Installing the Switch For Our New Balloon Track

Follow along as we install a switch to start our balloon track on the top of the hill. A balloon track has been the plan for a while, but the location was changed to accommodate a longer ride after more land was purchased on the south side of the property. The Hunslet Locomotive is a 1969 from the Vale nickel mines of Manitoba, the two flat cars are circa 1910s and were from the Baraboo armory. Tools we use for track laying include: a Kubota KX40-4 excavator, Hilti drills with Milwaukee 7/16 x 18 auger bits, Hilti impacts with 15/16 eight point sockets, and a Kubota SVL 97-2 skid loader. Our little Western Wisconsin railroad is a 36" gauge private project dedicated to the preservation and restoration of old industrial narrow gauge railroading. Music provided by Artlist includes Train Travel by Young Rich Pixies. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:33 Moving the Switch 04:52 Installing the Switch 07:00 Slicing in Custom Length Rail 13:05 Timelapse 15:05 Laying Out Ties 16:04 Welded Versus Bolted Turnouts 18:12 Switch Demonstration 19:40 Spring Switches