Mixed Emotions

The photo depicts a positive for this last month but there were negatives, and more positives, also.

First, I forgot to mention previously that when I was cleaning up the wiring, I had permanently (?) installed the LNWI below the UR92. Previously, it had been lying on a clamp that held the support for the UR92.

Another positive was that I added the second coat of wood putty to the elevated track (except for the last few feet, of course) and sanded that. It is ready for cork and track installation.

I also built the second 8A power supply cable for when I install the second PS2012E on the other side of the layout.

I anchored the first internal backdrop support that is next to the existing backdrop (called the Albany backdrop) with screws. Once I finalize the position of the others, I will also glue them down for additional strength.

The major negative this past period is that the PM74 I had installed failed. I had read several user group posts and seen videos of the PM74 (and other Digitrax equipment) killing the Loconet when connected. Until recently, that had not happened to me until it did. I returned the unit to Digitrax for repair (not under warranty), and it finally arrived after 10 days (thanks, USPS). Hopefully, that will be the end of the repairs. Except that the second PM74 failed immediately upon connecting. I didn't even have a chance to change its ID number!

I installed my third PM74 in its place, and so far, it is operating correctly. I'm glad I had the third PM74. I have also purchased a DCC Specialities PSXX3 that I will use instead should the PM74s fail again. Fingers crossed.

As I noted above, I have started scenery. It was not the original plan, but the more I looked at the layout, the more I saw I needed to do the scenery for the area between the elevated track and the backdrop to avoid having to do it later when more track is installed. To do this, I had to dig through about six boxes in the garage, bringing them up to the room closet. Amazing what one finds after four years. :)

Since I didn't have any foam that was more appropriate for the scenery, I used some scrap pieces from a package and hot-glued them to the corner. I then used some Sculptamold to add a bevel to the front edge of the upper piece. After the Sculptamold dries, I am going to cover the corner with plaster cloth and make some plaster rocks for the flat surfaces. The trees will then be located but not attached permanently so I can have access to that area without damaging them. I'm going to put rock walls (Chooch Industries) in front of the corner and continue along the backdrop to the tunnel entrance. The rock walls will be positioned about 1/4 inch away from the backdrop using basswood strips hot-glued to the backdrop.

At the point where the tunnel starts, I'm going to construct a removable scenic cover in case I need access to a derailed train or whatever. It will be supported by the basswood strips on the backdrop and masonite strips hot-glued to the bottom of the elevated track.

Lots to do and never enough time. I had a Ham Radio event this past weekend (126 voice contacts), and that killed a total of three days. I still need to submit the contacts, but I will do that next week.