Runaround Track

Well, I actually did get my work done on that runaround/siding track that I wrote about last time.  I removed the (Peco) #6 switch/turnout from one end, and put in a (Peco) curved switch/turnout about 16 inches further back, so the siding became that much longer.

There's the old turnout laying by the pile of ballast, and the new curved turnout set into in place.

And the way things sit now with almost everything complete...new turnout, new ballast, some ground cover materials in place.  Still have some details to do, such as painting the rails and ties and add the ground throw for the switch.

The work didn't actually go too badly really, and the trains are running through there on either track and in either direction with no troubles.  So far I'm calling this a win.

Now, I can easily fit seven of my 86 foot cars plus two GP engines in the runaround.  I'd like to do pretty much the same thing at the other end of the runaround as well, and that would add another car length in capacity.

To close out now, I thought I'd show this (scanned) photo that I've posted on here before, which I took while facing east from the west end of the platform here in Sarnia sometime way back in the 90's.  Here it is again though, just because this is how I've been feeling all this week when I look or go outside.Kind of makes my back ache just looking at it this.

Happy January's Over With everybody.