How the Madawaska Northern was Constructed and Operates
The railroad is constructed in a circular pattern with a passing siding and a spur ending on a trestle where work on
the equipment can be accomplished without bending over. Another track off the main line directs the train to a tuntable and
three storage tracks. The line continues across the turntable to the spur track to form the "Y." The result is the the turntable
can be used to turn the locomotive or other equipment or the entire train can reverse direction by proceeding on
the "Y." A red-green signal system has been installed to direct train movement in and around the turntable area.
After the original equipment was purchased, additional rail, trucks, signs, signals, lanterns and miscellaneous parts
were obtained at auctions, through commercial manufacturers that can be located by a web search, through other friends
in the hobby, eBay, and in some instances manufactured by Ron and/or myself.
Construction Techniques - The railroad is on a relatively flat section of the back acre of
my property so the amount of cut and fill work was limited. One depression had to be bridged and one section of ledge was chiseled
to allow the railroad to remain level and without grades.
A gravel base was used to support the cross ties. Most individuals building an 1 1/2 scale railroad use two
by fours for cross ties. Initially I used two by two oak cross ties soaked in creasote that I had ripped at a local saw mill.
These lasted about 30 years. The track was fixed to the cross ties with miniture spikes.
When the railroad was rebuilt, the old ties were replaced with used handrail balusters. Being pressure treated they
should last my lifetime. This time 3/4 inch pan head screws were used which drastically reduced installation time. A pea stone
ballast recycled from road projects was used to set the ties. While from year to year you get some minor track movement, adjustments
are easily made.
