Pond Liners

 Showing the result of a couple pond liners now in place, filled with water and a small start to water plants & lilys thanks to a local friend "in the know" turned up randomly with an assortment of foliage in buckets upon hearing of the pond project. I too got quite excited with the idea of goldfish visiting the local petshop, I selected a variety of sizes & introduced them to the pond. They lasted 3 days before all suddenly disappearing!  I have a 12v bilge pump, solar panel & regulator not yet installed but will form a water feature somehow & serve to filter everything. With a plan in place on expanding the garden railway with at least an additional larger loop around the perimeter of the pond. The big question here is obtaining more track..

Peacocks the size of buildings terrorize the 1:24 scale world forcing staff to shut down the railway as a safety precaution.

18v Battery Power

I recently saw a post about 18v Battery Power being used on model trains as a source of motive power, the sort you might use on a drill or any 18v tool really. I did have a broken electric weed eater which I abused in wet conditions stupidly wrecking the motor (situated right near the blade & thus the air cooling method almost attracted the water). I salvaged the battery plugs & wired up a Radio R/C train controller which had an input voltage of between 6- 28vdc which I have been wiring up to various diesels. I did find a "Low cost Reversible Speed Controller 6 to 28V FC 3A" on Trademe for $10 from a chap in wellington and have so far used it on the Ka build, it lacks remote control so once she goes there's no stopping it, on the other hand there's no more having the train jerk on bad patches of track which caused considerable headaches and stole the "fun" away. This morning when testing the "Ka" I was able to straight away focus on lining up the wheels & correcting the wobble rather than scrubbing track clean of bird poop and then still having to go back over missed spots.

In the future I have a crazy plan of running a single track alongside the 7.25" starting from the other side of the shed following the 7.25  downhill, alongside the fence and perhaps once at the bottom a return loop initially, since its not going to be electrically live I'm thinking about cheaper rail alternatives such as aluminum rail or some L section of some material?

Ozito 18v

Dx easily makes room for the battery, with 2 motor bogies it lasts about 3-4 hours

The smaller locos that can't fit a battery will have to drag these W wagons, the wagon top sits in place securely on the chassis held with a friction fit.

The tender holds the battery, the single motor chassis lasted an hours running today and battery is 3/4 full, before I took the photo I wired up the carriage lights to the Ka, with the speed on minimum the lights turn on while the loco remains stationary.

Trademe Seller - "chripy" $10 NZD Low cost Reversible Speed Controller 6 to 28V FC 3A

Pretty empty train for the school holidays, the lights need to be in the end corridors when running, and then also the main lights when at a station etc. Since the lights are 12v led strip that runs the entire length putting out way to much light I will reduce the light strip into small sections

Building an brick arch railway bridge

After receiving some used bricks I spent some time wandering youtube and stumbled across DIY videos of people building brick archways and figured it would make an interesting challenge. I decided to place it at the bottom of the lower horseshoe loop where it would build up a few inches of water during rain. I also needed to raise the track height about a foot.

For the arch I built a frame out of scrap wood, using "no more nail" glue and screws. This held up the weight of the bricks, a few bits of wood held it up and when time to remove the frame I got rid of the supports and the frame dropped down and slid out without issue.

Once the bricks are all in place I'm toying with the idea of plastering the sides with cement & a lick of paint.

Trying a triangle again

 Trying the triangle again, but this time with a firmer foundation. Edging ever closer to the ability to change the climax's direction on a whim. The roadbed remains largely intact, as does the significant tree stump I successfully ignored the first time & prophetically still remains an issue, This time I planned to diligently chip away at it with an axe to remove the issue & allow the roadbed to curve properly but this did not eventuate, 2 additional turnouts have been built & function well. I'm now trying to decide what to tackle next on the railway with consideration given to the bottom horse shoe loop bridge & pond. Time will tell.

Top turnout largely finished, all turnouts have a temporary length of track running back a few metres letting me change the point while seated on loco. I plan on using aluminium/steel rod & a water hose.

From above, still partway through cementing the bricks in place. midway through the turnout build, through traffic can resume in between works

Haven't we been here before - 2022

From below

Bottom turnout, the climax can climb the steep grade with and adult & child no worries, in dry conditions..

An elevated view

The last 12m leg of the triangle - Pink

Horseshoe curve easement

Witness the transformation of the top horseshoe curve as we widened the embankment using a rock wall topped with two layers of recycled bricks. The result? A more natural curve that rides better.

Initially considered a reversing triangle in this location, (see last picture), however we opted for the location of the earlier 5" gauge layout that was damaged from the storm. The chosen triangle location allows trains to effortlessly traverse from the main house down to the loop and back again, eliminating the need for complex shunting or turntables. 

