Bolendo
Registered
Hi folks.
New member here, and feeling extremely humble scrolling through what other members have posted. I console myself that we all have to start somewhere.
I live in a first floor apartment with a balcony that overlooks the sea. Although there is a shared garden, where I have an allocation, I have decided to build a small layout on the balcony. The space up here restricts the curves to R1, so my choice of motive power is limited accordingly, but I am more comfortable knowing it is "closer to home."
The layout is supported by a timber shelf running the 7 metre length of the balcony. There is a small glazed enclosure at one end. So far, the configuration is of a double track "end to end" with loops at each extremity. It runs along the outside railings, and has a fine wire mesh along the outside strung to prevent accidental falls into the garden. I am considering a scale size post and wire fence on the inside to prevent possible derailments from tumbling off onto the floor. I have already waterproofed the timbers (it rains a lot here) and acquired some track, although it is just a "dry fit" at present to permit clearance testing, prior to actual fixing the rail panels to the deck.
My main interest is in trams, which will run on the layout without too many problems, but I have also started with some steam outline stock. My biggest gamble yet is the purchase of a German Piko Class 64 2-6-2 tank loco, which is alleged to be able to negotiate R1 curves, due to a clever articulation of the rear set of drivers. I won't slit my wrists if it doesn't slide round the tight loops at either end of the layout, as there is enough straight and gentle curves to give it a good run for its money. The loco should arrive later this week.
I have some experience in o gauge, and hope to install overhead wiring to complete the scene for the trams. During the current restrictions, it is great to have something that will occupy my time. I am happy to have found this site. I appreciate I have a lot to learn, and a long way to go.
Bob.
New member here, and feeling extremely humble scrolling through what other members have posted. I console myself that we all have to start somewhere.
I live in a first floor apartment with a balcony that overlooks the sea. Although there is a shared garden, where I have an allocation, I have decided to build a small layout on the balcony. The space up here restricts the curves to R1, so my choice of motive power is limited accordingly, but I am more comfortable knowing it is "closer to home."
The layout is supported by a timber shelf running the 7 metre length of the balcony. There is a small glazed enclosure at one end. So far, the configuration is of a double track "end to end" with loops at each extremity. It runs along the outside railings, and has a fine wire mesh along the outside strung to prevent accidental falls into the garden. I am considering a scale size post and wire fence on the inside to prevent possible derailments from tumbling off onto the floor. I have already waterproofed the timbers (it rains a lot here) and acquired some track, although it is just a "dry fit" at present to permit clearance testing, prior to actual fixing the rail panels to the deck.
My main interest is in trams, which will run on the layout without too many problems, but I have also started with some steam outline stock. My biggest gamble yet is the purchase of a German Piko Class 64 2-6-2 tank loco, which is alleged to be able to negotiate R1 curves, due to a clever articulation of the rear set of drivers. I won't slit my wrists if it doesn't slide round the tight loops at either end of the layout, as there is enough straight and gentle curves to give it a good run for its money. The loco should arrive later this week.
I have some experience in o gauge, and hope to install overhead wiring to complete the scene for the trams. During the current restrictions, it is great to have something that will occupy my time. I am happy to have found this site. I appreciate I have a lot to learn, and a long way to go.
Bob.
