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Steam_Julie

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  1. Steam_Julie
    Hi All
     
    It's been a long time since I've had the time and inclination to work on my model railway. However I recently been working on coupling design for Holloway Goods.
     

     
    Mr Peco's nuts are used to hold the wagon body to the chassis, with the weight, held in position, between them. This method is better then glueing because it allows the components to easily be disassembled if required!
     
    My design criteria are that the train should be able to negotiate a 75mm radius curve reliably without derailing. The actual minimum radius will be 90mm, but if the above condition is meet, then I shall have no problems on the actual layout.
     

     
    The picture above, was taken on a friends micro layout, which has 75mm curves to minimise the area taken by the fiddleyard.
     
    I have no objection to the coupling system being single ended, that is to say different couplings on each end of vehicles. In this project I kept the peco coupling on one end, but I have filled the thickness down to half the original. I tested a coupling to see if it remained coupled and it passed the test. The thinner coupling is less obtrusive, then the original.
     

     
    The other coupling is replaced with a simple hook, made from stainless steel G String, purchased from the local music shop.
     

     
    The front angle of the hook is about 60 degrees, it is important that there is sufficient gap to allow the modified Peco hook to drop under it's own weight, even when a magnetic dropper is added.
     

     
    I wanted the train, composed of loose coupled wagons, to close up when the train comes to a stop, say at a signal, and open up as the train started again.
     
    Lisa
  2. Steam_Julie
    The heating in the Railway Room is now fixed, it's been very cold for some weeks, my digital radio is now working properly, after several months of intermittent service. The original power connector was non standard and had to be replaced with a standard pug and socket.
     
    I didn't want to attempt to fix it with less free solder! And finally I have real solder. I've printed out the point templates, I'm ready to go!
     
    Julie
  3. Steam_Julie
    I've been examining all the available photos of Cromford Transfer Wharf and then I have also visited the site, as it is today. The photos looking down the Sheep's Pasture Incline, show a double track bridge, under the road.
     

     
    Visiting the site today, there is a stone built, single track, bridge under the A6. It looks more like a tunnel, but in technical terms it is a covered way. A tunnel is by definition tunnelled i.e. dug out and a covered way a trench is dug, and then a support structure is built and then the trench is filled in again!
     
    This was constructed when the road was widened! The above information was supplied by Derbyshire Museum Service. If i have been more confident, about my research results, would have come to the above conclusion myself, weeks ago. But they say that hindsight is the only exact science!
     
    The catch pit, did as it said on tin, it was a pit designed to catch runaway wagons going up or down the incline plane. There were points on the up line they were catch points, on the down line they were operated by a pointsman. they were sprung towards the catch pit, and only set to the down line, Cromford Whalf when the pointsman pulled the lever.
     
    Incidentally the Crich site, of the National Tramway Museum, when a working quarry, was linked to the main line network by an rope worked incline plane too.
     
    Julie
  4. Steam_Julie
    The expression is really true, "If you really want muck things up, then use a computer. The point templates were designed using trax version 3. To print out the templates you require a working printer, of course.
     
    I've spent the last few days fighting with my computer, to install the new printer. Now I've suceeded and I can now proceed to point build! Horay!
     

     
    Julie
  5. Steam_Julie
    I've not made any progress with the layout, for a very long time! That's because I have not felt able to grab the Bull by the Horns, so to speak, and solve the major problem. The phase that up to now, dared not speak it name, is electrical pickup quality.
     
    When I attempt to run a train along the trough line, at a scale speed it almost always stalls on the goods yard entry point. The problem stems from a design decision onthe manufacturer, in this case Farrish, to pickup from the back of the flanges. This looks good, but failure occurs when the loco, especially steam prototypes traverse a sharpish curve.
     
    The drive wheels on most model loco's are in effect semi-radial, meaning that they move in a traverse motion as the loco moves into the curve, resulting in one set of contacts, not being in contact with the wheel. This results in there being no electrical circuit and thus he loco stalls.
     
    The use of live frog points, improves the situation, but does not solve the problem. The Basingstoke Area Group of the 2mm Association have tackled this problem, to acheive acceptable running on their Freshwater layout, see link below.
     
    http://bag.2mm.org.uk/2016_01_01_archive.html
     
    I'm now convinced that I to will need to add extra pickups to solve my running problems. I think that this solution will also aid running on Holloway Goods too, more than the installation of live frog, or more correctly called crossing, points.
     
