After 9 months of construction, the time has finally come to test the iTrain's features and, above all, the reliability of the track system, taking into account changes in gradient and other potential sources of problems.
Most of the staging tracks are occupied and many trains are running simultaneously to evaluate the system's performance under pressure.
Since it was my first experience, I began building the landscape in the most easily accessible areas near the secondary station. You can see the mountain starting to cover the ramp areas on the right, along with the ballast on the secondary line.
The platforms of the secondary station are in place, as are some reliefs at both ends.
The train in the foreground is the ETR 220, also known as the Polyphemus. It was a very advanced electric train for its time, and I had added it to the collection a few days earlier.
The secondary station is enriched with details. Note the ballast, the grass between the tracks, and the retaining wall, now finished at the front. In the background, you can see the valley with the tunnel portals.
Further details are added in the secondary station as the roads and buildings of the main station are in temporary position.
The landscape gradually expands, incorporating the route. The front section approaches its final appearance. Initial studies for the overhead line at the secondary station.
The backdrop is being created and installed. Roof panels are being installed on the sides of the model. Additionally, the developments behind the main station are visible.
The rough platforms of the main station are in place, along with the retaining walls behind it.
The roads around the main station are being prepared for the Viessmann Car Motion system.
The large fire station area is under construction. The main station buildings are fixed and weathered. The platforms are installed along with the details between the tracks.
The fire station and the village of Massa sul Cesi are added to the model, along with many other details.
One important element is still missing: the overhead line.
The entire layout is complete with overhead lines. Many characters have been added, along with landscape details.