I saw a technique for fastening track to roadbed using silicone in multiple places, including the Model Railroader Magazine website.  I decided to try this, partly because I could not find any track nails.  Since my major purpose in building this module is to try various techniques, I decided this would be a perfect opportunity.

I used blue painter’s tape to mask the area under each switch so that it would move freely.  Before I added the silicone I drilled a hole down through the roadbed and the plywood in case I decide to install a switch machine at a later date.  After masking it off I spread the silicone over the track bed.

I started with the switches as I will be using flex track for the straight sections.  To keep the track in place while the silicone set I used pins.  I found that using silicone to fasten the track in place was quite a bit slower than using track nails.  Another important thing I discovered was the importance of keeping the layer of silicone very thin, as a thick layer would squeeze up through the ties.

I started with the switches when laying out the roadbed because I intend to use flex-track for all of the remaining track.  I think that this will provide the best look for my branchline.

While cutting the cork, I found that the easiest way was to set the piece against the edge it needed to match and make my first cut.  I then used a steel ruler to guide my knife to complete the cut.

One of the main things that this picture shows is that I used the cork roadbed only for the mainline.  I intend to create a ramp to make the change from roadbed to table top.  This will help in showing the difference between the mainline and the spurs.

It took me a long time to decide upon a track plan for my module.  Part of the problem was that I was using the table as a work platform when using the airbrush.  After building the Walther’s Champion Packing Co. I decided that some of the industries around the meat packing industry would be the best for my module.  This should allow me to display some of the kits I have built recently, while at the same time giving me something that would be fun to switch.

After planning and laying out the switch locations I soldered the switches together at each point.  I intend to cut the gaps after completely securing the track in place.

I then started to glue the cork roadbed into place using silicone.  I found that it took only setting the cork into place to be able to follow gentle curves.  For a little bit sharper curve I had to use tacks to keep the cork at the correct radius.

I brush painted the various parts using Floquil paint.  This worked well on the wooden parts, but I should have sprayed it on the floor.  The outer roofing was really easy as it was basically a large sticker.    I really like the way it looks, when painted I think it will look like tar paper.  Using this outer covering helped me out on the cupola as it covered a crack that happened in the sub-roof as I was gluing it into place.

Also when building the cupola, I discovered that it was possible to position the laser-cut parts approximately where they were supposed to be, and then use an x-acto knife to do the final alignment.  The knife was also useful in pushing down the small parts to set them in place.

Last weekend was the annual Summer Open House at the San Leandro Historical Railway Society.

Here are a couple of pictures that I took with my phone during the event.

This first picture is of one of our members at our completely full setup yard.

This next picture shows a banner that a couple of visitors brought in.  I am not exactly sure where it is from, but it was rather impressive.

San Leandro Historical Railway Society