February 16, 20179 yr Here is what the column mold pattern and mold looks like pulling the pattern out of the mold. The second picture is the mold ready to pour. And a video of there I will put the layout and a short video of how I am going to construct it. I think that I will color the concrete a light brown and then have to only spot some blocks with a few different colors to make it look like the pattern. Bob.
February 18, 20179 yr Wow. I have been watching the weather all year. Florida has been very warm. We have had a good year too but much colder. Today, I ran a few laps cleaning the track. That has to be a personal record up here. I have never got to run so early in the year. It was a good thing I listened and left the track down!
March 2, 20179 yr Author No, as I have been working on the T1 and as soon as I get a little further ahead on it, I will post some pictures. I want to lay some roadbed, but I keep running into problems with the T1. Bob.
March 9, 20179 yr Author Finally took care of my car problems and officially starting the layout. Here is the first pad, and I plan to pour one a day, so, two and a half months later, all of the pads should be poured, says me. Bob.
March 9, 20179 yr Author Actually I will be pouring more than just the pads. I will be pouring columns, three are needed for each viaduct span, so with this task, it will keep me busy enough for a day. Bob.
March 9, 20179 yr Author I am trying to figure out how to align the columns so that the top portion will be in the correct place. I guess I could use the top pattern each time I install the columns since it will be the same as the concrete one, or I could make a plywood pattern to lie on the concrete pad. The plywood pattern might be more accurate, because it will fit the pad perfectly, don't know yet, but here is what I have so far, ready to pour the next one tomorrow. My cat is always supervising, doesn't trust me. Bob.
March 10, 20179 yr It would be cool to have some type of notch, where each section would align to. Like a mortise and tenon joint.... or maybe some type of plastic dowel into holes system? Hmmm, bridge expansion joints? https://wbacorp.com/products/bridge-highway/segmental-joint-systems/
March 10, 20179 yr Author I did make provisions for locking the top part of the viaduct. I molded in a wedge type shape, so when two abutting sections are together I will pour the opening with concrete with two short pieces of rebar, hope that that is good enough. The ground around here is stable, but there are roots, I worry about them. Well if something moves anything, I will just have to deal with it, just like any other bridge, but I hope nothing moves. What have you been doing? Done anything on the laser? Bob.
March 10, 20179 yr I am embarrassed to say no. I forgot to order a usb cable again. The stores don't have a correct one. I have been making molds and casting. There has been some interruptions. The wind yesterday broke some trees. I got a new O scale Amtrak engine and the color is wrong. What can you do?
March 10, 20179 yr Author I know how that goes. Life, sometimes, gets in the way of my model railroad hobby and I don't have time for that. Bob.
March 10, 20179 yr Author OK, I admit it, it is my obsession, and sometimes I think that I am going nuts. Bob.
March 12, 20179 yr Author Here is the first working column out of the mold. It came out usable, but too many bubbles for me, so I will vibrate it longer next time. Bob.
March 16, 20179 yr Author OK, I have been a little slow pouring concrete. I have been working on the crane because I realized that moving the crane around is impossible in the dirt, so I took off the small casters and added l0 inch casters, so that the crane could be moved more easily. I also bought an electric wheel chair that will also be modified with larger tires so that I can push around the crane with ease, says me. Here is a picture. Bob.
March 16, 20179 yr Author Wait till you see my wheelchair tractor. You guys will think I am crazy. I am doing this because I want to expend as little energy as I can. I am getting old. 72, Bob.
March 17, 20179 yr Author Sean, you will see it in very short time. The large casters have been installed on the crane and one side of the large casters have been installed on the chair. I had to stretch out the crane legs because the center of gravity was wrong. I am installing the trailer hitch and the other casters tomorrow, so it won't be long. Bob.
March 18, 20179 yr Author I got tired, so I did get to finishing the hitch, but I will tomorrow. Everything is ready to weld. All of the casters are on the tractor, or the all terrain vehicle. Bob.
March 19, 20179 yr Author Finished and now I have to try to revive two sla 12 volt batteries, as they are quite expensive and if not, well probably have to dish out about 300.00. Bob.
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