Reported Cliff to BD for saying “hung” and “latex” !!!
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A bit of setting out this week, then onto posts.
I deference to other’s OCD, I did round holes for round posts, although I was sooo close to chopping out a square top just to see who said something (Devon). 
4 more posts to finish this bit.
The top loop got a shrubbery,
And work started on another shrubbery to add some view blocks from the driveway. The knights who say Ni would be pleased…
Cheers
N
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A bit of general update - not a whole lot done this summer so far. The aim is to get the mid loop in and trains running loop to loop. Does this qualify for IARRR membership…?? (fingers crossed)
I’m working on the yellow track in the blue circle, and if the weather behaves some of the red track might get a nudge.
Mainline is descending at 1% until it hits the passing loop (future yard), flat for a bit then rises at 1.2% to get back up to the main. The red track keeps going downhill at 1%.
The poles got trimmed to height & stained - bit of a change from a pole farm to the black stump forest.
I made the bench supports in the shop so they had a vague chance of being square, they’re 1200mm (4’) wide so can play around with making the yard on a curve.
Posts checked
And installed…
Spot the deeper one? Somehow I managed to chop a post too short. Just one. 
Track height is 90mm above this level in the yard. I’m still pondering if I should dig out in front so the track is closer to waist height. It’s actually quite low on the LHS - only just above knees.
More to come.
Cheers
N
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Would the low one present an opportunity to build a bridge, causeway or mine?
Thinking the same thing Bill. Low bridge, or…
While viewing/photographing is better on the higher bench, yard switching might benefit from the lower bench for a better view. You could always have both; Put some pavers on this level, then dig out the walkway outside of that with a little retaining wall. Step up if you need a better look or more reach.
Wonderful plan, Eric! I’ll be looking forward very much to seeing your progress.
Beautiful setting, wow.
Good point Jon. I’ll definitely keep that in mind.
Cheers
N
Thanks Cliff, we keep pinching ourselves to make sure it’s real.
Cheers
N
Rain forecast for the next few days - managed to get in a full day of bench building today.
And a bit of paint…
Cheers
N
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Looking great Neil. Looks like you’re going to need a lot more latex. 
Well Bill, that made me go and look.
Usu supplier still has no mention of it on the website, and next best local supply is $50/litre or $190 for 5 litres (out of stock !! 
).
I guess the molds I’ve got are just gonna have to last a long (long) while…
Cheers
N
Well, summer break is over, and I managed to get the benchwork mostly done.
Looks like there’s no need to lower the ground height Jon, the track around the beginning of the yard bench is a touch under 3’. I did a lean test and marked my reach with a muddy finger and the answer was also steady 3’ so that’s all sorted.
Still got this junction to go. As usual I took something simple and made it complicated. I think I’ll have to lay out the track line first to see where it’s going before I frame up.
After 2 years of repeatedly setting up the laser level every day and reworking RL’s - I finally installed a fixed station point that I can see from most of the layout. Why I didn’t do something like this at the beginning I have no idea.
This is where the mainline continues downhill to the right, and the return loop rises back up. Looking at this shot I may have to adjust the return framing to the right a bit.
I really miss my free pile of wood, there’s only small offcuts left now. Had to buy almost all of the timber for this lot. Total $$ for this effort is about 12 (EDIT 15 now, I found another receipt. 
) second hand B’Mann boxcars.
On the domestic front - the screening garden got planted, and some path edging installed. I need to slap some ‘make it go away’ black stain on the new timber this weekend.
Unfortunately the man trap got dismantled as part of the garden work… 
Next step is to sort out the yard bench, and start on some roadbed.
Cheers
N
3 Likes
Looks awesome. I think you will be very happy that the yard bench landed at 3 foot. When making up trains it’s great to have a “tower” view of the yard.
Neil, I have been following along with your build with GREAT interest. My plan is to build my layout similar to yours (different layout, similar construction). You are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your journey. I wish I had a big load of free lumber
so it seems, that you are to finish your mile of benchwork.
now its just the track, landscape and buildings…
now i’m just trying to calculate, how much popcorn i will need during the three to five years, untill you’ll declare this thread done.
Amazing and inspiring work, Neil.
Wonderful progress.
You got me questioning my expansion plans…
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Well done Neil. You could park a tractor on that benchwork.
it reminds me of Richard Smith’s Port Orford RR
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