Added a Wye Track

[BB Michigan]

Here's what has been added to my Added Benchwork (http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1062), a wye track.

The tracks and forms for a road.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dd24b3127cce90d9acff7d9400000016109FbMWrZwg

Another view.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dd24b3127cce90d9acfd7d9600000016109FbMWrZwg

The curved leg of the wye where it goes from gate to layout.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dd24b3127cce90d9acfafca100000016109FbMWrZwg

Lower the gate and track separates nicely.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dd24b3127cce90d9ba9c7dfc00000016109FbMWrZwg

Lowered further.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dd24b3127cce90d9acf8fca300000016109FbMWrZwg

Here is the paved roadway. I used DAP® Plaster of Paris (http://www.dap.com/retail/retail_detail.cfm?catid=5&subcatid=16&prodhdrid=326) which worked great. First time I've used Plaster of Paris, always have used drywall compound before (mixed stuff).
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dd24b3127cce90d9ace4fcbf00000016109FbMWrZwg

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dd24b3127cce90d9ace57d8e00000016109FbMWrZwg

Grade crossing. I used 1/16" balsa strips against the inside rails to keep the flangeways clear of plaster. I used Liquid Nails Lightweight One-Step Spackling (http://www.liquidnails.com/caulks/ls-810.html) in this grade crossing and on other spots on the roadway, first time also and with great results. Trick is to put Vaseline or oil on the balsa strip so the plaster doesn't stick to it.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dd24b3127cce90d9ace2fcb900000016109FbMWrZwg

Roadway painted.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dd24b3127cce90d9c6d27d8c00000016109FbMWrZwg

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dd24b3127cce90d9c3423d8600000016109FbMWrZwg

[BB Michigan]

Since the gate is isulated from the rest of the layout it needs to be powered.

Here is a DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) switch under the gate used to change the polarity of the tightest leg of the wye. That leg is in a block which means it's isulated from the rest of the trackwork. Power runs through the DPDT switch before it goes to the leg. When a locomotive enters the block the switch needs to be flipped so it doesn't short when crosses on to the other track. Same switch needed in wiring a turntable. Hope I explained it good enough.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dd24b3127cce90d9d9d0bc2900000016109FbMWrZwg

These contacts run power from the gate to the new part. Made out of sheet metal.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dd24b3127cce90d9d9d73d1e00000016109FbMWrZwg

The contacts rest on these nail heads.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dd24b3127cce90d9d9d4bc2d00000016109FbMWrZwg

The nails go through the board with wires soldered that go through the foam to the track above. Not shown
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dd24b3127cce90d9aba83d5800000016109FbMWrZwg

Needle on the right in the meter = good. Shows continuity between the contacts and end of the wire soldered to nail.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dd24b3127cce90d9d9d2bc2b00000016109FbMWrZwg

I think I mentioned everything up to date.

[BB Michigan]

Video of a train going across the gate: modelrr6.wmv (http://webpages.charter.net/d712/modelrr6.wmv) (484KB)