Breaking Ground - Finescale - of a sort
- Thread starter Richard Insole
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- peter insole
magmouse
Western Thunderer
Re-equip the route with MagLev?
Birmingham International Maglev
MaltaGC, CC BY-SA 3.0 <Deed - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported - Creative Commons>, via Wikimedia Commons
Nick.
Birmingham International Maglev
MaltaGC, CC BY-SA 3.0 <Deed - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported - Creative Commons>, via Wikimedia Commons
Nick.
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
Oh, I am enjoying the wonderful suggestions! I should have guessed/known better that dropping in such a teaser would generate such delightful responses!
OHLE, of the street tramway variety, suspended from span wires between round poles is almost too tempting - but as has been discussed before; the installation could be a bit of an issue on washing days!
Water troughs? We already have one of those thank you ChrisBr! I'm afraid the first overnight rainfall since laying the tramlines has revealed a low spot in addition to the highs!
Sadly, as the small lake is not at the bottom of the steep incline from the driveway, the construction of a boat-carriage for added entertainment is an unlikely option!
Pete.
OHLE, of the street tramway variety, suspended from span wires between round poles is almost too tempting - but as has been discussed before; the installation could be a bit of an issue on washing days!
Water troughs? We already have one of those thank you ChrisBr! I'm afraid the first overnight rainfall since laying the tramlines has revealed a low spot in addition to the highs!
Sadly, as the small lake is not at the bottom of the steep incline from the driveway, the construction of a boat-carriage for added entertainment is an unlikely option!
Pete.
magmouse
Western Thunderer
Surely washing days are exactly when the OHLE would come into its own? Trains would need to be suspended when, er, washing was suspended, so make sure to annotate the timetable “WDX” (washing days excepted).
paulc
Western Thunderer
Could the handle that the 'driver' is hanging on to be some means of propulsion ?
Just an idea .
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
Thank you, that is a wonderful find Overseer!
The leading bogie of the "loco" looks strangely familiar...
so we are part of the way there already!
Pete.
The leading bogie of the "loco" looks strangely familiar...
so we are part of the way there already!
Pete.
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
Thanks also to an earlier prompt by a friend and fellow thunderer I thought it was about time to reassemble the tramcar gauging rig and finally get round to testing all the vital clearances on the new extension this afternoon.
Attention was particularly focussed on the peculiarly awkward "jiggle" in the line between the platform end and the concrete slab path just to the west of the station, as well as the return commencing alongside the "Goods Shed", through the gateway and on to the drive:
Incidentally, the jig for the proposed tram (7 feet long, by 1 foot 8 inches wide) is of course the maximum overall - rather than the actual frame/body dimensions!
I was not particularly concerned about the sheer scale of the beast, nor the available width of the formation on the straights, but the effect of the long overhang at either end and outward sweep of the centre section when negotiating the points and transitions did have me worrying a bit.
Mercifully, the first part of the test proved that I need not have...
Apart from the point lever being a fraction too close for comfort.
Travelling further along the line revealed bags of room... well, plenty of room for bags anyway!
While future passengers might have to be frequently warned to keep their elbows, knees or any other extraneous body parts well inside while the car is in motion, I can foresee few other problems.
I was even pleasantly surprised that when propelling the enormous, overgrown skateboard style object, just how natural and perfectly tram like the motion was over the entire route!
Pete.
Attention was particularly focussed on the peculiarly awkward "jiggle" in the line between the platform end and the concrete slab path just to the west of the station, as well as the return commencing alongside the "Goods Shed", through the gateway and on to the drive:
Incidentally, the jig for the proposed tram (7 feet long, by 1 foot 8 inches wide) is of course the maximum overall - rather than the actual frame/body dimensions!
I was not particularly concerned about the sheer scale of the beast, nor the available width of the formation on the straights, but the effect of the long overhang at either end and outward sweep of the centre section when negotiating the points and transitions did have me worrying a bit.
Mercifully, the first part of the test proved that I need not have...
Apart from the point lever being a fraction too close for comfort.
Travelling further along the line revealed bags of room... well, plenty of room for bags anyway!
While future passengers might have to be frequently warned to keep their elbows, knees or any other extraneous body parts well inside while the car is in motion, I can foresee few other problems.
I was even pleasantly surprised that when propelling the enormous, overgrown skateboard style object, just how natural and perfectly tram like the motion was over the entire route!
Pete.
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
I'm not even sure now what was lost since my last post on this particular thread, but quite a lot has been happening... honest!
