Monday 7th April 2024

Worklist: Fit uncoupling magnets and sleeper retaining wall.

Geoff worked on the uncouplers, experimenting with different numbers of magnets. 2 stacks of 3 magnets proved to be the most successful. Getting the correct sideways movement in the opening part of the coupler was adjusted with different sized spacers between the two magnet stacks. Eventually, both uncouplers worked satisfactorily.

Meanwhile, Stephen worked on the sleeper retaining wall. Firstly, an electric file was used to shape the plywood upstand and adjacent ground. Holes for the vertical rail posts were drilled and the sleepers glued in place.

The rail posts will be fitted next week and the adjacent ground blended-in.

Wednesday 2nd April 2024

Worklist: Fit an uncoupling unit. Lay the ground on the bridge extension. Add a sleeper retaining wall.

The original magnet suppliers no longer offered the exact items, so Geoff had rummaged through some boxes for old uncoupler units and selected a couple for the long siding. However, initial/manual testing did not go as expected. The flat rectangular magnets were not consistent - the overall size was ok, but the thickness varied. There was also doubt about the size and material of the central spacer. Lots of investigating and testing took place, but Geoff will experiment further, before next week.

Stephen turned to the bridge extension and applied a layer of plaster, attempting to emulate the texture of the existing ground.

A discussion about the banking around the back of the water tower took place and it was decided that a sloping grass bank just wasn't going to work, so a sleeper retaining wall was agreed. Geoff found a scrap sheet of hardwood and ran-off some sleeper sized strips on the band saw. Taking note of a similar existing wall, some code 70 flat bottom rail was sought and found to become the vertical retaining posts.

Foam cut away for the sleeper retaining wall.

The last section of fence was removed.