    Julie
  6. Steam_Julie
    The more observant amoungst you will have realised that I use Anyrail to do my basic design and Trax 3 to produce the point templates. I've used the package that's best for the task in progress.
     
    The first two photographs are the template sheets that I will cut up and attach to my work board to construct the actual points, more correctly called turnouts.
     

     

     
    The photograph below, is of a sheet laid out to check that the proposed handing of the points would work to produce the desired track layout. It was a very useful process and I discovered my initial thoughts were incorrect. Better to discover a mistake at this point than after point construction is complete!
     

     
    I'm going to leave the decision about the exact length of the loop until track laying stage. This is because I'm going to adjust the distance between tracks to a minimum, to give the layout a more spacious feel.
     
    I hopefully will have the time to start construction next week. My eyesight is now getting back to normal, following my operation.
     
    Julie
  7. Steam_Julie
    The video below shows a friends layout, which has an off the peg photographic backscene, with a 3D Mid ground, with a train moving the the foreground. I am assuming that the steam train is on a down grade and it is coasting, i.e. now exhaust.
     

     
    The video was taken using a hand held smart phone. I have learned from his experience that a problem can exist with a backscene printed on absorbant paper, can lead to expansion and thus rippling of the backscene. One possible solution to this is a coat of mat varnish to seal it and prevent water ingress.
     
    The intention was to simulate looking over a wall and observing the passage of a goods train.
     
    Julie
  8. Steam_Julie
    Sitting, as one does, when waiting for a train at Birmingham New Street. I had nothing to read, so like many others I resorted to playing with my phone. I selected the camera, and was about to take some train pictures, when I spotted the Panorama option.
     

     
    I played around with the option, with little success. But I then remembered that you can search for phone manuals online, at first with little success, because the first 2 I found were badly written. I eventually found a well written PDF. One section of which is reproduced below.
     

     
    My phone is a basic Android Pixie phone, so my assumption is that these type of features are available on other smart phones. So why is this useful in railway modelling I hear you ask. The answer is in the production of photographic backscenes. Traditionally you take the pictures and then stitch them together at home using a computer. But there are pitfalls, if you make a mistake when taking the photographs, you may require to retake them. This is a problem when the location is hundreds of miles away from home.
     
    The advantage of using a smart phone is the images are stitched together, in the phone, then and there. You can check they work, before you leave the photo location. They are also rendered into a single graphic file. By selected the SD card as your preferred storage location, a large file can easily be handled. You can also check the image in detail, by magnifying it when looking at it.
     
    You need to practice before taking images for your project. I found that after about six practice panorama shots, I was getting reasonable results. An example of a panorama shot is shown
    below.
     

     
    I had to reduce the picture size to very significantly to enable it to be loaded onto RMWeb.
     
    I took the shots, by rotating the camera through an angle. By choosing the photographic locations carefully, I think the results were excellent. You could take the panorama in a strait line using a bicycle saddle, on a smooth surface as a substitute track and dolly. If a single panorama shot is not long enough, you can stitch two shots together or stitch parts of a single shot on either end of a single panorama. You can always reverse a shot, within a graphics package to aid the stitching process.
     
    You might have problems if something moves quickly whilst you are taking the panorama. When I was playing around on the concourse at New Street, I took a panorama and a lady in the left middle had three eyes, two mouths and noses! This was because she moved rapidly whilst the shots were being taken.
     
    Because I took the original photographs at the highest resolution of the camera on the phone, I was able to enlarge the panorama by a factor of over 5 times and the image was still good enough for a backscene!
     
    Julie
  9. Steam_Julie
    I considering what to do to allow the points to be moved. I am considering using the Peco PL11. But using them upside down to may them easier to hide. I've asked questions of the Peco Tab, Technical Advice Bureau, but have not recieved an answer to my question. This is probably becuase my idea is too radical!
     
    I would require to design a different spacer to allow it to be fixted to the baseboard. I can't see any reason why my idea should not work.
     