While I considered that the operating season had more or less come to an end, yesterday Mr. O., announced that he had ordered a pallet load of rocks, and that delivery was imminent! Last night Mrs. I., suggested that I could be of great help... and it would be a jolly good idea if I checked the state of the loco batteries.
The consignment duly arrived at around eleven o'clock this morning.
A train was marshalled, and already waiting on the "dock" as the driver unloaded with a forklift. He was much impressed by the railway, and carefully placed the cargo conveniently close to the line.
"There's just over a ton on there" he declared, but whilst he nodded agreement at my reasoning, I cannot help feeling that he was a little doubtful about our novel means of onward shipment?!
There was something particularly satisfying about this job, and I was even more delighted shortly after starting... when Mr. O., pointed out that the slate had come directly from Ffestiniog...!!
Some of it... the smaller rocks that would fit anyway, were being carried down the line in a Ffestiniog Railway inspired wagon!
Nice!
The whole lot was shifted in about half an hour... almost too quickly to savour the experience!
Mr. O., has got his work cut out now sorting through it and building up a superb rockery around the pond.
Pete.
While I considered that the operating season had more or less come to an end, yesterday Mr. O., announced that he had ordered a pallet load of rocks, and that delivery was imminent! Last night Mrs. I., suggested that I could be of great help... and it would be a jolly good idea if I checked the state of the loco batteries.
The consignment duly arrived at around eleven o'clock this morning.
A train was marshalled, and already waiting on the "dock" as the driver unloaded with a forklift. He was much impressed by the railway, and carefully placed the cargo conveniently close to the line.
"There's just over a ton on there" he declared, but whilst he nodded agreement at my reasoning, I cannot help feeling that he was a little doubtful about our novel means of onward shipment?!
There was something particularly satisfying about this job, and I was even more delighted shortly after starting... when Mr. O., pointed out that the slate had come directly from Ffestiniog...!!
Some of it... the smaller rocks that would fit anyway, were being carried down the line in a Ffestiniog Railway inspired wagon!
Nice!
The whole lot was shifted in about half an hour... almost too quickly to savour the experience!
Mr. O., has got his work cut out now sorting through it and building up a superb rockery around the pond.
Pete.
James Spooner
Western Thunderer
I love it! The only pity is that you don’t have the terrain to make it gravity worked; now that would be something!
Nigel
Nigel
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
As we are technically still in the depths of winter, and where not a lot usually happens down in the garden, I wasn't expecting to be posting anything on this thread so soon!
Tom and the children came over for a visit yesterday, and although the weather was quite reasonable, I was a little concerned about how wet the ground conditions were, and the potential mess that could be generated if the small people were to be let loose outside? After a while though, and following a quiet inspection walk-around on the line, I relented.
The youngsters just couldn't get togged up quickly enough!
I had some trouble keeping up with them...
as well as trying to avoid being run down when taking photographs!
Any fears I might have harboured turned out to be quite unfounded...
You might observe in the above image the notably unsullied state of young Mr. D's trousers and footwear at the end of the session.
He had been so utterly engrossed in his dual roles of chief engine driver and guard... that he completely failed to take any notice of all the lovely mud and muck to throw about, jump/fall in... or otherwise trail back indoors for tea!
Marvellous!
From one rather contented Railway Proprietor;
Pete.
Tom and the children came over for a visit yesterday, and although the weather was quite reasonable, I was a little concerned about how wet the ground conditions were, and the potential mess that could be generated if the small people were to be let loose outside? After a while though, and following a quiet inspection walk-around on the line, I relented.
The youngsters just couldn't get togged up quickly enough!
I had some trouble keeping up with them...
as well as trying to avoid being run down when taking photographs!
Any fears I might have harboured turned out to be quite unfounded...
You might observe in the above image the notably unsullied state of young Mr. D's trousers and footwear at the end of the session.
He had been so utterly engrossed in his dual roles of chief engine driver and guard... that he completely failed to take any notice of all the lovely mud and muck to throw about, jump/fall in... or otherwise trail back indoors for tea!
Marvellous!
From one rather contented Railway Proprietor;
Pete.
Tom Insole
Western Thunderer
Not the half of it!
My boy has the spirit of it in double measures. He behaved in far better manner than I expected though with quite a bit of very senible driving up and down the line. (with only a few high speed cackle enfuled spurts!).
I'd be lying if I didn't say I was a bit proud of his love for it though and glad I could get him on the controls. May be a little bit longer before he get's the controls of my slightly smaller and more fragile 16mm stock but I'm fairly confident the day will come when he is ready to have a go at that too!
