just wanted to introduce myself and ask a few questions. i am only in the research stage right now. i live in the pacific nw and my concern is all of the rain. how do you water proof your buildings or do you take them in for the winter. also what recommendations do u have for a good starterbook .
Garden Railways magazine and Kalmbach publishing is a good starting point. Jack Verducci has written several books on the subject and well worth buying. This site also is a huge resource for keeping your trains and buildings in good condition.
Rain is not an issue as it keeps everything clean. Many buildings are made of UV resistant plastic and if made of wood, cedar is the norm. Paints such as Tremclad, exterior house paints are used. Many even use acrylic hobby paints.
The best advice is to find a local club and join it. many are glad to share their knowledge with newcomers. There is even an online book you can read at ww.familygardentrains.com. Regards, Dennis.
thank you so much. very good advice
A thought: Move to AZ No forget that idea I love the Pac NW
The answer from the Peak District (where there are a lot of reservoirs for some reason...) is that you make them like real buildings...
Buildings
Alternatively you can carve them from Thermolite bricks with simple hand tools. Mine have been out side since 2002 and apart from a little moss and bird poo they are pretty much as I built them!
regards
ralph
The Home of Articulated Ugliness
I do not know if thermolite blocks are available in the US...certainly not readily available at your local home center...but they do look like a good product for building stuff.
I make my buildings here in Maine from standard good quality construction plywood. I think our weather is similar to yours if a bit colder in winter.
shingles or clapboards are carved into the plywood using my table saw with a Dado blade set at a couple of degrees. I make multiple passes set 1/4" apart...tedious but effective. makes a nice neat siding material.
I use (home molded) resin windows with no "glass" which provides good ventilation to the inside.
Thye house is painted thoroughly inside and out with good exterior paint.
With the house set on stone or concrete foundations, it seems to last very well. keep the pine needles away from it and alow it to dry between rain storms and it should last well
Winnegance and Quebec Railway
Eric Schade Gen'l Manager
QUOTE:
UNQUOTE:
I have been here before with Greg Elmassion....
Thermalite blocks are made in the US by the Heidleberg Cement Company and exported worldwide. Try looking under the US building term for them as "Aircrete" or "Pulverised Fuel Ash block".
I live in the same Country as Ralph but in a warmer and less rainy zone. I agree with his use of the blocks he mentions as they are easily sculpted using everyday workshop hand tools. I have built tunnel portals using them.
In the few years I have been in this great hobby I have seems many superb models soon deteriorate from weather due to the materials used in their construction: that for the builder can be quite disheartening. I have built a few structures which are intended to last; they may well see me out!
A freight depot, grain elevator and more recently a covered bridge have been constructed using the treated decking lumber so frequently seen used outdoors. They are robust and unlikely to be affected by strong winds. If you want Museum quality - opening windows, doors etc. then I guess they will need regular maintenance and in many places may need to be brought indoors during the winter period. My structures have false windows and doors (this helps avoid critters setting up home inside ). Roofing is made using real roofing tiles. These may not look quite so good aesthetically but it does keep the rain out and does not warp or rot.
Alan, Oliver & North Fork Railroad
https://www.buckfast.org.uk/
If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there. Lewis Carroll English author & recreational mathematician (1832 - 1898)
Get the Garden Railways newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month