     
    Julie
  10. Steam_Julie
    I've been looking into an alternative to cork sheet, as it is unobtainable locally! I have a sample, obtained free from a local printing firm, of 5mm thick foamboard. It has caused much scratching my head, because I wanted no more than 6mm between the rail top and the surface of the canal.
     

     
    This imformation was gained by looking at pictures, of Cromford Wharf and measurements taken on a field visit. the canal edgeat he wharf, is now steal piling, but from photographs, I know that in the 1950's the edging was stone.
     
    The area between the canal edge and the open siding and the side of the transfer shed, which still exists at the prototype location, was cobbles or more correctly, they were called stone sets. When the rope worked railway was built, it linked two canals, one from the Manchester area and the other linking into the North Midlands network via the Erewash Canal. The line was later conected at the North end to the LNWR at Buxton and the Midland Railway at the South end.
     
    I think I now have a solution, I'll have photographs to follow soon!
     
    Julie
  11. Steam_Julie
    Hi I'm now back in the world of the seeing! This is just a short blog entry, to show that I'm once again making progress on Holloway Goods.
     
    I have managed for many years without a Mitre Box, but on this project I will have to cut blocks, with right angle edges to accurately locate baseboard components. I have finally decided that purchasing one, would be prudent.
     

     

     
    There is a wall behind the canal, which both separates it from the railway line below and also prevents the canal water flooding the line. I'm going to use a strip of thin plywood, purchased from Addlestone Model Center as the basis of the said stone wall. The excess of the support blocks was removed to allow this to be correctly positioned.
     

     

     
    I hope to make more progress soon, and will post updates as the layout progresses.
     
    Julie
  12. Steam_Julie
    I've started the construction process, the initial stages was to decide where the cut should, for the shuttle track. Once this was decided the cut was made using a craft knife. I use the tougher blades, made for professionals, not the general purpose ones designed for DIY. This saves on broken blades, including the dangers of them braking during the cutting operation.
     
    It is important, to make many cuts and not to try and force the blade through, as this can lead to accidents. Because the blade is so sharp, these can be serious. Always cut away from yourself and keep fingers clear of the blade whilst cutting.
     

     
    Once the cut was made the spacer were cut, and fixed in position using carpenters white glue. The small screws don't add to the strength of the final assembly, but hold the components in place to allow the glue to set.
     

     

     
    The next level will be the base of the canal. I have never found the need to use high grade plywood, on my micro layout projects. The strength comes from the rigidity of the assembled structure.
     
    Julie
  13. Steam_Julie
    When the blanks were cut out and they were offered up to the toolbox to check they fitted, the design size was found to be over optimistic. The final size is 500mm x 160mm. The total outside measurements of the box will be 510mm x 170mm. The above size is narrower than the expected during the initial design study.
     
    Below is the previous design.
     

     
    This has been made necessary because, it is difficult to accuracy measure the dimensions of a tapering container. It is critical that the layout will fit into the toolbox for transport, with damage occurring during insertion or removal, as well as in transit.
     

     
    In order to get the desired track and scenic features into the available space, I will have to use forced perspective. Using this technique objects, that are further away from the viewer, have their size decreased, thus increasing the sence of space. The canal will have to be narrower than the scale width, but if any barges are narrower too, this will not be obvious the the viewer. This allows more space for features which cannot be reduced in width, such as the track.
     
    The distance between tracks and the between tracks and buildings can however be slightly reduced. This is turning into an exercise of squeezing a quart into a pint pot!
     

     
    There is a stone wall between the canal and the railway line, DMU Shuttle, line. Currently I am relaying out the track and scenic components to check that they will fit. Once this has beencompleted the baseboard board will be cut, to allow for the differnt levels.
     
    The baseboard will then be assembled and pained a neutral grey colour, track laying will then commence, starting with the DMU Shuttle track.
     
    Julie
  14. Steam_Julie
    The shuttle is designed to add more movement to the small scenic area, so that hopefully it will keep he view better entertained.
     
    Starting from the layout plan, the front of the layout is the top of the plan. The passenger shuttle line enteres the scene, RHS at the side of the layout box, but on the LHS the track enters about 1/3 along the back of the scenic section.
     

     
    The first image shows the slot for he train with a blue background behind. The train can enter the scenic area, but the entrance is too obvious.
     

