security issues

[Anonymous]

hi again , just wondered any of you uk guys got your railway at the front of the house , im planning mine at the front and was wondering if i would have a problem with theft and the likes , and if or what security measures i can use to keep it to a minimum, ie are the model kit buildings durable and can you fix em with concrete ...or screw them down any expierences and tips greatly appreciated

regards neil

[John Busby]

Hi lordsnor
Not my idea of a good idea.
However it has been done before in the UK.
I would concider geting your buildings from Tuxcraft or Kent garden rail they are made of concrete.
Your track will need to be well ancored down and trains stored inside something nice and spikey if its legal planted at the front fence would be a good idea.
Also a dog that would not hurt anyone but has a bark that tells a different story is a good idea
As is making sure every one has a good view of your front garden sounds odd I know
but thieves and vandeles don't like being seen.
Be prepared for all the children in your street to pester you to run the trains keep them happy and they will become your lines private security service.
regards John

[Anonymous]

great tips and advice john thanks , i decided on the front , and have got cold feet having discussed it with a few people, im still undecided , but i cant for the lif of me seem to get any ideas to get a railway in my back yard , without it being a hazard at barbqs and stuff,....so im going to stick with the front ....i think ...didnt know about the concrete buildings gonna have a look now ,

regards neil

[Anonymous]

sounds a little risky - maybe setting all your track flush in concrete may be an idea or bonding the ballast / trak with a caulk or adhesive . personally I would try to get in back garden and maybe run around the edge on top of a raised wall. wonder if scale landmines might work........................ seriously a camera - real or dummy and a security light with pir might be wise.

[John Busby]

Hi Neil
The Longlands and Western a well known UK GR is only about 30X10 if that helps
PHLR is even smaller and that one is 45mm gauge.
Your buildings will need to be concrete because of the weight there are some very nice ones avalable I am just not wraped in what it would cost to get some of them myself.
regards John

[holland]

i have my lay out in the front lawn no problems for me , the nieghbors also enjoy the lay out so there is always some one keeping a eye out and my dog is also a great help she barks but dont bite

[Anonymous]

wow thanks for all the advice guys , im gonna stick with the front , the concrete buildings look great not quite as good as the other kits ive been looking at but still pretty impressive , looked at the tux range , does anyone know if there are any available from anyone else ,

regards and thanks again neil

[kstrong]

There are quite a few railroads that run through front yards. Jack Verducci's Crystal Springs RR is one of them. With proper landscaping, 90% of the people walking/driving by won't ever notice the tracks unless there's a train running. Then, most often they'll stop and watch in amazement.

The biggest thing with trains in the front yard is to make sure things can't easily walk off. Securing the track every few feet will be fine, as will making the buildings nice and heavy. Nothing's going to stop a determined individual, but that holds true for railroads in back yards, too. Having a good rapport with your neighbors is probably the best defense. Let them be your eyes and ears when you can't.

Later,

K