I'll post more as progress is made.
Can you imagine standing on the end platform at " end of track "?
I've been track testing all day. Optimum performance seems to be 12.5 volts, uphill, downhill, and on the flats.
I originally wanted to stack and pile stones around the posts, but it would probably run me $1200 or more for enough rocks. I've decdied that I like looking through between the posts to see the train. I don't want to block that view, and am working on an alternative plan.
Until then...
Thank you, that's a great idea ! It's so different working outdoors from indoors. And you have to choose materials very carefully. What came to light the last couple of weeks were the high winds. This structure allowed winds to blow through and around the posts with little resistance. I've realized that filling in between the posts may block wind, and have a " sail" effect, it could all blow over ! Rocks would be preferable because of the weight, and it could add stability overall.
And , Southern California is earthquake country. I wanted the rocks ! But, too expensive.
I've worked with styrofoam indoors, and it's great !! I love it !
The concept I'm kicking around currently is to wrap the posts with a rock looking material, and still allow the "see through" nature that it currently has. The idea is only half baked at this point...
Paul
one more thing, the viaducts are a great idea, and a natural for Switzerland. Google the " Landwasser" viaduct. It'll blow your mind !
So, I need a viaduct somewhere...
Eric,
the more I think about it, your viaduct idea is a good one. I can see that fitting in with what I have, and will not cost too much.
I think I'll run with that !!
Thanks again,
Paul,
Glad to help with the idea generation ( That Landwasserviaduckt was MINDBLOWING!!! Thansk for that, too!).
It sounds like there are some civil engineering aspects that will be unique to your situation, but it sounds like the final product has to be stuff enough to withstand winds yet strong or flexibile enough to handle earhtquakes.
I was up a skyscraper once, and they used pendulum suspended from a top floor to counter similar effects. Clearly, that is not a solution here, but maybe you could do something else that counter-balacnes, rather than combats, the elements? I am going out on a limb here, but what if you suspend the viaduct from your trackwork, then, instead of anchoring the arches to the ground, "tie" it to the ground with a bit of cable? That might give the flexibility to ride out the tremors yet the stability to withstand the winds.
Eric
Working in nature with these model trains, we face similar obstacles as real railroads. That's what make it challenging, and fun ! You always have to think one step ahead :
what if:
1. Heavy rain
2. High wind
3. Intense heat/ sunshine
4. Earthquakes
5. Insects/ and or critters
always, what will be the impact ?
and something new always comes up and surprises us, just when we thought we had it all figured out !
Interesting project,you've got some great ideas !! Now, to try them out !
I started my first model railroad two years ago at age 66. It's an N Scale layout in a corner of a guest bedroom.
Even with all the problems you list, your pictures of your garden layout appeal to me. I guess the challenges are part of the attraction, and you can't argue with the end result of garden layouts I've seen on YouTube.
I wish I was younger; I might feel more inclined to start an outside layout. I doubt I will, but I appreciate you guys sharing with us.
York1 John
Hello York !
I have also been involved in N scale for many years. In my case, it dates back to apartment days in the late '70's/ early '80's. I still operate my N. I have some pictures over on the Classic Toy Trains forum, a thread called " My Space". This was a thread about setting up a train room in our new house. With that set up, I'm trying to get the G rolling this year. Check it out, if you like.
A garden railroad can be as simple, or complex as you like. It's really pretty easy to get started. Or, you can start with a loop of track on the patio. Something to consider...
Bought 4 more bird houses from Michael's. $9.99 each !
The green frieght station was built many years ago from Kalmbach's book " Easy to Build Model Railroad Structures ". I took HO plans, and multiplied by 4....
Anyhoo...
talking about viaducts....
Here's a discovery:
this viaduct is not curved, but rather comprised of straight segments meeting at an angle.
LGB makes a nice model of the " Baby Krokodil".
maybe someday....
Starting the mural.
Looks like I need to go much bigger, and more dramatic !!!
The beach cabana would be right at home on the Triple O!
More importantly, did you solve the riddle of the viaduct?
Still looking at materials to make the viaduct. Excited about painting the mural/ backdrop. My daughter wants to paint one wall, but she is very busy most of the time. I can work on the other 2 walls in the meantime.
Outline and primer
Love these kinds of projects !!!
This railway is hidden behind the garage. You cannot see it from the house, or patio. It's only when you step into my world...
30 minutes after I painted the sky, we had a torrential downpour, with hail !!!
It seems unscathed...
Next will be to paint in details, highlights, and shadows...
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