Bietschtal Bridge
This area will be a very busy one, since it contains a two level schattenbahnhof of five tracks each level, plus the tracks connecting the Dammtor station to the older portion of the layout
Got the first track laid in the lower
schattenbahnhof along the back wall. (The suspended loop is my
temporary turnaround on the upper level. It used to be supported by my
temporary lower level, but that has been removed. I suspended it from
the ceiling until I complete the work under it, then it will get
reattached)
Here is the first train to venture out on it:
I had previously experimented with using Atlas flex
track with N gauge code 55 rail as the center conductor in my hidden
areas. This saves big bucks on 2205's or scads of 2200's. I had a
section running this way on my temporary layout for 6 to 8 months
without problem to prove the concept. Works great. I get the 90 cm
Atlas
code 100 flex track for under USD3.00 and the N rails are very
inexpensive. Saves a bundle!
This lower bridge is one of the returns from the
Dammtor area.
The stream coming under it will be from a waterfall
under the Bietschtal bridge above this.
Here is the Bietschtal Bridge
The bridge is mechanically done.
I wound up lowering it about 2 inches (5 cm) because the ramp up to the
bridge would have had about a 6% grade.
With the modification it is now about 4%.
I removed the gray abutments and the "feet" from the stonework and set
the bridge right down on the base plate.
I then created new abutments from wood stock cut at
a 45 degree angle and drilled for the locating pin in the bridge's foot
I also cut blocks to support the stonework.
Here is a picture of the BLS entering the bridge and
a freight rumbling off to the east.
Got the backdrop up and painted for the rest of the
Bietschtal approach
Now I have to extend the scene on the right then get out my airbrush to
do more clouds and mountains.
The paper background ended rather abruptly, so I
tried my hand at free painting to finish the scene
Came our rather well, I think
Finally getting back to work on the layout. Done most of the plaster work around the bridges. When the scenery is done, I will place the middle bridge and run the track over it.
And the finished Valley
I added a castle in the corner by the bridge
