Well, s this forum shows, lots of different ways to achieve the same result. What is missing from most books, is the time it takes to practice getting good results from their method. It obviously isn't good seeing in print " after 3 weeks and 50 ruined models"....
Books about G-scale garden railways
- Thread starter Gerard
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Greg Elmassian
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Good point, many people (and books) will not take different climates into account. We have an excellent bridge builder in Arizona, but he insists on using raw steel, and will powder coat if asked.
In arizona, it is so arid, that bare steel will get a thin coating of rust and then it will sort of self limit.
Elsewhere unpainted steel will dissolve. Near the coast (where I live), a small amount of salt air will get through a scratch in powder coating and form a blister, actually trapping moisture to hasten the rusting process.
Could never convince this guy to make some stuff in aluminum or stainless.
Likewise some climates, track power with brass is very simple, low maintenance, others have so much pollution or other things in the air, it's impossible.
But you get "books" from "experts" where there is only one way to do things, and of course it does not work for everyone.
Greg
In arizona, it is so arid, that bare steel will get a thin coating of rust and then it will sort of self limit.
Elsewhere unpainted steel will dissolve. Near the coast (where I live), a small amount of salt air will get through a scratch in powder coating and form a blister, actually trapping moisture to hasten the rusting process.
Could never convince this guy to make some stuff in aluminum or stainless.
Likewise some climates, track power with brass is very simple, low maintenance, others have so much pollution or other things in the air, it's impossible.
But you get "books" from "experts" where there is only one way to do things, and of course it does not work for everyone.
Greg
Anglian
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As a slight aside,I noticed that the John Lythgoe book was noted earlier. This is a book that I have been trying to get my hands on. It was recommended by a fellow forumite some time ago, who suggested I contacted the author, which I did but to no avail. If anyone at any time has one they don't now need, I would happily purchase it.
Trevor
Trevor
justme igor
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What the books point out in my opinion is that they wright down what works for them but they dont mention how much mistakes they made or how much time there railway was costing to achieve.
They are just giving some ideas, in the hope that there idea will work for you.
I must admit, there are some pretty nice idea's.
With best regards Igor
tac foley
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If you live in UK or even NW Europe- then Tag Gorton's books are great, even though they are mostly concerned with running steam in the garden, hence the title. If you live in NE/NW USA or within, say 150 miles North or South of the Canadian border, then Kevin Strong's excellent book is a good read - Happy Birthday, BTW, Kevin!
As Greg notes, a country as large and with such diversity of weather and climate really needs a separate 'how-to' for each region - and elevation!! Running a steam loco at 9000 ft is a different 'kettle of steam' that's for sure!!
As Greg notes, a country as large and with such diversity of weather and climate really needs a separate 'how-to' for each region - and elevation!! Running a steam loco at 9000 ft is a different 'kettle of steam' that's for sure!!
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tac foley
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If you care to join us over on the Facebook 16mm Assoc page, many of your queries and questions will be answered - the John Lythgoe book has already been mentioned a number of times this week already!