I've been pressing on with things since the last update....in between taking The Bridge to Stevenage and other things.
The most progress has been on designing and printing a range of quick-release posts for supporting the track behind the scenes. As I'm wanting to pack the layout for transport in as small a volume as possible, I was not wanting the track supports to stick out underneath the track bed sections, or on the base board, so my removable quick release posts were born. Here's a photo of a selection: Front row, left to right, the bottom latch section, the post, and the top latch section. The top and bottom sections will be fixed to the base board and track bed respectively. The post section is dropped into the bottom latch and the track bed positioned and the top latch dropped onto the post. A 45 degree twist of the post, aided by the small tab, will lock things tight!
And here's a wider shot showing a few in approx. position...along with some of the fixed supports that will get incorporated into the scenery groundwork:
I'm also progressing well with the design of parts for the Royal Albert Bridge. I've completed CAD work on the viaduct supports and have started on the main towers. Once I get these done and draft parts printed, I will then be able to print a draft of the rail deck, so I'll then be able to mark out and create the track bed sections and start fitting them to the base board. Here's a photo of a few of the viaduct support parts: The bottom parts of the support will be submerged in the scenery, with the top sections plugging when the viaduct is assembled .
I've moved on slightly with the development of the wye point for Saltash station. I'm ready to start cutting and shaping the moveable track sections. I've worked out the arrangements to get the right power to the right bits of track for the two point positions. I'll be using either an microswitch to switch power around on the frog & moving rails...although I'm looking at an electronic switching option as an alternative!