Large Scale Central

Barn Yard

Gardening
#1

Hi All,
I am planning to install a small farm with a barn on my outdoor ground level layout. Some one I was talking to about it recommended using “HYPERTUFA” as the BARN YARD material. I have looked at the information that I located on Google and also on another forum but I still have a few questions.
My questions are:
1. What is the best type of cement to use, Portland or Vinyl patching cement?
2. Should sand or pearllight be used?
3. How would it stand up to a New England winter?
4. Will Rain Water or Snow Melt pass through it?
5. How thick should it be installed?
6. Should some sort of wire be used to reinforce the mixture?
7. Is there a better product or a better way of accomplishing my gold?

Thank you in advance for any answers or comments that you may provide to me.
Happy Railroading,
Ron

#2

Ron;

Go to this link and it will tell you all about huperturf. This one only uses portland cement and sand but I have see some guys add a little peatmoss. It should work fine because the weather on the Cape is milder than here is New Hampshire.

#3

Ron;

oops!!
I forgot to send the link.

http://www.7-8ths.info/tricks.html

#4

Hi John,
Thanks for the that Link.
It’s 50 degrees here in the Elbow of Olde Cape Cod with a light breeze from the South. Hope it stay’s this way all winter.
Thanks again,
Ron

#5

For the hypertufa Ive made here, I use portland cement, sand, and peat moss. Its held up here pretty well in MA, but you have to let it cure, not just let it dry out. i.e. cover it with wet towels for several days. I have one batch I just made and let go on its own, and its flaking like mad. The other 2 I made the RIGHT way are still ok after 2 years.

#6

Hi Bob,
Thanks for your reply, I am still thinking the situation over. I am still wondering if this would be the best product to use for “PART” of my barnyard. I am still keeping my eye’s and ear’s open. What do you think?? or should I say what would you use?
Again thanks for your reply,
Ron

#7

Ron what are you trying to model with the hypertufa “cow patties”

#8

Hello Sean,
As you can see by my first post (9/5/06) I am trying to model a “BARN YARD” and the general area around the barn. I investigated HYPERTUFA and liked it but still wondering if rain water will pass through it. I also read a thread on a matting made from the husk of coconuts which is used outside in plantings all the time, it also has the brown coloring. I have not taken a stand on either one as yet but I must say that I am leaning towards the matting. If you or anyone else have any ideas I would be glad to listen to them before I spend any money the matting which is $5.00 a square foot.
Thanks for the reply and Happy Railroading.
Ron

#9

Go ask one of the horse owners for some **** and you will have the smell and real look!
Good luck!

#10

Sean,
Thanks, that idea sounds good to me, I will have to try it. I think I will send some to you first to see if you think the smell is just right if you don’t mind. Again I say if you have any “GOOD” idea’s please send them along.
Happy Railroading,
Ron

#11

Nope just full of horse ****!

#12

Sean,
That makes two of us but my horse $–$ is from Cape Cod!

#13

There is one member of this forum…who will remain unnamed…:smiley: showed up at one of our club meetings with ore cars full of horse sh…er road apples!

#14

Hi Warren,
Sounds like a REAL LIVE “LOAD” and a good time must have been had by ALL. You could freeze the ROAD APPLES and use them as HOCKEY PUCKS during the winter. You have to remember to look at the bright side of things.
Ron

#15

Except we are all too old to play hockey…:confused:

#16

Warren,
It not how old you are, it’s how young you feel.

#17

The Spirit…about 10 :slight_smile:

The Body…about 100 :frowning:

Believe me, when you get older you start hurting in places you didn’t even know you had… Yup, an exciting sport…Geriatric Football. :smiley:

#18

Modeling a barn yard, what to use…hmm, I dunno…what about…dirt?
That’s what I’ve always seen in and around barnyards…?

#19

Hi Michael,
Thank you for your reply. The main reason for the questions was to see if anyone knew of a product or was using a product that a RAIN STORM wouldn’t wash away.
Thanks again,
Ron

#20
Warren Mumpower said:
Except we are all too old to play hockey....:/
Warren can play goalie! I'm not sure what your after but I'm guessing you want a foundation? What about Durarock tile backer. Cut out the size you want and place your barn/stable on that? It's what I'm going to do, I have multiple pieces left over from a shower stall I built in the house? Trench out the area beneath it and fill with stone for drainage,place the slab on top. I have planted irish moss around it for a pasture as well. Just did it this summer so time will tell?