Capt Carrales' Challenge: What would you do with $10,000? (equal value in your currency)

[Anonymous]

First, I'd probably have to give half of it to Beth. Second I'd have to find a place to put down tracks again...Divorces suck.

Then I'd probably build over again what I had.

[Anonymous]

Hey Tangarine have you looked up Turkey yet their curency was about $20 US converted into about 1,000,000Turkish franks (I think its called a frank) (and that was several years ago, unfortuanely for them their economy is in the toilet) so lets see, grab the calc and you have a railroad worth 500 million -you would have a RR worth more than many 1:1 shortlines.....

OK now to spend the $ , 3G on track, 1G on roadbed, 1/2G on the garden, hey Im 1/2 way there and no loco's or cars or buildings hmmm,
I havent done the math because it scares me how much the locos and cars , r/c systems/sound systems I want cost but I bet it is close to the other 5G -if not more.

Unfortuanely I have done the math on the track and roadbed, prelims on plants, get back to me in about 5-10 years and I bet I'll have spent that if I can aford to.

[Ray Dunakin]

Hmm, ten grand to spend on my railroad? For starters, I'd hire someone to rip out all this darn iceplant and haul it away, and then carve the hill into shape for me. Then I'd buy a whole truckload of rocks to turn the barren hill into a desert mountain range in miniature.

Whatever's left would be spent on tracks, trestles, trains and control systems.

Now back to reality...
Since I don't have $10k, I'm hacking out 20x50 square feet of iceplant a few yards at a time by hand. Then on trash day I go up and down the street dumping as much of it as possible into every trash I can find that isn't full. In between times, I'm chopping away at the hill, which is composed of layers of sand and silt solidified to near-stone; and slowly building a retaining wall of concrete blocks and rock. And for the next couple of years I'll be driving out to the country 2-3 times a week and loading up my SUV with as many rocks as it can haul.

It's a lot of work, but hey, at least I'm losing weight!

[John Busby]

Hi Capt Carales
Ball park that should just about pay for a rather nice Aster 4-6-2 locomotive
and postage from the local Aster dealer he is only a couple of states away[:D].
Might have to make the loco smaller and get some broader curves[:(]
regards John

[tangerine-jack]

Tunnels are usualy built with PVC or concrete pipe before any dirt is put in place, including access hatches and such if required. Normaly a G scale tunnel is wider than normal and only as long as your shortest arm times 2. There is a thread somewhere that explains "how to" in pretty good detail, but I can't find it right now. It's not as hard as it would seem, and a lot more permanent and cheaper than fiberglass. But hey, if glass is your thing, then go for it!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tangerine-jack


Welcome to the forum!
Quick question, why fiberglass mountains? Why not use real dirt? Just wondering what your thought process is on that.

Thanks - I guess I didn't mention the tunnels in my first post[:D] I was thinking that it would be easier to incorporate trap doors in fiberglass than dig out a tunnel in case of a derailment, but I'm always open to suggestions!

[tangerine-jack]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cwhuntersr

Being new to G-scale....

Since I don't even have a permanent track up yet, that would of course be first - plenty of turn-outs and fiberglass mountains to build - $2,000
Loco's and cars and power - I have little kids, so my dream of steam will have to wait, so it's RC everything - $5,000
Pond - always loved the water features and bridges...somehow I'd incorporate Koi into it all (mosquitoes are killer around were I live). Maybe I'll have to build a nuclear power plant to explain how the flushed goldfishies become as big as whales :D - $1,500
Need to send the Capt on a "thank you" cruise to the bahamas for letting me win the contest - $1,500

Welcome to the forum!
Quick question, why fiberglass mountains? Why not use real dirt? Just wondering what your thought process is on that.

[Anonymous]

Being new to G-scale....

Since I don't even have a permanent track up yet, that would of course be first - plenty of turn-outs and fiberglass mountains to build - $2,000
Loco's and cars and power - I have little kids, so my dream of steam will have to wait, so it's RC everything - $5,000
Pond - always loved the water features and bridges...somehow I'd incorporate Koi into it all (mosquitoes are killer around were I live). Maybe I'll have to build a nuclear power plant to explain how the flushed goldfishies become as big as whales :D - $1,500
Need to send the Capt on a "thank you" cruise to the bahamas for letting me win the contest - $1,500

[grandpopswalt]

TJ,

Thanks for your kind offer to help with the landscaping project here on the W&DR RR. As you know all work has just recently come to a sreeching halt. However, I'm going to have to say "thanks but no thanks". This whole experience has been so traumatic for me that the mere mention of the word "landscape" brings on violent constrictions in my lower bowel.

