Ian -- you are absolutely correct... strong opinions, and a real lack of heads up comparisons of capability. It's a huge start up cost, and I'm really concerned about making a very uninformed decision..... but I guess I'll struggle thru.
I've attempted to cut a few pictures out to show some of the progress so here goes....
The track plan...
The start of construction...
I laid about 5 !/2 pallets of PaveStone retaining wall blocks...
Filled in about 80 yards of dirt.... Still need about 12 to 15 more of rock, sand and dirt and started positioning cribbing and retaining walls
And just this week set in the Train barn on the backside of the garden
Probably too much at one time but had to show the work!!
mark
Toi compare radio controlled sytems, analogue and DCC systems is like waving a red flag at a bull; many people have some strong views on this subject.
I love DCC, it will definitely take you further than any of the others but it has its disadvanyages.
Like it is harder to work out how to use it properly at first and it appears expensive but i don't thnk it is in the long run.
rgds Ian
Obsessed? Phooey. Wives just don't have things in perspective, that's all.
You're out there working and building, good for you! That's what it's all about! Time well spent!
The Dixie D Short Line "Lux Lucet In Tenebris Nihil Igitur Mors Est Ad Nos 2001"
Sounds great! Will be anxious to hear more and "see" more as soon as you can. I too am working on my first out-door layout and it will be interesting to learn what others are doing. Mine I'm afraid will be rather small compared to most, only 14X17'. All level ground. You can see pictures of the area in my thread "The SRS Road" about pg. 2 I think. Check it out and let me know what you think............
Good luck and nice to hear about your project.
Well this maybe a little belated, but we've been working on the SCBL&FHRR for about 4 months now, and are just now getting to a point to lay track.....give or take three to four weeks with weather, golf, and my personal favorite fishing. I have not had a train since I was teenage 40+ years ago, and I have been exceptionally confused about DCC, Radio, and track power. And roadbed techniques
In the meantime I have positioned/laid 5 1/2 pallets of retaining wall block (approximately 780 @ 22 lbs each), moved 80+ yards of topsoil, placed 180+ feet of conduit and a similar amount of sprinkler line and built an outdoor train barn (14x3x3), set it in place, and my lovely bride thinks I'm obsessed.
As soon as I get thru the tutorial of posting pictures I'll give you folks a track plan, and pictures of the raised bed and train barn.
Get the Garden Railways newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month