More track laying
More track laying takes place. The inner loop was completed quickly, before moving on to the sidings and extra loops. The picture above shows the freight yard taking shape. Below is a view of the industrial siding and run-round loop.
In these views the track is not yet pinned down. Since these photos were taken, underlay has been put under the track and it has been fixed in place.
The headshunt to the industrial siding poses a problem which is encountered occasionally, but is easily cured. It's all to do with the way electricity flows around the circuit on a traditional analogue layout. With Hornby points, the flow of electrical current follows the setting of the points.
This makes wiring simple and does not normally cause problems. However, on our layout, the headshunt on the industrial siding will not be able to receive power as changing the point to access the headshunt will cut off power from the mainline.
A cross-link wire is required to provide power to the headshunt. Hornby manufacture such an item (catalogue number R8201, complete with extra power connecting clips) and it is the simplest way to solve a situation like this.
The upper clip is connected to the main line and provides the extra feed needed to power the headshunt. Note that only one wire is connected.