Walt

[Anonymous]

Captains? Uh....nothing but Lieutenants here...

As for Ford F-150s with Rebel flags...er...things aren't that bad over here in Oilton, Texas.

[tangerine-jack]

Walt,

I understand your dissatisfaction with the corporate management methods of a certain Capt. Carrales. It is indeed unfortunate that he chooses to engage in conduct that is most disrespectful to the legitimate business world and members of my family.

It is my understanding that the contract enforcers of the Dixie D SL have made contact with Mr. Testosterone somewhere in central Texas this very afternoon and have come to an agreement for the collection of funds that will be mutually beneficial and avoid any unpleasant misunderstandings between our interests.

I cannot begin to express my sympathy to you for the way you were treated. Perhaps at a better time we can discuss an offer I know you won’t be able to refuse for the landscaping work you need done.

Regards,

TJ

[grandpopswalt]

TJ,

It’s unfortunate that we’ve come to this sad state of affairs. I appreciate your generous offer to help with the collection of this debt but as of this morning the matter is out of my hands. The aggrieved party, a Mr. Vinny Testosterone, has agreed to cancel our contract to landscape my backyard. He is only seeking compensation for out-of-pocket expenses incurred thus far in the sum of $4,997.32 USD. He will be pursuing Capt. Carrales for payment. He feels that the owner/publisher of a news publication with international distribution will be able to, as he puts it, “come up with the cash”.

I feel terrible about the way this whole thing has developed. However, it was, after all, the good Capt. himself who made the initial offer to finance his fellow forum members. Only after many of us had already entered into contractual agreements did he callously strip the greenbacks from our outstretched hands, very cold, very cold indeed.

Walt

[tangerine-jack]

That's very true, Thor! I'm thinking that money is best spend on the infrastructure of the railroad rather than rolling stock that has nowhere to go. A well constructed garden/roadbed and interesting track plan will serve for many years as rolling stock is added to piece by piece.

I am working on my plan to be very much operator oriented with a long point to point plan with one closed loop (for visitors), elevated track, with multiple areas (gazebo like) to provide senic fields of view for operators and spectators. Involved is a large pond with a bridge for trains and pedestrians, and walking paths through the railroad itself so I can "railfan" my own trains as they work. I daresay most of the money will be spent on building the railroad itself, power and control will come later, maybe batt/RC and some live steam.

[thor]

Its not really all that much when you stop to think about it, is it? I could easily blow that on locos alone, a Lionel Shay and a Heisler and an MTH Climax, a Challenger plus the necessary track and some operating accessories plus cars and STILL have nowhere to run it all! OR - more sensible, I could buy a couple of switchers and cars and a lot of track and use the rest to build a really solid layout out in the garden. Hmmmm, its quite a hard choice because on the one hand there's the fantasy pike but I did that once and was pretty bored with it once it was done. Turned out the real fun was to be had on the floor with hands and knees, endlessly rearranging track to play games with the kids and that rules out most of the really spectacular locos that wont run on tight curves and accessories that really need to be fixed down. So I guess ten grand would be best spent on a ton of track and robust locos and wagons!

[Capt Bob Johnson]

And I'm sure that the boss has told them to change the look from time to time. I'd expect they might show up in gov't issue stuff one of these days!

Editor Carrales will know he's being watched when he sees that Dixie D logo on the door of that F-150!

[tangerine-jack]

Walt,

The associates from the Contract Enforcement Department of the Dixie D SL are already in the area driving a faded red Ford F150 with a dox box and Confederate Flag in the window. They were specificaly instructed to NOT wear excessive gold jewlery, but instead don cowboy hats and boots. More importantly they were told to keep thier mouths shut at all times so as not to give themselves away. I'm sure the good Mr. Capt Carrales has already seen our operatives in his area.

I'm sure in the interest of good business realations, I'm sure we can combine our efforts in training Capt Carrales good etiquite and respect for contract fulfilment and get him to pay up the 21,525,656 Malagasy Ariary that he owes you, and the back issues of "Two Trees Times" which have still not been recieved, much to the distress of the Boss.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by carpenter matt

Capt C, I'm close to Kevin's list in that I to would like to see afordable 1:20.3 passenger cars for under $ 200.00. I would also put money into castings/tooling and such for 1:20.3 STANDARD gauge, yes I know it would be huge that's the point[:p][:D]

Very good...that use of the $10,000 would be a benefit to the hobby. Matt, very philantrophic. Kudos on that.

