I was going to post some pics of a locomotive (Steam with snow plow) some track and some figures (my first attempt) but decided they may be inappropriate, or violate forum rules.
They depict what happens when track is in the same yard as the two new (rescued) coon hounds we acquired. That makes a total of three coon hounds.
Anyway the railroad will be raised and in a separate area for obvious reasons.
I don’t think they would be inappropriate since they would be “train related”.(http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)
Jim,
Give it a try, we all like dog pictures. If you feel real uncomfortable, put it in “other hobbies”.
Raised railways have many merits. Age is the one that hits me first, literally. However, if I were to rebuild my railway as a raised railway, I would still want the track to float on ballast. That means that a retaining wall would be required, backfilled with earth, etc. I know many have their railway on stilts, but I must respectfully decline that method. At least for myself, as it would detract from the aesthetics of our garden.
Operation, shunting, dumping cars, switching, all would be easier with a raised railway, but it will have to be in another life for me.
I like photos of trains and pets and kids so go ahead and post them.
Raising your RR is a good idea unless the dogs try to jump over it that is. We had 2 cocker spaniels, down to one now and they would charge all over my floating track chasing squirrels. One like to do her business on the right of way which was never pretty.
A raised RR will alleviate many similar worries for you.
I have been following the article on raised roadbeds on mylargescale.com. The name Richard Smith has been mentioned as he has been successful in doing this. Can anyone lead me to information on what he has done? I am curious as to what others use to fill the space, other than dirt. Tires have been mentioned but they have inner cavities that must be filled as dirt will eventually wash in from rain. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Dennis.
Jon was kind enough to collect and post this.
OK, these don’t work. Jon Radder has them archived on his website, but I can’t seem to sus them out. Jon???
Steve,
The links on that thread are broken.
Dennis,
Years ago I grabbed a PDF on the Port Orford Coast RR. Took me a few minutes to locate it and get it uploaded to my site. Go here http://http://www.gscalejunkie.com/Articles/PortOrfordCoast/POC_Main.pdf to the article I have.
If your lands allows it a combination is always nice. Nothing can beat the look of track on dirt weaving through plants. If you can do a mix, you get best of both worlds. I was able to get a section raised about a foot. This makes a big difference. I can sit down while prepping my steamers.
I like what Ken has done and he incorporated some plants into his raised layout and he has the background scenery.
I’ve managed to combine raised with on the ground, too. In this photo, you can see that the track continues level on benchwork, as the ground falls away.
Another look.
Several yeas ago I changed from an oval to point to point with return loops at each end. Half the railroad was elevated to reduce the grade. The dirt end is depressed into a cut. Nothing but headaches… critters dump tailings on my tracks, Ma nature sends sand moving monsoons and … I thought I had protected it too! I buried a plank and stood up big rocks along the track and back filled between the two with ‘soft rocks’ rounded corners as opposed to broken rocks with hard edges. I thought the critters wouldn’t be able to dig through them… they went below and came up under the track!
My present plan is to raise it all. I have the wood, but the energy seems to be MIA as well as a second pair of hands…
100 degree weather is starting to recede, so maybe this is the time to begin…
John
Shawn Viggiano said:
If your lands allows it a combination is always nice. Nothing can beat the look of track on dirt weaving through plants. If you can do a mix, you get best of both worlds. I was able to get a section raised about a foot. This makes a big difference. I can sit down while prepping my steamers.
I like what Ken has done and he incorporated some plants into his raised layout and he has the background scenery.
Yes, my land has a healthy slope, thats why I have a healthy grade on my railroad. The lower reverse loop was built on a fill, with a curved trestle alongside the porch. Having the track raised in that area, on a trestle right beside the porch, turned out to be a good thing. I can sit on a milk crate and place the trains on to the track. Its a good design feature that just sort of happened because of the topography.
I’ve been off-line for a week while exploring the mountains of Colorado. Looks like Bob’s link works so you should be OK.
I didn’t need an argument to raise mine off the ground, just a good reason…(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)
Mother Nature provided that.
Nice example Steve. After all the blathering, I’ve finally started mine. I have 16 feet of the benchwork up, 10% of the final. Will be 32" wide and 38-32" high. Using deck piers as you have, as I’m over digging post holes. I’m following Richard Smith’s approach to the top surface. We’re not as wet as he is, so I think the crusher fines surface over hardware cloth and landscape fabric will hold up well here. The width should be adequate to run 2-3 interconnected mainlines and several sidings. Trying to work out how to include a trestle or two and bridges. Our biggest issue is sun and subsequent damage. The new layout will run partly through some Pinon woodland, but additional cover will be needed. Following completion of the benchwork, I will landscape the sides to partially conceal it and eventually provide some shade for the structures. There will also be a permanent shade structure (already acquired) at the control center for human and equipment protection. If our winter is not too harsh, I hope to have the structure completed by spring in order to start track laying and other landscaping. I’ll post pictures as I progress. My knees will be forever grateful!
Although I like the traditional appearance of grade level layouts, keeping things level, clean and free of critters, especially elk, has become a real burden. Looking forward to a little easier maintenance, albeit without as much “garden” in the mix. Will keep you posted.
I just set up a new photo album with two images showing the beginning of a new raised layout. As i don’t have any images stored in any online website, I have been unable to post anything in a message. Perhaps the album will provide what I want. Anyway, I’ll post progress there. Hopes this works.
Here ya go, Rich. You can post photos from your albums.
