Hound dog measurements

[FJ and G]

BB the Beagle was tracking a big juicy grasshopper on Saturday, measuring it up for size. She chased it for the kill (last photo). Apologies to animal rights folks.

While she was measuring the grasshopper, I was doing my own measuring of the backyard for eventual trackage (probably will go w/Gargraves as it's several times cheaper than Atlas and when you bend it it stays bent so I can float the track. Also, others have time tested that track).

Anyway, I used the Allan Miller method of measuring slope in his "Getting Started in Garden RR" book that was released in 1991 (wonder if he still has his whiskey hollow layout)?

Indoor layouts can be measured this same way. I used a 96 inch (8ft) ripped stud and a shorter 2x4 for vertical. Ensure that both vertical and horizontal are level. I use levels.

Then, measure the vertical rise with a ruler.

Formula is rise over run.

In this cae, rise (vertical measure) is 12 inches and run is 96 inches.

12 divided by 96 is close to .12

Move decimal point 2 places to right and you get 12 percent.

I think I did that right

The ground appeared to be gently sloping. However, when I discovered 12 percent I was floored. My entire yard slopes much greater than that b/c I was measuring a lateral run and not straight back.

I'll either have to construct an enormous fill or a giant trestle or a series of switchbacks. Problems I'm encountering are much like the prototype. And every bit of this is fun and exciting.

I'm constructing some turnouts now out of solid brass rail and for ruggedness, plan to run my truck over it (wouldn't attempt that with the gargraves).

There's a lot more I need to learn. For instance, I'm curious what type of wood gargraves is made from. Cedar? Pine pressure treated?

Charlie Ro seems to have the best prices at $250 for 50 pieces of 3 foot sections. I'm going to start off slow with a 68 foot loop before tackling the much bigger mainline next spring that will traverse a pond that's yet to be built.

Any advice along the way much appreciated. I'll keep all informed so that in the future, you can learn from my mistakes if you wi***o take your trains outside.

[1688torpedo]

Hello Dave! I didn't know BB can use a ruler to measure her prey! That's a neat trick you taught her![:)] Now she can help you design your outdoor Garden Layout! [8D].[;)] Also, She can help the Chief build his layout.[:P].

[ChiefEagles]

Send her on. We can go to the pond in the woods and chase rabbits [deer too as that area is full]. Take my trusty 12 ga. Sorry Animal Rights folks, I love to rabbit hunt. [:D]

[lionelsoni]

It won't make a big difference; but an "8-foot stud" that you might buy might very well be 92 5/8 inches long, not the 96 inches that Dave has. (Studs are sold cut to that length so that, after adding 4 1/2 inches for one bottom and two top plates and subtracting 5/8 inch for ceiling drywall, there is a 96-1/2 inch clearance for 8 feet of drywall for the wall.)

There is apparently no consensus in the railroad business whether the "run" in a grade measurement is the horizontal component or the distance along the track. The AREMA handbook is ambiguous; and our customers don't seem to have thought about the question, since it makes no practical difference for the very gentle grades of a few percent found on railroads.

[Benjamin Maggi]

I love Beagles, more than any other breed, and more than just about anything... aside from my Fiancee, my trains, and my guitars.

Beagles + Trains = :)