Capt Carrales[:D]

[Anonymous]

Capt C, I'm close to Kevin's list in that I to would like to see afordable 1:20.3 passenger cars for under $ 200.00. I would also put money into castings/tooling and such for 1:20.3 STANDARD gauge, yes I know it would be huge that's the point[:p][:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by grandpopswalt

Cappy,

I just concluded another conversation with Mr. Testosterone and his associates. I explained that my Godfather (you) had made this magnificent offer but alas had to renig at the very last moment. I went on to explain that you live somewhere in the south and that I don't have your current address. They assured me that they have their ways of getting that kind of information easily. I'm sorry but there's a real possibility that you may have guests soon. Keep an eye out for a very large, black limo slowly cruising your neighborhood streets.

Walt

I have spoken with my consigliare, who assured me that this issue will be resolved soon. A black limo will be as out of place in my hometown, which for our purposes is Conroe, Texas(sic), as a fireball at the south pole. The people of my hometown (Pecos, Texas) will not stand for this and will fight. The Mayor of my hometown (Lewisville, Texas) will alos not stand for this.

Capt Carrales
Jarrel, Texas

[grandpopswalt]

Cappy,

I just concluded another conversation with Mr. Testosterone and his associates. I explained that my Godfather (you) had made this magnificent offer but alas, had to renege at the very last moment. I went on to explain that you live somewhere in the south and that I don't have your current address. They assured me that they have their ways of getting that kind of information easily. I'm sorry but there's a real possibility that you may have guests soon. Keep an eye out for a very large, black limo slowly cruising your neighborhood streets.

Walt

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jzmsvm

Ok, I'll throw this in the ring just 'cause it's different.[:)]

I would use the $10,000 to build my dream town in miniature. It would be a conglomerate of the towns from "The Turman Show", "Pleasantville", and every small town depicted in Fannie Flagg novels. I would start with the town square, including a brick courthouse, a bronze war memorial and a band shell. I would then build homes and local stores, slowly moving out to the farm houses and barns on the outskirts. We can't forget to throw in white picket fences, rose bushes and laundry on the line in the backyard. The train station would always be crowded with family members coming to visit and kids going off to college.

Some of the money would go into buying the small details like windows and doors from Grandt Line and building supplies from Topez or Garden Texture. But the majority would be used on all the extraneous stuff that takes a garden railroad village from filling in space between the tracks to making you want to be small enough to live there.

So that is my contribution, Capt. Carrales. I hope it is what you were looking for. [swg]

Excellent, I think a railroad that can "go places" is a great idea. I plan to have three settlements. All rural of course. I also believe that, since $10,000 is not at our ready disposal, there is an element of patience and gradual building.

I have learned to wait and save up for things. Thanks, you post was most definately in the spirit of the Thread. We may have to "spin off" this thread based on some of the replies.

Thanks

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bman36

Capt.,
Don't have the time for all the necessary research...but. I would start on it as soon as we move outside of Winnipeg. Five acres should do it. I could very easily spend half doing all the necessary prep work. A fence would needed to keep the deer from eating everything. The other half would be for track first and then some rolling stock. Maybe a couple of locos in the form of GP7/9's. I know the money would go fast. As for the actual size of the layout? The bigger the better of course! Later eh...Brian.

Take your time, this is all in fun. I know you would do quite well with that amount.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Puckdropper

Right now, I'd have to figure out some way to double that to $20,000 or so in order to buy a brand new card. (Or at least a very young car.) It IS railroad related because if I can't get to the hobby shop I can't get more trains. ;-) (My car's getting old.)

Now that I pointed out that loophole, let's get to the loop of track in the yard:
Turnout or two - $100
Snow removal equipment - $250
New Locomotives to push snow removal equipment (battery powered please) - $750

Hey-- I live in the midwest where it could snow a foot one day and then by the weekend you wouldn't even know it was there. As the "residents" on my line get used to having trains (and homes lol) shutting down for snow just cannot be tolerated.

Anderson Powerpoles - $100 (For quickly connecting track power. Also used in the Ntrak recommended practice.)
More track - $300
American Style rail cars - $500

I don't believe the LGB 2-axle cars run as well as the 4-axle versions around curves. Without the second axle on a truck to guide it, they kinda flop all over.

Ok, that's $2,000. Sorry, Capt, I don't think I can make $10,000 without some serious spending. I'm also constrained by the fact that we're not going to be in this house forever. I want to keep things light so that when the time comes to move it's easy on me.