Tom Insole
Western Thunderer
Thank's for putting on an inpromptu running session.
Fun was definitely had by all. Maybe the newest edition did cry on her first ride but it's still early days! Here's to many more sessions this year with the clan. Once the weather warms up a bit I'll have to get the troops on PW duties and we'll help get things going full swing.
Look forward to our next running session. (seeing as 16mm doesn't start until March we've still a little time to maybe squeeze in a tinker session too, and we could see if we can attempt a boiler wash out maybe between now and March...)
Tom.
Peter Insole
Western Thunderer
Up until my recent diagnosis, and the impending treatment regime, I was looking forward to a major push in the civil engineering department. Construction of an engine shed this summer is a high priority, especially now that I'm finding it more difficult to keep lifting rolling stock on and off the line whenever it is required! The new carriage is already proving it's worth and is much in demand, but it's unladen weight dictates a two person lift, thus making the provision of secure, railed accommodation absolutely vital!
Now I have to say while I do sometimes consider that in the first place there might have been better ways to have laid out our railway, on the whole I am still very content with the layout, bearing in mind all the various constraints imposed.
However, fairly early on, one of our youthful clan made an observation, and a determined request. At the time it was regarded as quite impractical, but grandad's excuses were clearly unconvincing. The lad mentioned the subject on pretty much every visit... almost to the point of nagging! In the intervening years the poor (not now so little chap) has obviously assumed that I wasn't listening... and only lately given up hope?
I was not ignoring him... and neither have I forgotten!
Meanwhile, my mind, and any available energy come to that, has been rather preoccupied with the carriage... especially an issue of keeping the ongoing work protected from the weather until the delayed accommodation is finally completed. I had a search for anything that might prove useful; and came upon a temporary solution, and at the same time an investment that could fulfil a secondary, longer lasting purpose?
Discussions have been held with the relevant parties; (Mr. O and "The Treasurer") with planning consent willingly granted... so materials are being procured...
First to arrive was the framework... plus some extra poles and joiners:
It is still only draped with the clear plastic the kit came with, (Mr.O can re-use it later for his planting) and an old gazebo cover to reduce the UV on the carriage when it is stored within.
The next component will be some of this rather nice stuff:
This should be fairly durable, water and light proof... that also might hopefully blend in a bit better with the surrounding seasonal shrubbery... and for a bonus the entire structure can be easily dismantled at the end of each season?!
Young Mr. T shall have "his" tunnel after all...!!
Pete.
Now I have to say while I do sometimes consider that in the first place there might have been better ways to have laid out our railway, on the whole I am still very content with the layout, bearing in mind all the various constraints imposed.
However, fairly early on, one of our youthful clan made an observation, and a determined request. At the time it was regarded as quite impractical, but grandad's excuses were clearly unconvincing. The lad mentioned the subject on pretty much every visit... almost to the point of nagging! In the intervening years the poor (not now so little chap) has obviously assumed that I wasn't listening... and only lately given up hope?
I was not ignoring him... and neither have I forgotten!
Meanwhile, my mind, and any available energy come to that, has been rather preoccupied with the carriage... especially an issue of keeping the ongoing work protected from the weather until the delayed accommodation is finally completed. I had a search for anything that might prove useful; and came upon a temporary solution, and at the same time an investment that could fulfil a secondary, longer lasting purpose?
Discussions have been held with the relevant parties; (Mr. O and "The Treasurer") with planning consent willingly granted... so materials are being procured...
First to arrive was the framework... plus some extra poles and joiners:
It is still only draped with the clear plastic the kit came with, (Mr.O can re-use it later for his planting) and an old gazebo cover to reduce the UV on the carriage when it is stored within.
The next component will be some of this rather nice stuff:
This should be fairly durable, water and light proof... that also might hopefully blend in a bit better with the surrounding seasonal shrubbery... and for a bonus the entire structure can be easily dismantled at the end of each season?!
Young Mr. T shall have "his" tunnel after all...!!
Pete.
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Yorkshire Dave
Western Thunderer
As long as the train doesn't get bricked in - remember what happened to Henry the Green Engine.
Osgood
Western Thunderer
As long as the train doesn't get bricked in - remember what happened to Henry the Green Engine.
Well - it will need end sheets to keep the weather out.
I foresee young Mr. T being traumatised by the sight of this fabric in situ……
Must say this tunnel storage facility is an inspired idea!!
