Passenger yard expanded by one track.
Looking at the present passenger yard, I figured I could add some homosote strips, laid vertically, onto the facia of the present yard without degrading the structural integrity. There was, already, some space along the edge so I only needed to add two vertical strips (total 1" horizontal width) to accommodate one more track. The exception would be the inside curve. One more strip would be needed to compensate of equipment overhanging on curves.
At 10 am, I went to Menards and purchased a sheet of homosote; they are the only 'big box' lumber store that carries that brand.
I cut the sheet in half, long ways for ease of handling. I then ripped 2" wide strips using the table saw.
To be able to bend the strips around the inside edge of the curved passenger yard, I had to cut curfs into the homosote about every 1/2". The miter saw has a 'stop' on it for depth of cut and I cut about 2/3 the way through it. It makes the strips fragile so care was needed to transport them to the basement.
I'm glad I have a detached shop for my woodworking tools!
Without 6 hands, I used my wood working clamps as a guide and, also, to hold the strips in 'relative' close proximity of the passenger yards edge until I could glue and screw the strips to the existing table. The clamps worked well as the strips could slide in the gap starting at one end.
A tarp used to contain the glue from getting on the carpet. Also, put paper down under the passenger table to catch dripping glue.
Two strips glued/screwed on edge plus a third on the inside curved corner. New turnout and new yard track in place. Still have to installed a ground throw and a toggle for 'juice'.
Inside corner got an extra strip. Best to have curfs facing out.
Last is putting back the plexiglass along the edge. Not bad, time is 4:30 so took about 7 hours.
The Burlington 1934 Zephyr and the UP 10,000 was behind the N&W J so now they, along with the Milwaukee Hiawatha will be on the new passenger track. They'll still be 'behind' each other but, being short trains, they'll be easier to manage.
The Milwaukee early Hiawatha is a short 3 car train. I, also, have a 14 car Hiawatha pulled by a 4-8-4 that has its own passenger track.
The last short passenger train, the UP 10,000 will, also, be on the new track.
