Trains.com

10 Commandments of Garden RR

3813 views
28 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Kingsland Georgia, USA
  • 203 posts
10 Commandments of Garden RR
Posted by ghelman on Monday, August 6, 2007 2:21 PM

If you were to put a list together of the 10 things a Garden Railroader should do, be aware of, rules to follow... What would you put on that list?

 Something like:

1. Lubricate

2. < 2% grade

George (Rusty G)
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: silver spring, md
  • 1,232 posts
Posted by altterrain on Monday, August 6, 2007 3:39 PM

Well, I have already broken #2. Maybe that should be under 3% for mainlines and 7% for logging.

How about - no inviting others over to run trains if your trackwork is Censored [censored]!

and - no birdhouse buildings (well, that's just more of a dislike Whistling [:-^]).

 -Brian 

President of
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Jones County, Georgia
  • 1,293 posts
Posted by GearDrivenSteam on Monday, August 6, 2007 4:02 PM
Less than 2% grade???? You want a mighty boring railroad, don't you?
It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me.
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Peak District UK
  • 809 posts
Posted by cabbage on Monday, August 6, 2007 4:06 PM
1: Be happy with what you can do
2: Make sure your layout can be used by others
3: Scale can be important -but rivits are not
4: Live in harmony with the other users of the garden
5: Make it up as you go along -there are no rules....

regards

ralph

The Home of Articulated Ugliness

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Dacula, GA USA
  • 188 posts
Posted by Coogler Rail Line on Monday, August 6, 2007 4:10 PM

How about:

 

Thou shall include the wife in the decision process of purchasing new equipment.

I have broken that one several times and recieved the wrath! 

 

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Hurricane Alley, Florida
  • 469 posts
Posted by EMPIRE II LINE on Monday, August 6, 2007 4:56 PM
 Coogler Rail Line wrote:

How about:

 

Thou shall include the wife in the decision process of purchasing new equipment.

I have broken that one several times and recieved the wrath! 

 

Oh well, guess I missed that one, she's already stepped out, but made sure she took the new car though, no problem spending money on that!!!!

Byron

He Wore Arrow Shirts Too
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Smoggy L.A.
  • 10,743 posts
Posted by vsmith on Monday, August 6, 2007 5:28 PM
Thou shall not buy New BrightWink [;)]

   Have fun with your trains

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Smoggy L.A.
  • 10,743 posts
Posted by vsmith on Monday, August 6, 2007 5:30 PM

 GearDrivenSteam wrote:
Less than 2% grade???? You want a mighty boring railroad, don't you?

Yeah really, I'm planning 5% grades to keep my geared lokies interested Wink [;)]

How about, Thou shall not exceed 7% gradesBig Smile [:D]

   Have fun with your trains

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: North, San Diego Co., CA
  • 3,092 posts
Posted by ttrigg on Monday, August 6, 2007 5:47 PM
The last two should be!

9.  Remember to enjoy it all.

10.  If anything about rules 1 through 8 interfere with rule 9, then toss out the offending rule.

Tom Trigg

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Jones County, Georgia
  • 1,293 posts
Posted by GearDrivenSteam on Monday, August 6, 2007 6:06 PM
 vsmith wrote:

 GearDrivenSteam wrote:
Less than 2% grade???? You want a mighty boring railroad, don't you?

Yeah really, I'm planning 5% grades to keep my geared lokies interested Wink [;)]

How about, Thou shall not exceed 7% gradesBig Smile [:D]

Now, THAT might work.

It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me.
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Kingsland Georgia, USA
  • 203 posts
Posted by ghelman on Monday, August 6, 2007 6:44 PM
OK. 2% isn't enough for most. However, the wrong loco pulling to much on a 2% grade on a radius could lead to problems.  Maybe grade has to many variables. What I was thinking of was a help list of do's and don'ts for the less experienced. 10 might not be enough.
George (Rusty G)
  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Sykesville MD
  • 155 posts
Posted by gbbari on Monday, August 6, 2007 9:36 PM

hey Hey HEY!  Now doggone it Brian what in tarnation is wrong with my 15 birdhouse buildings?????  I spent a lot of money on those..at least $10 to $12 each Big Smile [:D]

Ya gotta have a little whimsey....and besides... SWMBO loves 'em, and that is required to comply with Rule# whatever-the-heck-it-was.

Seriously, most of these suggestions are good. the only rule I would recommend is:

-It's your railroad. Run whatever you want on it. It does not have to meet anyone else's criteria.

