New from sunny Margate, NJ

natoanjou

Registered
Starting first layout. Have track, engines and tender, etc. Just looking for layout ideas and best way to get track off ground but keep at ground level.
 
May I be the first to welcome you to our jolly little band. No doubt many of the other members will be along soon to give you a multitude of answers, as with everything related to G scale railways there is an abundance of information and experience to draw from so ask away. Don't forget that the only daft question is the one that wasn't asked.
Before the doomsayers step in I should warn you that our sense of humour is perfectly reasonable. Sometimes.
Above all else enjoy yourself here!
 
Before the doomsayers step in I should warn you that our sense of humour is perfectly reasonable. Sometimes.
Above all else enjoy yourself here!
Margate, eh? A bit close to the ocean to be safe from impecunious pirates seeking to pecuniate themselves (and pillage all your beer). Keep a weather eye out for galleons flying the Grand Fenwick Luxembourgish colours.
As for tracklaying, Google something like "garden railroad track bed construction" and settle in for a trek.
 
Welcome from down in the Southern Appalachians.
Track base depends very much on your local situation regarding soil type, climate etc., etc. What works for one doesn’t work for all. On the last outdoor iteration of the South Bucks Light Railway, in Northwest Florida - close to the Gulf - I had about three different methods all on one line!
You may need some help with translating the ‘humour’ or ‘humor’ from Olde British, but worry not as we repeat the same jokes ad nauseum so you’ll eventually become fluent.
 
Welcome to the Forum! I think I've seen a post where you sign off as Nato -we'll call you that unless you tell us otherwise.

I went for a concrete foundation and breeze blocks (which is what they are called here; maybe aerated or cinder blocks with you?) which are light in weight and easy to cut. That required quite a bit of physical work, but I'm young(ish) and also tight-fisted, so mixed all the concrete and cement that I needed by hand. I pity the person who will have to remove it when I'm gone...

Timber is light in weight, easy to handle, quick to build -in many ways the perfect material. The downside is that it can only ever be considered temporary in UK climates 10-15 years at most, I would suggest. I don't know how NJ compares to here, climate-wise.

Whatever you choose, enjoy the process of building your own railway, and be aware that it can be addictive!
 
When he said Margate I missed the NJ bit thinking Kent UK! Hm very cold winters so any foundations for concrete or hard base would need good deeper foundations than we need in UK for such things. Possibility of snow and colder weather that could have mire issues than we have with wood over here.
 
Welcome to the forum Nato.

I too was thinking Margate UK and a certain song by Chas and Dave....
 
Bonjela from East Anglia, England. Give Ryan a call at Triple R Services [gurgle it] or Jason Kovacs [gurgle him too]. Both are widely experienced in just off the ground layout-ing in your part of the USA. Get yourself to the next large-scale train show, too. The East Coast Large Scale Train show is THE venue for you Easterners.
 
Back
Top Bottom