The Ochsenwaldbahn II, it all starts again.

[stockers]

OK Mike.

Been doing real testing today. According to my computer van with a bicycle odometer in it, the line is 360 feet long. From previous testing the van measures slightly short so it may be a little more than that - but near enough.
At 22.5:1 that is 2.48 Km or 1.53 miles approx per lap.



As to timing Mike. At speed step one (of 28 on the digital), I am happy to say it ran faultlessly and took 24 and a half minutes to cover one lap. At speed step 28 it took just 2 min 8 seconds but looked a bit ridiculous doing it.

 

[stockers]

The Harz Pfiffi was out on testing duties this evening with the historic coach set.

 

[stockers]

It was snowing-


and we have very hardy passengers on the Ochsenwaldbahn.

 

[Rhinochugger]

and we have very hardy passengers on the Ochsenwaldbahn.

View attachment 234805

Hardy? - they're frozen b***** solid

 

[stockers]

Whilst starting to clear up the garden following the rebuild I had to have a train or two running.
I can now leave two running on the same line and it takes ages before one is noticeably catching the other.
All my 4 wheel coaches.

 

[stockers]

and the Rugen tank.

 

[PhilP]

Alan,
What are your soil conditions like?
How damp does it tend to stay?
And, how long do you think the ?decking? upright supports will last?

Thanks,
PhilP.

 

[stockers]

Phil.
Wet clay - gooey at the moment but just beginning to dry after winter.
Sets like concrete in longer dry spells.
Decking - 15 years. Uprights are temporary but I wouldn't give them 5 years. The plastic decking is already showing issues with expansion!

 

[PhilP]

Phil.
Wet clay - gooey at the moment but just beginning to dry after winter.
Sets like concrete in longer dry spells.
Decking - 15 years. Uprights are temporary but I wouldn't give them 5 years. The plastic decking is already showing issues with expansion!

Thanks Alan..
So, similar to me, I expect? - Staffordshire clay.

I am thinking 'Filcris' (or local similar) uprights and ladder, then possible decking board(s) for the err.. deck?
That or Filcris cut into planks, laid cross-ways, with slight gap between each piece.

 

[stockers]

Plastic wood is not very rigid - using it as posts might leave things a bit wobbly - I don't know, just wondering. When used as joists for decking it is suggested that it is fully supported by concrete or timber!
I guess with a ladder, some expansion can be accommodated by slight sideways distortion. Where I have noticed expansion is in the long length of my 'bridge', at 22 meters long and being straight. It is not a problem at the moment but I want to build a lawn mower lift bridge in it and if it keeps moving, that will be difficult.

 

[stockers]

Have a look here regarding laying plastic deck boards - note the expansion gap recommended of 15mm and a solid base beneath the support structure.
https://www.wpc-decking.co.uk/how-install-your-composite-decking

 

[Paul M]

I used a Filcris ladder type syste on my very small round line. The uprights were about 9" high bashed into the ground. It all worked great. The curves were short pieces as opposed to the ready made curves as they were really expensive. I agree with Stockers, it will probably too flexible for any real height

 

[PhilP]

Thanks for the information..
PhilP.

 

[stockers]

Another thing. You can cut plastic wood quite easily with hand tools but the blades do blunten quickly. Maybe best not to use your nice shiny new saw.

 

[dunnyrail]

Plastic wood is not very rigid - using it as posts might leave things a bit wobbly - I don't know, just wondering. When used as joists for decking it is suggested that it is fully supported by concrete or timber!
I guess with a ladder, some expansion can be accommodated by slight sideways distortion. Where I have noticed expansion is in the long length of my 'bridge', at 22 meters long and being straight. It is not a problem at the moment but I want to build a lawn mower lift bridge in it and if it keeps moving, that will be difficult.

I will be helping a friend rebuild his 0 Gauge line soon, built on Filcris it was always a bit tricky with Joints and contraction of the boards at night when they cooled off, the exact opposite to what we are used to. As we will be using a different type of Plastic Board which has not any expansion issues the problem is what to do with all the Filcris Planks that will be redundant. I am thinking of making them up into squares usuing 4 planks to make uprights. I reckon these should be prety stable but may shrink a bit droppping the track some at night.

 

[stockers]

A new arrival on the Ochsenwaldbahn.

 

[stockers]

I was lucky enough to see one of the original VI Ks last spring when we were in Saxony. Always thought it looked a grand engine. It is quite short and chunky considering its 10 wheels.

 

[stockers]

This resulted in a glorious Spring day in the garden, I did manage to cut the grass and do a couple of odd jobs - but mostly, I ran trains. That is of course the whole idea in the first place.

Saxon IK on the local mixed train



and the IV K in the trees.

The VI K trying to hide (or me failing to do an arty shot!)



The VI K on the 'long bridge'.



followed by the IK


The IK in the leaf cutting,

 

[stockers]

The VI K taking the strain as the vans hit the start of the grade.



Part of the Blitzed garden that now needs a bit of planting.



Todays line up - a mixed bag but all 750/760mm gauge.

 

[pugwash]

The VI K taking the strain as the vans hit the start of the grade.

Huh. Not even any wheelslip.