![\"Spencer](\"http:\/\/www.lacentralrr.com\/Blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Benchwork-Spencer_Woods_01.jpg\")
<\/a>The angled braces are temporary and will be removed after I get the rest of the sub-roadbed installed, along with scenery supporting structure.\u00a0 The double switchback will connect to this level where the branch is coming off next to the clamp.\u00a0 The switchback will extend about 10 feet, then will switch again to head back toward the camera, going downgrade the whole time.<\/p>\nThis initial section along the wall looks quite simple, but it was the most difficult benchwork I\u2019ve installed to date.\u00a0 The problem was one of access, both for attaching the risers to the joists (less than three inches of working room, and at some risers, even less), and attaching the sub-roadbed to the riser cleats (not enough room to fit a drill motor needed to drill the pilot holes).\u00a0 I had written about these difficulties earlier here<\/a> and here<\/a>.\u00a0 My friend and assistant, Wayne, helped me get several risers in place, but I had to do the remainder single handed.\u00a0 Not having those extra hands required me to re-think how to approach the problem.\u00a0 Generally, I clamped things where they had to be, then removed the assembly from the main benchwork so that I could permanently attach those parts together with screws.\u00a0 I did this in four sections until I finally got it all screwed together.<\/p>\n After the track switches are laid, I\u2019ll have to remove the sub-roadbed once again (simply unscrewing it from the riser cleats) in order to install the Tortoise turnout motors and do the electrical wiring.\u00a0 Again, the problem is lack of clearance to fit the drill motor needed to drill the pilot holes for the Tortoise mounting screws, and the (perceived) difficulty in getting everything aligned properly.\u00a0 While this will be tedious, it will hopefully result in a much better installation of components.<\/p>\n Once the high line trackage is completed, I\u2019ll put in the double switchback and the mainline run heading west back to the mill.\u00a0 That should be considerably easier as that trackage won\u2019t have anything below it.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve also started laying track over in Monterey.\u00a0 I figured the most critical place was the crossing located where the north leg of the wye crosses the mainline.\u00a0 And that is where I started, laying the crossing, the north leg of the wye and the mainline coming in from the east, all as one unit.\u00a0 Next I\u2019ll install the north switch of the wye, and the curved switch that is at the entrance to the yard.\u00a0 To see the trackplan, click this Louisiana Central Railroad <\/a>link to open in another window.<\/p>\n I\u2019m pleased that I\u2019m able to make weekly progress, and with the fall approaching, I should soon garner even more time to put in on the pike.<\/p>\n -Jack<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Hallelujah, I finally got the entire high line sub-roadbed of the Spencer logging trackage installed.\u00a0 Today I sanded out the drywall mud that I used to fill seams and screw holes, then put a coat of light dirt colored paint … Continue reading