Minffordd Update: The Handmade Point Tale

 As much as we can we're trying to do the Minffordd project the easy way, with ready-to-run stock in both OO and OO9, DCC sound and all the rest.

That's why we've mixed 'n' matched on the standard gauge Cambrian loop using Peco code 75 Bullhead track on the scenic section, code 100 'streamline' in the fiddle yard and even a few 'settrack' curved points to help us cram it all in.

On the FR narrow gauge we're using both the 'mainline' track and points with the neat, straight sleepers and the larger radius turnouts, but also the original 'crazy track' product for the rougher trackwork in the yard.

However, Himself has come to the realisation that there really is not an alternative to constructing some handmade points for where sidings peel off from the tightly curving descent into the yard.

We've needed to use handmade points in places on all three of our layouts.

On Ddaullt they were the only option for the curved points into the passing loop and bay platform at the Blaenau end.

And on Bron Hebog he felt we could only do justice to the large radius points in the station by making them from scratch.

This was the first point he's made for at least 15 years, if not longer, and he's not completely happy with it.

The frog is slightly out of position and the tiny OO9 waggon wheels drop into the gap a little more than he would like, so he'll probably have another go.

Apparently it's only a full afternoon's work....

Round The Bend

Himself is making some more progress on the tracklaying, concentrating on the entry to the fiddle yard at the Harlech side of the circle.

This requires a flange-squealingly tight curve after the line disappears under the FR bridge and a challenging mix 'n' match approach the track.

As detailed in previous posts we're using PECO's new Code 75 Bullhead track for the Cambrian line where the viewers can see it, but the range is still very limited in pointwork and we simply don't have the space to use medium radius straight points within the space we've given ourselves.

The same is true of the standard Code 75 range, so we're going radical and attempting to transition from Code 75 to 'bog standard' Code 100 Streamline in the fiddle yard, with the cheeky addition of a couple of Set Track curved points.

When we were first exploring this option Himself was upsold a small transition section, produced by PECO, for exactly this scenario, but in testing he's discovered anything but the very latest OO wheelsets don't like it very much.

What he's decided on, instead, is to simply connect the Bullhead direct to the Set Track point with some modified joiners.

You might also notice the overbridge has been given a coat of grey primer and is awaiting the attentions of the first person feeling brave enough to attempt to paint the stonework.

There's also a cardboard template for the platform so it can be cut out of plywood.