I had a feeling when I first laid this track that I would need to make some changes to the Imperial Oil spur. I have replaced the original with a turnout I modified that allows for better alignment and elevation to match what I see in aerial photos. This would be a good candidate for a hand made turnout. Originally I wasn’t able to find a turnout that fit the way I wanted and the compromise bothered me.
The photo above is looking towards the swing bridge (photo is just visible on backdrop) and the bare pink foam shows from the track I tore up. This is a very rough stage of the layout.
I disassembled a Pico code 83 curved turnout and curved it to match the 32″ radius curve on the layout. The old turnout is beside the track. The main line passes through a cut and the track beside the Imperial Oil facility is a switchback that rises about 15′ above the main line. I was able to get the track beside Imperial Oil to 10 scale feet at 2.5 percent grade and I will build this area up later. Its a compromise but I’d rather err on the side of reliable operation here. I think I will be happier looking at it this way once scenery is added.
Before and after views of the imperial oil spur. I’m going to see if I can get a shot from a better angle when I have time.