A curve that finally follows the radius peg, bricks also proving useful in retaining my ballast and creating a nice division from the greenery

Rock and brick

Top Horseshoe Bridge,after relocating the turnout sleepers

A month prior

Steaming Into the New Year: Unveiling the Upgraded G Gauge NZR-Themed Model Rail Loop

As we stand on the precipice of a new year, there's a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement in the air. Today, we invite you to join us on a journey where the magic of model railroading meets the grandeur of full-scale adventure. In the heart of this fusion lies the unveiling of our meticulously upgraded G gauge 1:24 scale NZR-themed model rail loop, now seamlessly integrated into a larger ride-on railway. The shed will enventually hold the G gauge rolling stock & locomotives on shelves built into the shed walls, giving easy access and an interesting view for passengers passing through the "shed/tunnel".

Imagine the charm of a miniature world, meticulously crafted in 1:24 scale, where the essence of New Zealand Railways comes to life in stunning detail. But this isn't just a tale of a model rail loop; it's a story of evolution and resourcefulness. As we upgraded to the larger 7.25" scale, we found ourselves with leftover 5" sleepers—a surplus that sparked creativity and ingenuity.

In the spirit of recycling and sustainable craftsmanship, these leftover sleepers have found a new home on the G gauge wooden section deck. This marriage of scales and materials not only showcases our commitment to environmental consciousness but also adds a unique character to the upgraded model rail loop. It's a harmonious blend of the old and the new, where each sleeper tells a story of transformation and adaptability.

Now, let's pause and immerse ourselves in the visual delight that awaits. Below, you'll find captivating perspectives of the upgraded model rail loop, captured from different angles. These images not only showcase the intricate details of our 1:24 scale world but also provide a glimpse into the seamless integration with the larger ride-on railway.

As we venture into the new year, may this journey inspire you to see the beauty in re purposing, the magic in evolution, and the joy in exploring uncharted territories. Join us in celebrating the resurgence of our G gauge 1:24 scale NZR-themed model railway, where the echoes of the past harmonize with the excitement of the future.

Di & 15 Q wagons make the very first run.

The 7.25" should also follow the loop around the G gauge & form a reversing loop. Having a camera on the 7.25" chase wagon filming a NZR G gauge train in motion.

Last little section finished & the first coal train rolls through, the entire loop is largely level, track pinned down & brand new track connectors have replaced the old dirty ones, going to run a power bus under the trackbed & have feeders every few meters

Footbridge was recycled up from the old 5" layout

Shelving being installed

I really need to sort the water tank, build a proper shelf slightly higher and tight again the shed. Waiting until i use the water, which is disconnected from the spouting at the moment

1:24 Scale trains begin to repopulate their home

An early and modern General Electric U26C

A friendly tree frog visits

From Ruins to Rails

Sorting the remains

In the wake of the Great Brick Shortage of 2020, the world stood on the precipice of a supply collapse. Cities crumbled, and decay weighed heavily on the shoulders of once-majestic buildings. To add to the woes, a frightening virus loomed over humanity. But amid the chaos, a glimmer of resilience emerged.

As the dust settled and people surveyed the wreckage, a newfound ingenuity took root. Communities came together to salvage what remained, turning the debris of fallen structures into a resource for rebirth. Two truckloads of rubble, collected from the remnants of the once towering buildings, became a symbol of hope.

In the midst of this recovery, a kind-hearted man with a big bucket on his digger volunteered to help load the rubble onto trucks. His generosity and willingness to contribute turned a daunting cleanup task into a communal effort. The rubble, once a symbol of destruction, now held the promise of renewal. 

The community had a vision – a railway that would connect different parts of the land, going from Dad's shed to the top house. The railway, steep, winding, and spiraling, would be a testament to human resilience and creativity, especially since traditional switch-backs were no longer an option with the scarcity of inches & misunderstood management.

An unnammed man with a digger & big bucket, known for his helpful nature, loaded the trucks with care, understanding the importance of each brick and piece of debris. The old bricks, once part of grand structures that defined the cityscape, were destined for a new purpose – to lay the foundation for the ambitious railway project.

As construction began, the town buzzed with activity. People from all walks of life joined forces to rebuild, transforming the discarded remnants of the past into a path towards the future. The railway, rising from the rubble, wound its way up the steep incline, defying the challenges imposed by the shortage of bricks.

Finally, at the top of the railway, a breathtaking view awaited. The once-devastated landscape now showcased the beauty of resilience. From Dad's shed to the top house, the spiraling railway not only connected different parts of the town but also symbolized the community's triumph over adversity.

Standing at the summit, one could absorb the entire panorama, including the distant Main Highway 1. The old bricks, once witness to the collapse of the past, now played a vital role in shaping the future. The town had not just survived; it had evolved, demonstrating that even in the face of scarcity and decay, human ingenuity could carve a path to renewal and breathtaking vistas.

Used adult sized Lego

In this preliminary proposal, note the elevation profile of the planned path, highlighted in light blue at the bottom. The line to the top of the railway demonstrates a consistent grade, ensuring a smooth and uniform ascent.