Round the Bend and Down the Hill

The benchwork has progressed beyond Seeley Creek and now proceeding around the bend to the other side of the room.  This is the narrowest portion of the layout room so the trackway forms one continuous curve to reach the opposite wall.  To break up the "horseshoe" effect, I'll use some scenic dividers to disguise the 180-degree bend.  In this view you can see the Seeley Creek crossing in the distance and the coved corners on the left and right of the facing wall.  Just to the left of the bridge the track grade starts to descent, and though the grade looks more dramatic, it's actually less than 1%.  This wasn't meant to be the ruling grade (that will come later), but just a mild descent to Columbia Crossroads.

The angled edge of the benchwork in the foreground is where the lift out section will go.  The photo was taken at the entry point of the layout room.  To the right of the opening is where the Town of Columbia Crossroads will go.  There will be some industry sidings to switch and a public delivery track.  Columbia X-Roads, as it was spelled out on the station sign, had a GLF (now Agway) elevator and a feed mill.  A short passing siding will also be there.  It should be easy for the local to switch X-Roads because all of the switches were trailing point southbound.

The curve radius is 48" which is my design minimum for mainline tracks.  I tested all of my equipment on the curve and found no issues including my rigid frame, all-wheels flanged, 2-10-0 with the long tender.  The curve has some slight superelevation built into it and it works well with everything, including coupled 85-ft passenger cars.

Beyond Columbia X-Roads will be Troy with more industries to switch and then the track grade will drop again this time at 2% around the tip of the peninsula as it drops toward Canton and eventually Williamsport.  This is where the coal trains will get those Alco PA helpers added to the cabin car's rear knuckle.