 -GB 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Jones County, Georgia
  • 1,293 posts
Posted by GearDrivenSteam on Monday, August 6, 2007 10:04 PM

 ghelman wrote:
OK. 2% isn't enough for most. However, the wrong loco pulling to much on a 2% grade on a radius could lead to problems.  Maybe grade has to many variables. What I was thinking of was a help list of do's and don'ts for the less experienced. 10 might not be enough.

2% is a great rule of thumb for most normal railroads. I was just funnin with ya.  

 

It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me.
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: US
  • 1,384 posts
Posted by Curmudgeon on Monday, August 6, 2007 11:08 PM

2% is often considered ruling grade for MOST mainlines (although 2.2% is seemingly common in the North West, and there is always the "rule-breaker" of Saluda), and 4% for narrow gauge, altho steeper was found many places.

I have 4% ruling grade, and have no problems, but when we declare "wet-weather ops", the guys know the two helpers stored at the bottom of the grade may be called upon at a moment's notice.

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Shire Counties UK
  • 712 posts
Posted by two tone on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 4:33 AM
Well you opened a can of worms on that one   LOLSmile [:)]  All good points but I think some people have plenty of money if they want 7% incline the loco may take it BUT what happens whwn you strip the gears on a locoSigh [sigh] Lost running time with loco at repair think what you could have purchased with the money you spent on the repairSmile [:)]

                Age is only a state of mind, keep the mind active and enjoy life

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • 6,434 posts
Posted by FJ and G on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 6:07 AM

####1 advice is to FIRST build a very very small garden RR with as many features as you would like to have later on. Plant a variety of plants as well. Enjoy it for a couple of years and LEARN from all your MISTAKES.  Then, and ONLY then are you ready to build a garden RR.

You can spend those 3 years scratchbuilding stuff and testing stuff on the layout.

 

You won't ever hear this advice from anyone but it is the best I can give you based on experience. 

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Kingsland Georgia, USA
  • 203 posts
Posted by ghelman on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 6:27 AM
 FJ and G wrote:

####1 advice is to FIRST build a very very small garden RR with as many features as you would like to have later on. Plant a variety of plants as well. Enjoy it for a couple of years and LEARN from all your MISTAKES.  Then, and ONLY then are you ready to build a garden RR.

You can spend those 3 years scratchbuilding stuff and testing stuff on the layout.

 

You won't ever hear this advice from anyone but it is the best I can give you based on experience. 

I think this is very good advice.

George (Rusty G)
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Kingsland Georgia, USA
  • 203 posts
Posted by ghelman on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 6:30 AM

 two tone wrote:
Well you opened a can of worms on that one   LOLSmile [:)] 

Brian how about some worms?

George (Rusty G)
  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Hurricane Alley, Florida
  • 469 posts
Posted by EMPIRE II LINE on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 6:53 AM
 ghelman wrote:

 two tone wrote:
Well you opened a can of worms on that one   LOLSmile [:)] 

Brian how about some worms?

Would'nt they get the track all gooey ??? And cause wheel slippage.....OH MY !!!!!!  

Byron

He Wore Arrow Shirts Too
  • Member since
    May 2007
  • From: North Myrtle Beach, SC
  • 995 posts
Posted by Beach Bill on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 9:34 AM

The advice of starting small to learn and experiment is wise.

Many of the construction techniques that you have mastered on indoor smaller-scale railroading won't apply outdoors.

Consider maintenance in planning the size.  Leaving the indoor HO or N layout untended for awhile will mean some accumulation of dust, but most things will still work fine.  Even with sturdy construction, thunderstorms, creatures, and changes of season will create outdoor maintenance needs just like a prototypical railroad.

Enjoy.   Learning new things is supposed to stave off dementia, right?   Or is the dementia question already decided once we get to the point of running trains outdoors?

Bill

With reasonable men, I will reason; with humane men I will plead; but to tyrants I will give no quarter, nor waste arguments where they will certainly be lost. William Lloyd Garrison
  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Whitmore Lake, Michigan
  • 350 posts
Posted by markperr on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 1:48 PM

1)  Thou shalt remember that this is a hobby, first and foremost.  It is designed to bring pleasure to the hobbyist to which it belongs.

2)  Thou shalt never count another hobbyist's rivets.  When visiting another's layout, the ten foot rule shall always apply unless the host says different.

