We had hoped to be able to run some trains this year during the winter. The recent snow (26" worth) has created mammoth mounds of snow, which, in scale, are over 60’ tall. We do not have the equipment to clear such amounts (we can probably handle 4-5"). We tried to clear some of the line, but very time consuming, so we decided hot chocolate was a better alternative. Perhaps when it isn’t as cold we can remove some more snow, but for now, we’re inside. BTW, we did clear about 250’ of the 1900’ of track, not even enough to make a simple out and back. C’mon warm.
Get ya a plastic snow shovel, works great, less effort, less time!! Just not as much fun! Regal
Thanks Jerry, that’d probably work on the part of the layout that is close to ground level, but leverage above 4’ could be a problem. I do appreciate the suggestion, and I may try it on the lower section. You can view my layout by Googling "Romocomaka:
That’s why Kim insisted on a ceiling loop in the livingroom… no snow, no rain, no dog doo… just some black oily who knows what.
Did the plastic shovel thing, and it worked for a lot of the areas, I can now see about 1000’ feet of track. The stuff that is really high up (5-6’) can’t be accessed without a ladder, so I’ll wait for that part of the layout. There is one other area, the S’s, that are difficult to get to, but will try to do that tomorrow. We’re supposed to get warmer temps between now and Sunday, and then back to the frigid. If I can get the high areas done, I will run the wedge and sweepers through the layout, but will have to do it with battery power, I think. Amazingly, the first areas I did today, in the morning, were cleared to the rail top and had melted down to the ties by the end of the day.
I’d love to have a loop inside, but the CFO will not have it, besides, all of my stuff is KD’ed, so sharp turns might not be too good.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Noel I use a kids plastic snow shovel for the deep snows. Just cut the sides down so it is a little wider then the tracks. Works great. Then finish off by running a plow through.
Shawn said:That's a good idea. I'll have to look for one.
Noel I use a kids plastic snow shovel for the deep snows. Just cut the sides down so it is a little wider then the tracks. Works great. Then finish off by running a plow through.
Yesterday I dug out the walkway around the house. The spot where the tracks cross, CP-WALK, has a drift that is well over 60 scale feet. I don’t think any trains will be through there before a thaw.
Did the small shovel thing yesterday, and it worked well, just that 1900’ of track is a bit much, so I was planning on finishing it today. My orthopedist has decided otherwise, and has put me in a foot boot for a month, which means that I won’t be able to get to the layout due to the terrain and white stuff. Maybe in a month it will all melt, and I can get ready for running again. Does anybody want to borrow my rose colored glasses?
Needless to say, than you for your help and suggestions.
Okay let’s start the rotary out of Colfax and the Truckee rotary. The line needs to be kept open.
Mik said:I seem to remember something about gravitational testing.
That's why Kim insisted on a ceiling loop in the livingroom.... no snow, no rain, no dog doo.... just some black oily who knows what.
Forrest Scott Wood said:Well, ya CAN'T have everything, y' know! (Besides, if you could, where would you put it all?)
I seem to remember something about gravitational testing.
John the layout is looking good. Isn’t it time for snow pictures?