Removing that consideration, let's just say the rest of the $8,000 is going to spent on
Tools (Makita portable power tools. Pick one up and see why.)
Materials (Probably everything will be scratch built or kit bashed.)
People (Someone's gotta live in the buildings I make.)
Ballast, roadbed materials
Garden plants (I like the edible kind.)
Protection money for certain enterprising individuals. These are the guys who control the supply of locomotives and track in the area. They'd much rather you bought from them rather than "import" it from somewhere else. (-; (-:

Very good start...you can, of course, take your time with this. Make other posts...amend...detract.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by grandpopswalt

Cappy,

Thanks to your philanthropic offer I’m going to spend the money as follows: $5000 for land clearing, bulldozing, fill, and landscaping. The other $5000 goes to Accucraft 1:20.3 locos and 1:20.3 rolling stock as well as more R/C equipment for the locos. If there’s any left over, it will go toward code 250 track.

Please forward the check as soon as possible, Vinny (DaKneecap) Testosterone is already demanding the upfront money for the landscaping work.

Walt

Per favore, Amico e mio amici. I wish I had the money to do this. My goal for this post was to rouse the interest of some excentric philanthrop who would give us that money.

As for the gentleman you mention...well, have to handle this one in the "family."

[Capt Bob Johnson]

Ah, 6% of 10G's = $600.00 a year to spend, so all I'd have to do is live another 20 years and I'll have been able to spend more on my trains than the 10G's. Of course that assumes that I'd still be cognizant enough to play with trains at 86!

Seriously, TJ, I've got much more than that tied up in block, fill, and pond without even laying any track!

[jzmsvm]

Ok, I'll throw this in the ring just 'cause it's different.[:)]

I would use the $10,000 to build my dream town in miniature. It would be a conglomerate of the towns from "The Turman Show", "Pleasantville", and every small town depicted in Fannie Flagg novels. I would start with the town square, including a brick courthouse, a bronze war memorial and a band shell. I would then build homes and local stores, slowly moving out to the farm houses and barns on the outskirts. We can't forget to throw in white picket fences, rose bushes and laundry on the line in the backyard. The train station would always be crowded with family members coming to visit and kids going off to college.

Some of the money would go into buying the small details like windows and doors from Grandt Line and building supplies from Topez or Garden Texture. But the majority would be used on all the extraneous stuff that takes a garden railroad village from filling in space between the tracks to making you want to be small enough to live there.

So that is my contribution, Capt. Carrales. I hope it is what you were looking for. [swg]

[bman36]

Capt.,
Don't have the time for all the necessary research...but. I would start on it as soon as we move outside of Winnipeg. Five acres should do it. I could very easily spend half doing all the necessary prep work. A fence would needed to keep the deer from eating everything. The other half would be for track first and then some rolling stock. Maybe a couple of locos in the form of GP7/9's. I know the money would go fast. As for the actual size of the layout? The bigger the better of course! Later eh...Brian.

[grandpopswalt]

Cappy,

Thanks to your philanthropic offer I’m going to spend the money as follows: $5000 for land clearing, bulldozing, fill, and landscaping. The other $5000 goes to Accucraft 1:20.3 locos and 1:20.3 rolling stock as well as more R/C equipment for the locos. If there’s any left over, it will go toward code 250 track.

Please forward the check as soon as possible, Vinny (DaKneecap) Testosterone is already demanding the upfront money for the landscaping work.

Walt

[tangerine-jack]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Capt Bob Johnson

Please note just how familiar TJ is with all those currencies!

His most famous saying is "Join the Army and have the taxpayer foot the bill for sending you all over the world so you too, can spend money in 137 denominations and 60 currencies, each in its own locale!" Now that's reality when you spend money in the country it came from!

SHHHH!!!!! BOB! That's a military secret! Now I'll have to hunt down and kill everybody who has internet access and can read this forum! Sheesh, as if I didn't have enough to do already![;)]

I think everybody is kinda missing the point here. You have $10,000 US (convert to your local currency!) for a thought experiment in garden railroading. The task is to take 87,768.7 Ethiopian Birr or 62,204.0 Swaziland Lilangeni and build a dream railroad. No car payment, mortgage or other expenses exist. It is a perfect world as far as we are concerned. I know most of my “money” will be spent on landscaping and track. Somebody else might forgo the landscaping for huge runs of track. The task is to see what kind of railroad YOU would build with 17,700.0 Aruban Florin.

I think this is the best idea to come out of the forum since the whimsy build off!