I made more progress in the last few days although not as much as I wanted. Had to work on the layout in between doing yard work. Friday O finished building the pondless waterfall. It needs a little tweaking and some overhanging plants in spots but overall im pretty happy with it. It does loose some water from the splashing but its not a big deal since it will only run what im out in the yard or running trains. The trestles are temporary. I decided that the covered bridge will go over the gap.
(http://oi57.tinypic.com/2i0asdh.jpg)
I also bought 13 spruce trees to get my pine forest started. I also got some boxwoods, Creeping Phlox, Alysum and some sedums. I haven’t planted most of the plants yet. Im still debating on whether or not I want to put a small mountain or two in the layout. Once I decide on this Ill have a better idea on where I want my plants.
Today’s project was getting the two switches leading into the reverse loops to spring back. I had the Aristo manual switches but learned fast they really suck for outside use if you want the switches to spring back. I cleaned them out good and laid some block under the switches hopping that would help. I thought wrong. My next step was to go the route that Jon and someone else mentioned (in my post in general discussions). After looking at the switches I came up with a supper simple solution using some springs I had laying around.
(http://oi59.tinypic.com/65miok.jpg)
(http://oi57.tinypic.com/287qknq.jpg)
I need to find a looser spring. These are a bit stiff. My 4 wheeled cars don’t have enough weight to open the switch. This is a temporary fix for now. Eventually I want to find a better way, using a switch stand, a tenmile switch throw or even an LGB manual switch, since it doesn’t stick up as high as the Aristo.
Some landscaping
(http://oi60.tinypic.com/np2viq.jpg)
