Ooops....that's not it! But, the 1209 was sitting on the main while the crossover was being checked

First run with freight cars. Still some leveling and ballasting to do.

After these pictuers were taken, we transplaned some sedum plants. We still need to put in one

piece of track and clean the area. We will make another trip to Lowe's to look for other plants

that may do well in this area.

This is a project that has been in the making for 2 years. Looks like it was well worth the time.

We have run trains back and forth to see how it performs. It does well with a short train as above.

The real test will come with a longer consist. That can wait until a cool day! For now, I'm just

happy to have it in and usable.

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