     
    Click on the simulation, to re-run it!
     
    The image below shows a second copy of part of the backscene image behind. Whilst the slot is shouts out less, it is still visiable.
     

     
    Some trees are added to hide the RHS edge of the stage opening. This has the effect of making it a little less obvious, but it is still visiable to viewers of the layout.
     

     
    By lighting the space between the second backscene and the back of the main onecarefully the scenic entrance can be made to complety disappear, and the train can now enter the scene as if it is appearing from behind a stand of trees and bushes.
     

     
    The simulation below, shows how the shuttle can enter and leave the scene without drawing attention to how this is acheived.
     

     
    The possibility of further action, by making a barge on the canal also move, was examined in the Ruston Quays blog, click on the link below for more information, dated 4th may 2016.
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/102137-ruston-quays/page-6
     
    Julie
  15. Steam_Julie
    I stared to think about micro shunting layouts as a result of reading the article on Ruston Quays.
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/102137-ruston-quays/page-6&do=findComment&comment=2367143
     
    This seemed to have very limited operation possibilities, despite having a upper level operated by a shuttle unit. I wanted the possibility to run the goods train on and off scene between shunting sequeces. My first design is shown below.
     

     
    I was impressed by the idea of building a micro layout, that could be transported and stored that fitted into a toolbox. This offered he posibility of storing the layout, stock, mdelling tools and materials in a single unit. The layout above was designed to fitinto a very small really useful box for storage and threansport. I was inspirated, by the blog found at the link below.
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/111658-a-model-railway-in-a-toolbox/
     
    This new format gave me significantly more space to play with and I then set about redesigning the scenic section of he layout.

     
    I felt that I needed to check that the proposed track plan would meet my requirements, before starting to lay track. I therefore decided tobuild simulations to check this out.
     

     
    So far I have built the simulation for the operation of the rope worked incline, I am crrently working on the simulation for the local goods, from the junction to the quay side sidings.
     
    Julie
     
    Larger versions of the layout plans
     

     

  16. Steam_Julie
    I have been looking for a coupling system that will allow hands free shunting on a N Gauge layout for several years. This has been without success until I walked into our local hardware shop yesterday. I have previously, looked at B&B, DG and even Greenwich couplings, which are intended for OO narrow gauge. When in the local hardware shop I realised that a magnet sold for general applications could be the solution to my quest.
     
    The solution was under my noise all the time, and was found in the Peco catalogue. I have used the standard Elsie couplings and the Coupler Lift Arms. The breakthrough is the use of a moveable magnet, allowing uncoupling to take place anywhere within a desired area and the realisation that the lift arms can be fitted on one end of a vehicle. When building a shunting layout, like an inglenook, this is not a problem. I have found a magnet which is sufficiently strong to act through a single piece of 5mm plywood, which I use for the trackbed of my layouts.
     
    ]
     


     
    There is the added bonus, of being able to using the same magnet, to hold a wagon in place when buffering up, because of the steel weight under the Peco wagons. On the prototype the brakes are left on until the coupling is complete.
     

     
    The first photograph show that there is no modification to the track required. The second photograph shows the reverse of the baseboard. The strip of wood across the layout is there to prevent the movement of the magnet damaging the wiring. The only extra consideration required is the careful design of the wiring, to keep the shunting area clear of wires.
     
    Julie
  17. Steam_Julie
    It occurred to me after reading November 2015 edition of BRM that Clovelly road could be operated as an inglenook puzzle, as well as using an operating sequence which simulates the operation of the prototype. It has all the track elements a main line, which is where the train is assembled and two short sidings, which can hold 3 wagons each.
     

     
    Using a set of hidden sidings, several other trains possibly including a passenger train could be run, giving more variety. The direction of exit of the hidden sidings is designed so that the passenger train operates in the opposite direction to the pick-up goods, i.e. the trains that shunt the yard. The operation of the passenger train could be controlled by a shuttle unit, which has been interlocked with the siding points. I envisage the trains being pulled by a small diesel loco such as class 22, a 33 or a small 0-6-0 steam locomotive.
     
