track laying

[Dick B]

I'm new to garden railroading and I'd like to know if there is an inexpensive way to lay track without having to dig trenching and lay ballast underneath.  Thank you for any help.

[kstrong]

It depends on how permanent you want the installation. Many temporary railroads have been built right on top of mulch or just laying on the lawn. Can't get cheaper than that, but you won't get the rock-solid stable support needed for long-term reliability. As the roadbed settles, track joints bend one way or the other, leading to derailments. Also, the weight of the locomotive running over the rails will inherently push the mulch out from underneath, expediting the process. Figure on daily adjustments to the track if you're not using a solid foundation.

You could use something like pressure-treated lumber or trex (synthetic composite material) as a support, but to be honest, digging a trench and filling it with ballast is easier--and most likely cheaper.

Is there a particular reason you can't dig a trench for a proper foundation? What's the environment you'll be building the railroad? That'll help us with alternative suggestions.

Later,

K

[FJ and G]

I don't get it. What's so expensive about digging a trench and putting ballast in it? You can buy ballast (crusher fines) for $17 a ton at any quarry or rock supply outlet anywhere in the US and Canada. It's the subbase they use to build roads and highways. Just ask the hwy dept where they get it from or any construction company can tell you.

[Anonymous]

Hi Dick, welcome to the forum.  Althought I'm new to the hobby I've been hanging around here since last Sep.  During that time I have gain a wealth of information and knowledge from these guys on the forum.  Listen to what they have to tell you and you won't go wrong.

I too am building my first outside railroad.  I have all the ground cleared, a layout drawned up, track on order and now just waiting on some decent weather so I can get outside and start digging.  Yes, I said digging.  After reading up on the various methods of laying roadbed, listening to what the forum members were telling me, I have decided to trench out my roadbed, lay in crusher-run, tamp it down real good to form a solid base for my track.  You should probably consider doing the same but like was mentioned above, provide a little more information on what you have and what you want to do, then the forum will come through for you with some good advice................

Best Regards,

 SRS

[Anonymous]

I don't dig a trench even; i just put quarry fines down on the ground and its permanent enough for me. When i elevate a track i even provide a tray, to contain the ballast and you cannot tell from the running of the trainif it is on the ground or elevated and the transition between the two can be a real delight.

Rgds Ian

[Dick B]

Thank you for your response.  We live in a wooded area with a lot of surface roots.  I also have trouble with my knees, and am just trying to make it easy as possible.

[Anonymous]

To save your knees and back try an elevated track system....say about 24 - 30 some odd inches off the ground. This can be a ladder type system screwed together via treated 2X4's and probably just sat on the ground with 2X4 verticle supports. I wouldn't worry about it moving if the entire system is bolted and screwed together, it will be strong enough.......

 http://rides.webshots.com/album/547283539pPilnH

I started my outdoor railroad last spring and this spring I want to add en elevated section (200+ feet of track) into the next yard to run a passenger service using the new Aristocraft Streamline cars.

dan

[Anonymous]

Dick;

I too have trouble with both my knees, and this is why i just put the fines down, get them approximately correct and then get the rail into place and then finalise the way. This is easiest for me. the idea of a raised track is a very good one but the effort to raise it may not be worth the work, this will also knock your knees around.

My knees and a few other health issues are what has promptecd me to live where i do.

Rgds Isn