Large Scale Central

New Juslenville layout

General Discussion
#1

Operations came to an end on the timesaver in 2008 after we decided to look for a more suitable house in the vicinity. The layout was dismantled and stored for better days. We found what we wanted and although the garden was smaller than before, it was much more practical to keep up and to display the bonsai collection, leaving more than enough space for a vegetable garden AND a decent layout. After moving and arranging the essentials for living in 2009, planning the new pike could start. The garden has a 10% slope so that had to be overcome by some terrain leveling in order to achieve a 2% maximum grade. I decided to work with a backfilled two level retaining wall and a winding track layout to bridge the 4 foot height difference. Here is a copy of the layout plan. It covers an area of approx. 27 by 30 foot

Work began in March 2010 with marking the grounds and construction of the retaining enclosure with “crack and stack” interlocking concrete blocks.

It took about 1200 of those to complete the wall.

The material is easy to use for a novice in building such as I and work progressed fast during the two following months.

By the end of April, backfilling could begin and some trackwork was laid. That involved another 18 tons of gravel to get up there by wheelbarrow…

By the end of May, this is what it looked like.

The first trains could test run a short distance in June

And the main loop was completed at the beginning of July, with the inaugural run on our Belgian National Holiday.

Meanwhile, most of the rolling stock has been converted to Kadee couplers and most of the locs equipped with Massoth sound decoders. There is still a lot of work to do but at least we can enjoy running our trains again! And as we found out that there is another model railroader (N scale) a few houses down the street, the pleasure is bound to be shared quite often.

#2

Very nice Frans. You’ve made great progress in a short time.
Ralph

#3

Nice track plan. Has some good, long runs. Do you have plans to integrate some of those Bonsai into the layout?

#4

Felicitations Frans,

You certainly have put a lot of hard work into the building of your railway. It looks very good and although the slope of your garden made extra work it does make for some easing operation positions and of course good viweing for family and friends.

Bon Chance!

#5
Ken Brunt said:
Do you have plans to integrate some of those Bonsai into the layout?
I don't think that they are really suited to be integrated in the layout. Some of them have been on international exhibitions in differents parts of Europe and require quite a lot of care. Standing them on a stony surface would create a very dry environement and could mean their death due to heat reflexion in warm summer days. Even now with grass underneath the benches it's sometimes risky already.

But who knows? Maybe there’s one or two which I won’t continue to keep in the collection and they might find a spot in full ground :wink:

#6

Thats looking great so far. Cant wait to see more

#7

Beautiful layout.

I was just talking to a Bonasi guy and thinking, “This would be great for garden railroaders to know.” He agreed and suggested I find a little ficus to experiment with as it can winter inside.

#8

You are making a lot of quick progress. A lot of work and well-thought out.

The work you do in one week has taken me all summer. Keep up the terrific work.

#9

Frans, What a beautiful looking layout… Enjoyed the pictures of your progress…

#10

Very nice !

#11

You have been a busy man, Frans.
Very nice railroad.

And now for the not-so-good news.
Unless you tamped (compacted) your fill as you laid it down, expect at least a 7" settling in places over the next few years.

#12

Great looking RR. Lots of progress. I need to convince SWMBO about those blocks. I have an elevated section right near a walkway that could put those to good use.

#13

Well laid pike Frans. What are the grouped white tubes for?

#14
Dave Marconi said:
Well laid pike Frans. What are the grouped white tubes for?
That's the electrical cables from the central command to the 13 blocks of track. Although the layout runs actually under DCC, it can also be used with classic DC.
#15
John Bouck said:
And now for the not-so-good news. Unless you tamped (compacted) your fill as you laid it down, expect at least a 7" settling in places over the next few years.
You're absolutely right! That's why I didn't put anything down permanently before experimenting through the next winter. We're in a region where winters are quite cold with a lot of humidity. I didn't want to dig beneath the frostline and pouring concrete as this would be about 3 feet deep. I'll have to wait and see how everything settles before ordering another truckload of grit and refurbishing the tracks :)

Most of the concrete blocks are 2 levels deep and rest on the underground. Hope they will rise and fall with all the rest of the terrain :confused:

#16

That’s some work Frans… I know what that feels like… Well done :slight_smile:

#17

Both you and Andy have decided that building walls is a new hobby. :wink:

That really looks nice. Lots of work, but it’s worth it. I like the neat look.

#18

Very nice layout and a great addition to your nicely landscaped yard.

#19

Very nice, attractive layout! You’ve put quite a lot of work into it already.

#20

Don’t understand why but I can’t see the pictures. Only a square with what looks like a torn page inside.
Any body know why?
Ron