A small expansion

[Shawn]

Last Spring I extended the logging siding by about 15 ft or so. I always liked the way the log siding looked but never get to run trains on a regular basis through the siding. Since i dont do operations I always thought I needed a way to run service through that area on a regular basis. I spent the last year gathering some track and then came up with a plan. I decided that I would extend the siding and hook it into the main line. I layed the track out from the end of the logging siding and had it hook up to the end of my s curve by the mine siding.
The yellow playdo container marked the end of the logging siding

The log siding is on left. Track loops around. The old portable sawmill will become a tannery.

This is where the track ties back into the main line.

Closer look at where the siding reconnects to the main line

Overview of the new siding

Next step will be to level and balast the new siding. Then when the weather warms i will plant some nice bushes or spruce trees along the new siding. I test ran my steamer and my indy through the new siding and all ran great even with no leveling.

 

[Madman]

I love expansions. :love:

 

[Railfan]

Looking good!

 

[annieshalt]

ah you just cant beat a bit of land grab shawn.
looking good by the way. allan.

 

[garrymartin]

A nice extension. A tannery is an unusual choice for a trackside industry, although I expect it will enable the use of different rolling stock on your line.

 

[beavercreek]

Nice extension to your line Shawn...it will add a new dimension to it...literally!

 

[stockers]

Neat - love the track running between all those rocks.

 

[Shawn]

Well the guys were busy today preparing the land for the new expansion to the log siding.
The crew is digging and removing ubstructions along the new planed path.

A wall had to be built to hold back some of the earth and keep it from callapsing on the railbed.

Some cribbing was added along the le3ft side using some left over timber.

Track is being layed

Balst added

Test run

The guys need to order another load of balast for one one layer. Nothing open on Sundays. When the warm weather starts plants will be added. Im thinking taller shrubs along the outside.

 

[jameshilton]

Shawn that's looking great - I wish I could get my hands on such fine ballast as easily where I live Taller trees/shrubs on the outside sound perfect, obscuring the trains and making the line appear longer, and offering some different and un-expected viewing angles

 

[Shawn]

Thanks James If it was not so far i would send you some balast.
Work was suspended due or is it do to snowshowers moving in. Here is an overview

 

[whatlep]

Well the guys were busy today preparing the land for the new expansion to the log siding.

Shawn - some fantastic pictures in your thread and a really neat extension. The picture I've left in is a personal favourite (though the large plastic bucket might benefit from airbrushing!)

 

[JRinTawa]

Neat extension, and well done in the Garden Railways article too

 

[Richie]

Nice work Shawn

 

[Shawn]

The expansion is just about complete. I went to my local lowes to pick some wood up and instead I saw that they had their plants out. I was able to pick up a couple of the dwarf albert spruce trees for 6 and change. They also had smaller dwarf alberta spruces for 3 and change. I bought all they had. I have never seen them that size being sold at lowes.
I spent the last two days getting the new section done. I moved the spar tree from the camp and relocated it further up the line. I planted all the spruces alog the entire section. Now it looks like the track goes through a pine forest.
Overall view

 

[steven large]

loves yr SUPERB layout.. SO i nick yr piccy to show u tht i m makin one so wot do u called it? so what size is the wood? i like tht on my layout........btw oo superb....wow...

 

[Hofabooz]

Hi Shawn

Glad you had all those guys with the cart and horse to assit you I find my guys help out too.
Looking good

Regards

Mark