The next task is to start the track laying. I am going to use a technique which I learned from a short video by Bob Felphs, Peco's track designer. It has unfortunately been removed recently from the website. He advocated the technique for the last 100 mm of track before a point or a track joint only. I have found that when building micro layouts, such as Clovelly Road it is advisable to pre-curve all of the track.

Essentially you cut the sleepers on the section to be pre-curved into sections of approx 100mm length. The end section is then removed and the other moved towards the end. The rails can then be bent to the required radius, carefully using a pair of pliers, without the risk of damaging the sleepers.

Photograph of the pre-curved track layed on top of the baseboard.

When you are happy with the radius, a sleeper section can then be slid back into position. The process is then repeated until the whole section of track is pre-curved. Leave some extra length on the track section to allow final adjustments to be made during track laying. The end section is the most difficult to get correct.

Photograph of track layed over the bridge.

What you end up with is essentially a custom piece of settrack, minus the regular track joints including the joiners. The track can now be used as a template the cut out the foam base for the track.

Birds eye view of the track layed on the baseboard.

Julie

PS Lisa you will have to wait to find out.