Slow Progress on a Tiny Line!

stevelewis

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When I returned to g scale modelling after a 3 year break, i was full of big ideas!! I had been given permission from the domestic planning dept. to build a Garden Railway so long as it did not impose too much on the overall space.
So with the usual initial enthusiasm I went ahead and started to lay track etc. my entusuasm wained after a week or so as I began to realise that the task I had set myself was probably far too ambitious, given the fact that, the so called summer weather also includes a fair amount of torrential rain (we moved 8 years ago and have not had a `proper` summer here yet!)
so days went by with out much progress.

I had a rethink and decided to drastically reduce my plans, I have always had a leaning towards tramways ( too many hols in Soller?) so I decided to focus on developing a small tramway layout .
So currently progress continues, I am using just one side of the garden approx 50` in length and no more than 8` wide.
The actual track plan will consist of no more than a long oval with a passing loop ( perhaps 2) a couple of sidings and a link to the garage for stock storage..

So my original idea of a large loco layout has been replaced by Trams ( and streetcars under rule 8 conditions) although I have retained a Mallet and a couple of other large locos which will see an occasional appearance.

A long way to go yet but some photos attached.008.JPG006.JPG007.JPG010.JPG011.JPG
 

dunnyrail

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Steve,
Sometimes less is definately more. Nice start to a layout that has a chance of being something rather than a Pipe Drpeam that never gets anywhere.
JonD
 

stevelewis

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Thing is I find it difficult to accept a smaller space as being acceptable, but realising that starting to build a large line will result in my entusuiasm running out before I have got anywhere close to completion.

I do find that I do get sidetracked often by my current Kato RhB interest which is also under construction!! :eek:
 

mike

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slow and steady winds the day steve
 

Dave500UK

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I'm the same. If a project goes on too long I lose interest. It has to be started, worked on as much as possible continuously until finished, or if I get sidetracked onto doing something else, I never get round to finishing it off.
That's why my track is compact, scenic and completed to a working model in a couple of months.
I like your plan but the far end looks like drainage could be an issue or is there sufficient fall to drain away floods, something I had to address on mine?
 

stevelewis

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It actually has quite a slope to it from the top end (where the track is just placed around a pile of soil & stones which will be a rockery eventually perhaps) If you look at the 1st pic the slope is apparent in the `stepping` of the fence panels.

Whwn we first moved here 8 ish years ago I actualy l built a line which went all around the garden, it was actually what is best described as a single track with revere loops at each end, it started in the garage ( 1 reverse loop) and then went twice around the garden finishing at the 2nd reverse loop which was situated where the 2 girder bridges are in the pics.

It took approx 11 mins for a train moving at approx scale speed of 25mph to traverse the whole line! But then I got fed up and sold it all off around 3 years ago!

I have lost the photos of that line , except for my current Avatar which shows a Sumpter Valley Mallet, cros6cca_7.jpgsing the 2nd reverse loop below just before it would have entered the garage.
 

mole

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Bigger is not alway's better from my own exspearance I think there is a fine line between the railway being a hobby or a chore one of the reasons I down sided a couple of years ago
 

Madman

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mole said:
Bigger is not alway's better from my own exspearance I think there is a fine line between the railway being a hobby or a chore one of the reasons I down sided a couple of years ago


I agree. While the foot print of my railway has remained as it was, I have jettisoned alot of detail.
 

AustrianNG

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Looking good Steve.
Whatever you build by way of a layout has to sit comfortably in your own head if you get my meaning.

Being of an OCD nature I have no problem maintaining interest and it's good to detail parts of the line as you progress over time. As Mike says slow and steady growth s good in the long term.

It's also good to see the line evolve.
When I look back to 10 years ago my beginnings look crude and rushed.
 

stevelewis

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005.JPG 004.JPG 008.JPG 004.JPG A few more pics progress still slow though! Buildings , plants etc now seem to be a priority!!
 
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French Chuffed

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Hi Steve, I will be watching with interest as I am moving back to Blighty and will have to downsize, from the rather large and never finished setup I had in France.
 

stevelewis

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Strangely I find that drumming up the enthusiasm is sometimes difficult!! I think its a case of having done it all before, I sometimes think I should have perhaps done something different, but what i cannot think Having been through most of the G Scale & 16mm possibilities ( even tried 5" Gauge once!!)
 

AustrianNG

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It's a good point Steve - enthusiasm for the hobby varies from person to person.
The " raison d'etre" for anyone is so different.
It probably helps if you have a well defined end goal to your railway - it works for me anyway.
 

Sarah Winfield

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Has this thread been updated since 3rd October 2015 please? I can't seem to find continuing pages..

Sarah Winfield
 

beavercreek

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Hi Sarah, it has been nearly two years since Steve posted on the forum so I think that the thread probably will not be updated any time soon.
I can remember buying an LGB US streetcar from him about 6 years ago and then he 'fell off' the G scale interest only to return with this thread about his new line. He then bought a Streetcar back from me!
I hope all is well with Steve
 

Sarah Winfield

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Thanks Mike.

I rather liked his layout and was attracted to the posts by his use of the word "Tiny". Since I have a small garden any link to the use of adverbs like, "small", "tiny, "little", "cramped", etc i tend to peruse for ideas.

I have received a few layout suggestions and these make full use of my space. I would like a run as long as possible but to look as if the railway is going somewhere.

Sarah Winfield
 

KentKeith

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Steve is still alive and kicking, he posts from time to time on RMweb. He's back into the smaller scales these days.
 

idlemarvel

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Thanks Mike.

I rather liked his layout and was attracted to the posts by his use of the word "Tiny". Since I have a small garden any link to the use of adverbs like, "small", "tiny, "little", "cramped", etc i tend to peruse for ideas.

I have received a few layout suggestions and these make full use of my space. I would like a run as long as possible but to look as if the railway is going somewhere.

Sarah Winfield
Sarah, if you're looking for tiny you won't get a much smaller outdoor layout than mine. A passing loop, siding and hatch into shed. I posted a thread about 3 years ago here:
https://www.gscalecentral.net/threads/schwarzwaldbahn.306052/