After a long period of inactivity, my LGB line has finally resurfaced. Abet on a much smaller scale than last time but there is potential to expand in time. My interests these days tend to be 32mm which means that outside, 75% of the track is 32mm gauge, however, there is a small 45mm gauge line growing. Running Bowaters Models means I need to be able to test on both gauges to its about time the 45mm appeared!
To start things off, here's the original post from my Garden Railway blog covering it from both a 32mm and 45mm gauge perspective.
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Couple of days later than planned, it is done (almost). It took two of us (me and dad) 6 hours to complete but its been worth it.
The first job was the remove the turf from the section of garden. Surprisingly easy to do but still took a long time.
Next, we put down the weed proof membrane onto the ground. Something I didn't do on the existing railway and boy, do I regret not doing it!
Next, the fun stuff starts. Ballasting! First pass took 12 bags of gravel with the second pass taking another 3. The membrane got trimmed as well at this point.
First track then went down. 45mm gauge first as its easier to lay. LGB track was used thoughout and unsurprisingly was down in minutes. First time I've had 45mm gauge out in about 5 years!
Now the track that will see the most use, The 32mm! Passing loop is long enough for a Brazil and two WHR coaches (Note, WHR not FR) which should be good. Only one joint needs trimming but the weather turned awful at that point so.... that can wait for another day. The track also needs packing but I suspect that will have to wait until better weather so I can get a loco out and start to test it all!
Safe to say I'm happy with the progress. I'm out of 32mm track now plus the parents want to see it bedded in before approving stage 3 so that's for another day.
In that post, there is mention of Brazils. That's because I operate a fleet of Accucraft and IPE Motive power which is all dual gauge. In fact, although most of the fleet is on 32mm, 'Leader' my first Brazil is on 45mm gauge after a recent visit to a 45mm gauge line!
With the 45mm track now down and to a extend operational, I finally got all the remaining 45mm gauge stock out. I have more than I thought! That said, although I don't plan for it to expand, if a Bachmann Lyn ever becomes available at a price I can afford, then I will be buying one because although I used to own one, I want another!
Cheers,
Jon
To start things off, here's the original post from my Garden Railway blog covering it from both a 32mm and 45mm gauge perspective.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Couple of days later than planned, it is done (almost). It took two of us (me and dad) 6 hours to complete but its been worth it.
The first job was the remove the turf from the section of garden. Surprisingly easy to do but still took a long time.
Next, we put down the weed proof membrane onto the ground. Something I didn't do on the existing railway and boy, do I regret not doing it!
Next, the fun stuff starts. Ballasting! First pass took 12 bags of gravel with the second pass taking another 3. The membrane got trimmed as well at this point.
First track then went down. 45mm gauge first as its easier to lay. LGB track was used thoughout and unsurprisingly was down in minutes. First time I've had 45mm gauge out in about 5 years!
Now the track that will see the most use, The 32mm! Passing loop is long enough for a Brazil and two WHR coaches (Note, WHR not FR) which should be good. Only one joint needs trimming but the weather turned awful at that point so.... that can wait for another day. The track also needs packing but I suspect that will have to wait until better weather so I can get a loco out and start to test it all!
Safe to say I'm happy with the progress. I'm out of 32mm track now plus the parents want to see it bedded in before approving stage 3 so that's for another day.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In that post, there is mention of Brazils. That's because I operate a fleet of Accucraft and IPE Motive power which is all dual gauge. In fact, although most of the fleet is on 32mm, 'Leader' my first Brazil is on 45mm gauge after a recent visit to a 45mm gauge line!
With the 45mm track now down and to a extend operational, I finally got all the remaining 45mm gauge stock out. I have more than I thought! That said, although I don't plan for it to expand, if a Bachmann Lyn ever becomes available at a price I can afford, then I will be buying one because although I used to own one, I want another!
Cheers,
Jon
