Another hot one today, but quite a productive day none the less.
The fitting of the abutment timber was today’s focus and it certainly kept us busy.
Lots of cutting, planning and drilling. For what is essentially a simple task, installing a bit of timber on a few bolts, it is still quite a complex process.
Cutting the curve to match the abutment shape was done quite easily freehand using the little cordless chainsaw, it proved excellent for this work.
Lots of test fits and turntable revolutions ensured any tight spots were eased.
Of course one of the tie down bolts will end up being exactly under a rail, so we’ve recessed it to ensure there isn’t any fouling, it proved to be easier to weld a new length of thread on the end of the old bolt.
The lock block was fitted in and a nice layer of mortar was put down to ensure the timber is well supported.
The bolts were tightened up until the sloppy grout mix oozed out, ensuring good even support.
To ensure adequate room for sleeper plates and to give added support, a second timber was fastened to the back of the first, rather simple but certainly very effective.
Job done and ready for track. Obviously the other end needs the same treatment before this goes into regular use.
And when the table is locked into the new position, it points exactly towards the laid out timbers, as planned!
Tomorrow, we’ve got a train booked in to drop off the relevant materials to allow. construction of the turnout to continue While we’re waiting for that we’ll do a full check over the turntable, tightening all the bolts through the timber work and preparing what we can for the next steps.
Meeting Castlemaine Yard from 8.30am.
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