    The operation could still be determined by the same methods i.e. the use of a pack of cards which are shuffled to determine which wagons are left in the sidings after the train moves off. I envisage that coal wagons would have removable loads, allowing them to be removed when nobody was observing. At the end of a shunt sequence, the wagons are redistributed according to the following rule. The first 3 wagons in the pack could be assigned to siding 1 nearest the main line and the second 3 to the back siding.
     
    To fully understand how an inglenook puzzle works, I have produced a short animation.
     

    To repeat the simulation, just click on the link below.
     
    http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_03_2016/blogentry-20065-0-60055600-1458046087.gif
     
    To return to RMweb simply click on the symbol, at the top of your browser window.
     
    What does this prove, that 'there are many ways to skin a cat'. Not that I hate cats, it's just a figure of speech. And also that the same layout can be used in several different ways. A small layout can also be used a photographic background, because it is quick and easy to setup.
     
    Julie
  18. Steam_Julie
    Following a complaint from a Mr M Oxley received at Waterloo, the area manager and civil engineer where requested to look into the situation. They reported back that the complainant did have a valid complaint. In recognition of this they sent him a letter offering him a free 1st ticket to a destination of his choice. He took up the offer and the railway issued him a period return to London Waterloo.
     
    The lengthening by 15 feet and the raising of the platform height by 9 inches was sanctioned and have now been carried out. During the rebuilding there was a temporary platform constructed using scaffolding poles and planks constructed the other side of the bridge. This didn’t provide any shelter and was as a result unpopular with passenger.
     

     
    Photograph of the platform removed from the foundtions
     

     
    Photograph of the start of the extension works
     

     
    photograph of the extension complete
     
    Some people think that when they have not got it completely right, that it's back to square one automatically. This is usually not the case, there is usually a way to correct the situation. In the case of the platform at Clovelly Road, I misunderstood the diagrams which show the minimum dimensions for platforms. I took my dimensions from the 2mm Association website. I took the height as from ground level, but when I revisited the website and look again the dimension was measured from the rail head.
     

     

     
    I have also taken the opportunity to reduced the length of the platform base, so that it does not overhang the edge of the baseboard. Before I finish the platform off, it is my intention to add the baseboard edge. This will have several functions to protect the scenery from damage during transport and to provide a clean edge to the layout when being operated.
     
    I have stripped the platform to it's foundations. I have then re-built with it's upper surface which is 2mm higher than the original one. I have taken the opportunity to extend the length of the platform. When I built the model I reduced the length of the platform, so that the platform to appear overpowering. I went slightly too far, in that the locomotive has the stop completely under the bridge, to allow the coaches to be alongside the platform.
     

     
    I also had not put the step, which in the days before BR introduced the Mk1's was usual practice. This now makes the gap smaller, when combined with the raised platform surface. It will still be larger than for many main line companies stations. The prototype used steps which lived on the platform to make alighting easier and the doors were locked between stations, to both prevent the unwary from stepping into space and also to prevent passengers from opening doors when the train was not at a platform. It was not unusual for passenger, on this or other light railways to remain on board during shunting operations of mixed trains.
     
    Now the platform is looking better, it's time to add the waiting shelter and a fence to stop passengers falling of the back of the platform. Unlike mainline companies the company used they used 4 bar fencing similar to fences used by farmers to prevent livestock leaving the fields to wander on the railway. This was done to keep costs down and allow local workers to be able to carry out repairs without the need for special materials.
     
    Julie
  19. Steam_Julie
    When the track was laid a paper template was made by placing a sheet of paper over the track, using the outer rail and a pencil a line was drawn. Then the process was repeated for the baseboard edge. The template was then cut out and checked against the track and baseboard edge. After several iterations, it was used to cutout the platform base.
     
    The photograph below shows the site of the platform at Clovelly Road, just before the overbridge on the Hallwill Junction side.
     

     
    Below is the photograph showing the basic construction of the platform. The strip along the inner radius top will eventually form the basis of the coping stones, when the individual stones are scribed onto it's surface.
     

     
    This photograph shows the platform placed in position, on the mounting blocks.
     

     
    The view below shows the platform with the width of the end section trimmed. This was done on the prototype to save money, as the company was in financial difficulty.
     

     
    This view shows the platform mounting blocks trimmed and glued in position.
     

     
    This next photograph shows the platform glued in position. It took many iterations of trying to run the train through. Then marking where it hit the platform. Then removing excess material, using a scalpel as a plane, before the train ran smooth through, without any hesitation.
     