3)   Never offer unsolicited advice to a host without first knowing the hosts inner mind with regards to their layout.

4)  Thou shalt not attempt to build a layout that violates the general laws of physics.  All other options are viable.

5)  Thou shalt consult with one's significant other on purchases which shall impact the family budget.  Equal weight shall be given to both opinions before rendering a decision.

6)  Thou shalt always look for the best deal.

7)  Thou shalt mix scales only to the extent that it makes one happy and does not detract from the "theme" of the layout.

8)  Thou shalt not kill other creatures of the Earth who may invade one's layout without first attempting to disuade such creatures from using one's layout as a path/feeding grounds/toilet/etc.

9)  Thou shalt not covet another hobbyists layout style.

10) Thou shalt not covet another hobbyists rolling stock.

 

Just my take,

Mark

 

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Kingsland Georgia, USA
  • 203 posts
Posted by ghelman on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 2:58 PM
Nice feedback Mark. But 9 and 10 are tough. If I dream of having, is that coveting?
George (Rusty G)
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: silver spring, md
  • 1,232 posts
Posted by altterrain on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 4:36 PM

That's the only appropriate use for a birdhouse. Hang them around your garden railway so the birds can live in them and then eat the skeeters and worms  Tongue [:P]!

-Brian Wink [;)]

President of
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: silver spring, md
  • 1,232 posts
Posted by altterrain on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 4:42 PM
 markperr wrote:

10) Thou shalt not covet another hobbyists rolling stock.

I don't know about number 10. I certainly covet that USA Hudson Tongue [:P]

 

 

-Brian 

President of
  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: West Texas
  • 108 posts
Posted by imrnjr on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 9:37 AM

"....

9)  Thou shalt not covet another hobbyists layout style.

10) Thou shalt not covet another hobbyists rolling stock."

 

Nah.... I can agree with all the others, but not these last twoMischief [:-,]....

if it weren't for lusting after the way some of the best garden roads are built, look, and operated Tongue [:P] I would not have even attempted to do some of the things in my railway!!!!Laugh [(-D]

markCowboy [C):-)]

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Smoggy L.A.
  • 10,743 posts
Posted by vsmith on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 10:17 AM

Here are my 10 principals of GRing, all codified and Old testiment like... 

Top 10 Demandments of Garden Railroading SoapBox [soapbox]

1) Thou shall have fun at all times. Big Smile [:D]

2) Thou shall not obsess on rivets. Disapprove [V]

3) Thou shall not obsess on scale. Banged Head [banghead]

4) Thou shall not exceed grade of 100%. Clown [:o)]

5) Thou shall not pass up obvious bargains. Shock [:O]

6) Thou shall not buy New Bright. Dead [xx(]

7) Thou shall lubricate regularly. Bow [bow]

8) Thou shall not wait for long suffering promised items by manufactures and take up the razorsaw and CA bottle and kitbash regularly. Mischief [:-,]

9) Thou shall remember the KISS principle at all times. Whistling [:-^]

10) Thou shall lust after other hobbyists layouts, rolling stock, and college age daughters Tongue [:P].

(well… maybe not that last item Wink [;)] )

Laugh [(-D]

 

   Have fun with your trains

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Slower Lower Delaware
  • 1,266 posts
Posted by Capt Bob Johnson on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 10:22 AM
Thou shalt go to a general type forum for inane subjects rather than a train specific forum!
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: North, San Diego Co., CA
  • 3,092 posts
Posted by ttrigg on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 10:22 AM
 imrnjr wrote:

"....
9)  Thou shalt not covet another hobbyists layout style.
10) Thou shalt not covet another hobbyists rolling stock."

Nah.... I can agree with all the others, but not these last twoMischief [:-,].... if it weren't for lusting after the way some of the best garden roads are built, look, and operated Tongue [:P] I would not have even attempted to do some of the things in my railway!!!!Laugh [(-D]
markCowboy [C):-)]


#9 - Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
#10 - I see, I like, I want!!!!!!!!!!

I still say the last two should be:
9.  Remember to enjoy it all.
10.  If anything about rules 1 through 8 interfere with rule 9, then toss out the offending rule

Tom Trigg

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 11:31 AM

I like Mark's and Vic's take on this. And yeah, TOC has to be in there.

Seems as a group not looking outside the box, what about people (non-train types) that come to the RR? Or should there be 2 types of Commandments?

From the Frog in da swamp!

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Garden Railways newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Garden Railways magazine. Please view our privacy policy