Flaxton Creek Railway Build Log

Neil_Wiggins · December 31, 2025, 9:44pm

Morning Bill, happy new year…

Sorry for no updates, there has been progress, albeit slow. If the weather doesn’t improve later today I’ll try & put some pic up this arvo.

I’m trying to get one section scenic’d (sp?) for the show. Bumping into all the usual self inflicted distractions and other unfinished bits… And rain. And the local hardware running out of 6x1’s and 8x1’s right on the cusp of the holiday break (yes none - wait till the mill starts back up on the 5th they said…!). BaU.

36 days and counting. I’m off till the 12th so hoping for a big push next week when I’m mostly home alone.

Cliff told me he was coming, I’ve booked him in for salads.

Cheers
N

Neil_Wiggins · January 8, 2026, 3:07am

Quick photo dump. Been working on the mine scene, plan is planter boxes and vertical rock faces.

Still lots (lots) more to do…

Cheers
N

Cliff_Jennings · January 8, 2026, 10:11pm

Atta boy, Niel! This will be really interesting!

Neil_Wiggins · January 9, 2026, 12:47am

Thanks Cliff, it’s keeping me on my toes for sure…

Started trialing some more rocks this morning, unfortunately the wind’s picked up and is blowing them over before I can fix them in place. Managed to rough in one of the tunnel portals before I gave up.

If the wind drops I’ll try and mud these in place later.

Cheers
N

Neil_Wiggins · January 19, 2026, 6:55am

Top piece of the portal got mudded in over the weekend, plus a few starters on the other end. Prob the last ones I’ll get done before the convention - need to tidy these up and then cover the bench work to hide the raw bits.

Oh, and reinstall half a dozen turnouts I’ve still got on the workbench, and get some ballasting done, and, and…

Cheers
N

16 days to go…

Cliff_Jennings · January 19, 2026, 11:32pm

Looking great, Neil! After all your preparation, your dream is coming together!!

Neil_Wiggins · January 21, 2026, 5:36am

lol, some assembly required…

Rick_Marty · January 21, 2026, 5:38am

Hey Neil, for some of us assembly is what it’s all about

Neil_Wiggins · January 21, 2026, 5:47am

The build is most of the fun for me too Rick.

I’m looking forward to getting some color on these, see how close I can get to the original rocks. Will be after the show - that bit will need a bit of time to figure out.

Cheers
N
Still 16 days to go 'cause I clearly couldn’t count last time!

Hines · January 21, 2026, 11:46pm

Nothing energises a project quite like a visit from fellow railroaders. We made remarkable progress once the Sydney contingent announced they were actually leaving on their national road trip.

I have not felt that kind of pressure on this thread since reading about the Great Latex Shortage of ’24 . A bit of extra time must feel like a welcome reprieve for you, Neil.

Neil_Wiggins · January 22, 2026, 4:33am

It’s sure nice to have Bill. Now, if only it would stop raining…

Cheers
N

Rick_Marty · January 22, 2026, 5:24am

It will all be good Neil. Just remember there is nothing like finding a momma skunk and 2 babies camped out under the layout tables and not wanting to leave the morning of the open house for the railroad.

Neil_Wiggins · January 22, 2026, 8:17pm

Ha ha, for not finding that I would be eternally grateful!

Rooster · January 22, 2026, 10:15pm

So I was going back through the thread looking at the fantastic work but also looking for the old people ankle breaking hole that was not used or filled (think it was eventually).

Anyway somehow I missed the part about Neils wife going to Dracula’s Castle in Romania cause I don’t believe the vineyard story. However Neil don’t care cause he’s got them stakes in the ground!

Good luck with the event Neil and try not to get too drunk and embarrass yourself. But if you do ring me up and I’ll give you some pointers for next open house!

Neil_Wiggins · January 24, 2026, 5:09am

Thanks Rooster - I might just call you up on that should the unthinkable happen.

It got used up - safety first ya know…

Ya got me on the visit to cousin Vlad. He was looking a bit poorly and since none of the kids wanted to take over the family business he let us have a few training poles. Nice guy if you stay on his good side…

Raining again. Got 5 turnouts painted to match the rest of the track. Throw bar assembly and re-installation tomorrow whatever the weather!

Cheers
N
13 days to go

Neil_Wiggins · January 25, 2026, 1:47am

Turnouts back in. Trying to ignore the other 4 that stick out like the proverbials (bright brass rail…).

Played around with some small rocks to see if I could make a boulder field or somesuch. This the same type rock that I took the molds from so the grain is the same. Looks ok, might have to head up to the river and get a few more buckets. I’d like to line the embankment in the background if I get time.

Ballast still to come.

13 12 days to go