So, back again, the first section of track bed - the lower return loop/storage siding is now in place. This did take some time as I became familiar with laying an incline, fortunately I was able to gain all the dimensions I needed from my SCARM plan.

The actual loop is level at 875mm above ground level and this rises through a 1.9% grade or about 1 in 53 to 1050mm above ground level.

As I had modelled the baseboard frame in SCARM as well I was able to read off the heights of the track bed at each frame crossover. Suitable supports were produced and screwed into place. On the curves I have also added a thick washer between the timber support and the track bed on the outside edge of the curve; this is intended to aid running on these tighter hidden curves. As everything is only screwed down at present once I am able to run a train or two I hope to assess the effectiveness of this and decide whether to incorporate it into all curves as I do like to see the super elevation appearance on curves. (Note further track supports will be added once the wiring is in place, I did not want to hinder access to the track bed too much at this point)

Now this first level is in place I thought it wise to go ahead with the track laying on this before installing the next section. I'm using Woodland scenics track bed as I've used it before with great results. This is being fixed down with the foam glue from the same company.

I'm using it as a contact adhesive (i.e. allowing it to set before bringing pieces together) as this allows you to work without all the weights needed if using "wet" glue. The foam glue isn't cheap but I find it works so well it is worth the extra. I've also purchased a glue applicator that  has made this process even more rapid and enjoyable, this one (Green hopper device in pic below) cost just over £13 from Amazon and I would certainly recommend it if you have a lot to do. The adhesive is water based so clean up of the applicator is very easy. A thin layer of glue is rolled onto the track base and the underside of the underlay; every time I mention underlay to my wife she can't help but shout Arriba, Arriba! No complaints though as she is so interested in the railways progress. Any way, you then let the glue dry, about 35 - 40 minutes, and then lay to your drawn centre line - I split the underlay down its centre with a scalpel so that following the centre line is much easier, this also is essential on curves. The "tack" of the glue is very strong so you need to start at one end of the piece holding the other end well away from the board and then gradually lower the underlay onto the guide line. 

Once I have completed the underlay up to the 1050mm level I will then lay the DCC concepts PowerBase. Now strictly speaking I do not need this on this section as the gradient is not too bad, however as this section is under the layout I thought that the improved traction and other benefits of this system would be wise, after all this section needs to be reliable, although I can reach the track from under the baseboard due to its open frame nature, I'd rather not do that very often. I'll be using a CMX track cleaning car to hopefully avoid too much cleaning by hand in this section.

Once the track is laid onto the Powerbase plates I'll start testing and then although this section is hidden I thought I'd use it to practise ballasting (I later decided against this to keep the track clear of any loose debris) so that hopefully by the time I ballast the visible sections I'll have got it right. Also in this day and age of cameras on trains I thought it would be good for the hidden areas to look as good as possible as the train goes through a tunnel. My wife says I'm mad and she is usually correct about these things but I'm enjoying the fact that I can do what I like on this railway and that is sometimes forgotten when you just plan all the time, I know my way is certainly not everybody's way but I wouldn't expect it to be. Everyone can do it just the way they want to. (See how I avoided slipping into a certain Frank Sinatra song there).