Having completed the track I was eager to try running some trains. I had been rather cavalier when I installed the track work – not bothering to test each turnout etc., in favour of simply finishing the job. As such, I was eager to get trains running and see how I did.
The verdict? I managed to do a great job! The trains run great!
Granted, I needed to clean the track, file down the odd solder blob and clean the cursed foam shavings out from under the ties, but overall the trains ran well. I was so excited I shot some video for prosperity’s sake. I still have to wire the turnouts and cut some gaps in order to isolate the sidings, but that’s straightforward work that can be done as I start thinking about how to model the concrete bridges and retaining walls.
(I also spent some time finishing the basic scenery contours, and roughing in the overpass locations.)