maxi-model
UK/US/ROW steam narrow gauge railways 1:1
So, I suppose this is a good point to start. The title could describe the toll the past and recent summer's droughts and hot weather that has had on my garden. Or just me cussing ! Never mind so much heat there was little motivation to run antything, just test new battery conversions. That and I lost a fantastic part time gardener (ex' Legoland !) earlier in the year who helped me keep things under control. He had a devastating health diagnosis that ended his ability to carry on his work. I can only express my deepest sympathies there to him and his family. I myself have been dealing with my own health issues the past year that have impacted on my time and ability to manage and operate my line. What to do ? I'm qiute a practical and pragmatic soul. First some pictures that clearly show the level of tree and shrubs loss. I have added 3 pics at the end that show, and hopefully tally up, how things looked 15 odd years ago. Click on thumbnails to enlarge.
I was advised, by my prospective new gardner, the first step is to bring in a local tree specialist to remove the deadwood and that which is already too badly compromised. The new gardener is willing to take on a garden with a railway and carry out further work to get the remaining foliage into a more manageable form. Also to look at replanting some areas with more drought tolerant varieties. Yes, there are quite a few water hungry conifers around. That prostrate conifer has spread a bit too far too. However, I have to admit my line is now too large and complicated for easy operation and maintainace. And for any gardener to work around with ease. A bit of radical surgery will be carried out over the Autumn and Winter. I'll do it in stages, section by section so there is always a workable line at each stage. Below is schematic of my line, that which is red will be pruned, the green bit is what will be left to run on. A single loop with simple sidings a a wye for a bit of fun. Hopefully by spring I will have something workable I can enjoy again.
It's not all doom and gloom. I'll keep you posted as I and the gardener get on over the next few months, if you are interested. Or maybe I'll post whatever, it's good therapy
Could even be a guide to others how to help manage one's decline into older age and still enjoy your hobby. The transition from live to dead rail and battery/rc operation was the start 5 years ago. Let's see how this progresses. There could even be a few LGB R5 points, flexi track, track clamps and Clippard air point motors appearing for sale here soon
I was advised, by my prospective new gardner, the first step is to bring in a local tree specialist to remove the deadwood and that which is already too badly compromised. The new gardener is willing to take on a garden with a railway and carry out further work to get the remaining foliage into a more manageable form. Also to look at replanting some areas with more drought tolerant varieties. Yes, there are quite a few water hungry conifers around. That prostrate conifer has spread a bit too far too. However, I have to admit my line is now too large and complicated for easy operation and maintainace. And for any gardener to work around with ease. A bit of radical surgery will be carried out over the Autumn and Winter. I'll do it in stages, section by section so there is always a workable line at each stage. Below is schematic of my line, that which is red will be pruned, the green bit is what will be left to run on. A single loop with simple sidings a a wye for a bit of fun. Hopefully by spring I will have something workable I can enjoy again.
It's not all doom and gloom. I'll keep you posted as I and the gardener get on over the next few months, if you are interested. Or maybe I'll post whatever, it's good therapy
Could even be a guide to others how to help manage one's decline into older age and still enjoy your hobby. The transition from live to dead rail and battery/rc operation was the start 5 years ago. Let's see how this progresses. There could even be a few LGB R5 points, flexi track, track clamps and Clippard air point motors appearing for sale here soon