     
    The view below shows the relationship between train and platform, when the above process was complete.
     

     
    The attached thumbnails are views of the primitive waiting shelter provided for passengers at Clovelly Road. Since the prevailing weather is from behind the shelter, it worked well.
     

     

     

     
    Below is a photograph of my best friend, who kept me going through my recent problems with a rough cyclist. See is siting on the floor of one of our local buses.
     

     
    Julie
  20. Steam_Julie
    Laying track on a micro layout is a more involved process than a larger layout. This is because there is less of it, and thus on Clovelly Road it is essential that every mm of track gives excellent running. On a larger one, if there are a few stretches of track that have problems, then perhaps you can refrain from using them at an exhibition or club open day. Without all of the track, the running of Clovelly Road for even a morning session will become very tedious.
     

    Thus I have spent a considerable amount of time fettling the track, that is to say carrying out minor adjustments to ensure that all track joints are excellent. With an N gauge layout with sub 300mm radius curves it is essential that the outer rail joints are well aligned, i.e. there is a smooth transition from one rail, to the next. This is because there is an tendency for wheels to crab. This is especially a problem with coupled wheels of a steam loco or small diesel locomotive, like an 04.
     
    I have also reduced the distance between the running rail and the crossing, sometimes called the frog, horrible American word. The large gap is only necessary for the original profile wheels, not the modern ones, which are nearer in dimension to fine scale ones. This means that the wheels are guided to ensure the metal, i.e. pickup wheels are in contact with the metal rails, thus able connect with the rail voltage.
     

    It is more important that the point is laid in a flat plane, than having live crossings. These add to the making the electrics more complicated. If so then even with a small locomotive, like an 04 two wheel sets will be in contact with the metal rail and to be able to pick up current.
     
    The check rail that I seem to have spent many hours working on now does the job well. It means that the passenger train, of its two six wheeled coaches can run slowly through the goods yard entry points in both directions. The check rail also ensures that the coaches can negotiate the road bridge at the South end of the station without colliding with it.
     

    Having the bridge dimensions smaller than that of the Peco bridge kit, from which the bridge is made, has the effect of making it look further away, thus making better use of the very small foot print of the layout.
     
    Julie
  21. Steam_Julie
    Below are photographs of the Sheep shed and it's relationship with the track, and thus the trains, and the sky support.They are taken from a variety of angles.
     

     

     

     

     
    The next stage is to add the sky support between the end panels, which straddles the track.
     
    Julie
     
    PS I've added a view of the sheep barn and the creep too.
     

  22. Steam_Julie
    I've been scratch building a sheep barn, which is designed to be placed next to the sheep creep. Partly because the barn and the creep make up a micro scene, but also to act as view blocker.
     
    I've made a conscious decision to make all the buildings be unique and have 3D roofs and walls.
     
    There is a 2mm gap between the sheep barn and the sky support, to allow the flexible backscene to fit between.
     

     
    The passenger trains is photographed next to the sheep barn, to check the proportions are correct.
     

     
    I have opened out the distance between the closure rails to make the catch point look more realistic whilst still allowing the N Gauge wheelsets negotiate it.
     

     
    Julie
  23. Steam_Julie
    The court case is over, I can once again think about other things, including railway modelling. Below are two photographs of a first attempt at adding a checkrail on the approach to the goods yard entry point. It does Improve the slow running through the point.
     

     

     
    Of course it needs painting rusty Brown colour.
     
    Julie
     
    P.S. I've been forced to pay my assailant £100, Judas money, for an non existent assault on her!
  24. Steam_Julie
    I've been filling in the gaps, by adding the missing sleepers. They are also referred to as timbers, to distinguish them from concrete ones.
     

     

     
    PS I'm sorry about the slow progress on my micro layout, this is due to being worried about being prosecuted, simply because I have 'learning disabilities'! I think I live in a police state.
     
    Julie
  25. Steam_Julie
    I have now done all the track laying on the scenic part of the layout. I can now decide where the boundary between the scenic and the fiddle yard should be.
     

     

     
    I can also enlarge the bridge box.This is the cutout in the top surface cut out to allow scenery below the track level.
     
    Julie
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