Went and got another 600# of granite today. Before weather took a turn. Managed to complete my ballasting track as necessary.Got siding ballasted also. Wasn't sure if I was gonna get a chance to do another test, this time, with the Big MAC, and a few cars. Rain/wind stayed away long enough for me to get some decent run time in. Even as it started sprinkling again! Have some photos. The MAC, or my PA are perfect for testing track. Due to the extra long wheel base. Any uneven track, or dips in track will derail the lead truck. So far, I'm quite happy with how layout is turning out, and how well trains are running. Connection to back yard sometime next year. Want to complete front first.
Was, and still am, hoping to get a few photos of my GP40's for the modeling contest tonight. IF the rain stops and clears out enough for me to set up and attempt to run. Also picked up some extra pieces of track, and another switch, to make a quick change, as well as slowly start figuring out how to get track to layout in backyard.
Hey nice updates on the front yard, but what is happening in the back yard, I don't remember any updates on that, did you balast back there also? Would like to see any update photos of how the back yard came along.
Back yard is OK. Was done last year. Weeds have covered about 1/3 of track in back! I gotta check on it, andf maybe try to get something to run over it briefly. Last time I tried, things ran good. Some minor ballasting that needs to be done though. Can try to get photo(s) of back yard tomorrow.
A few photos of the GP40's in action this evening. Will see if I can get some of backyard tomorrow sometime.
Thanks! Appreciate the comments etc...Given by everyone. Had help in landscape department! I did most of the work, but worked ideas between Mom, dad and myself. Just to get the input, before actually doing anything. Once things were ready for planting, then Mom got to get involved! And again, we tossed ideas around, before doing anything. A family project for sure. Even though Dad didn't do much, his input was still requested. With more to go, eventually! I like it, things run, I'm happy.
I really like the landscaping you have done ....track work looks great too. I have dreams of someday building a nice landscaped garden and terrace with a small G scale railroad running through it all. Of course, I have to finish the 3000 other projects on the list first
I still gotta see about getting some photos of the back yard! Gone all day yesterday. And by the time I got home, and had dinner, it had started raining! Doesn't look any better now, although I have not been upstairs, or outside yet today! Front yard may have a few track changes made soon. Enlarge siding for one. And remove/replace switch that is creating an S curve, that could become source of problems later. Aside from that, everything else is OK. Runs good. Just gotta get out and level out a section of curve ttrack, that has become a source ofcar derailments! Or at leastdouble check some rail clamps. I may need to file down a joint. Have an occasional car picking the rail joint. Again, weather permitting!
Did the needed track work today. Realigned and lengthened siding. Still gotta straighten track out! Replaced turnout that was creating S curve. New end of lengthened siding. Still have to reballast and level reworked track. But, a quick check with small level indicates that not much work is going to be needed. Now, I need to start working on another retaining wall, along fence. So I can get dirt filled in to elevate track. Have ideas of putting in short bridges and/or trestle under tracks heading to back. Again, for drainage from roof. Gotta get track shopping list made now, so I can go and get some of the necessary track to continue current work. Thankfully, payday is this week!
What type/brand of track are you using? How long is the revised siding? Looking good. Hope to see it in person someday!
Using Aristo Craft track, with Split Jaw rail clamps. Both standard clamps, and by mistake, over joiner clamps. LGB power connectors. Right now, siding is 12-14 foot long. Need to make long enough to handle 2 GP40's, 10 cars and caboose. When you get back to the states, you're certainly welcome to come by for a visit! And/or operation time! Just need to know a bit in advance is all. Same for anyone else that is interested! Gonna be making a major track/turnout purchase a little later this AM. More track to start working my way to the back. Will be working on that tomorrow. Gonna try to get some sleep when I get home. Hoping to meet with friend tonight, and get telescope set up star/planet viewing for a bit later tonight. Weather allowing!
Additional photos of revised work. Showing both connections and sidings to back yard. Train added to check siding length. Major earth work to be done next! Better view of one siding to back yard. Additional retaining wall needed. Major earth work also needed. This will probably take remainder of summer. It's a major project, but it's coming along nicely. Not bad since I started work back in April of this year!
I don't. Just in case of possible derailment. Best not to, until there's good weather! Rain this AM. And light rain possible tonight, I think.
Your doing good, you complete one section of the layout and then you move on to expand, thats the way to do it. So many people try to make a huge layout all at one shot and it gets to overwhelming to do it that way. The best way to make a huge layout outside is just how you did it, make and complete a small section and add to it.
It's also easier to budget building materials by building in sections. Another couple weeks before I'm ready and able to add a few more pieces of track. I still need to modify siding along fence. Will keep building as long as I can. At least until it gets too cold outside to continue! Then, I can play in the snow!!
Was gonna see if I could get a couple of 12" Garden Metal Model bridges from ******* today. That trip, plus a T-Motor hunt in Golden aborted. Major fire west of Boulder. Massive smoke blowing to the east towards Denver. Now, it's headed towards Longmont. Winds should change later, blowing smoke etc...to the south. No work outside until air clears up!
Please don't use hobby store names unless you are talking about a exclusive custom run to that hobby store. It's against Train Board policies. As far as I know Garden Metal Models are not exclusive to the store you named. Feel free however to pm people a name or use intials, like this C_H_ is also acceptable. EMD Trainman G Scale Moderator
