5 month long Rebuilding effort

After an intensive five-month effort, I'm thrilled to share the comprehensive journey of rebuilding the main loop and siding leading to the engine shed. The main loop spans an impressive 140 meters with a minimum radius of 6 meters. Elevations fluctuate from a minimum of 38 meters above sea level to a peak of 41 meters. The Shed siding running a further 50 meters and ends near dads shed.

This ambitious project relied on sheer determination and hard work, with the primary tools being a wheelbarrow, spade, truck, and access to a local quarry. Introducing my old man's plate compactor to the process proved highly effective, especially when covering weed mats with gap20. The compaction ensured a solid foundation, and I'm eager to see any attempt by weeds to break through!

The surface has held up remarkably well under constant wheelbarrow loads, leaving no noticeable impressions, a testament to the meticulous care put into the construction. The once troublesome railway bridge, responsible for the initial damage, has been successfully removed. In its place, concrete abutments have been expertly cemented, and four repurposed railway sleepers now form the sturdy foundation of the new bridge.

This journey of transformation showcases the power of perseverance, resourcefulness, and innovation. As we move forward, the rejuvenated railway stands not only as a testament to hard work but also as a symbol of resilience and dedication to preserving the beauty of our surroundings.

The "Google Earth" App one would download as opposed to google maps on your web browser lets you draw lines which gives a lot of useful info, obviously it wont recognize my track-bed height

The progress on the engine shed is substantial, with only the finishing touches required for the ends. I'm contemplating an extension lengthwise to maximize space for the 1:24 garden railway. The idea is to incorporate a couple of tracks running the length and seamlessly connecting to the outside railway. This expansion will not only enhance functionality but also create a more versatile setup. Rest assured, the 7.25" Climax locomotive should fit comfortably within the extended space, ensuring a safe and efficient operation.

7.25" Climax & wagon haul plate compactor to new section of railway

Looking down from the recently built engine shed, my younger brother Andrew enjoying a rather short ride..

The long road ahead is far more accessible via rail, a not so common picture of me on the blog

Dad and Daisy on a miniature train they steer,

Around the railway laughter rings crystal clear.

Tiny tracks carry dreams a whimsical ride,

In the world they've crafted joy multiplies.

My oldest son has a ride

1145mm long H4 treated fence battens cut into thirds to create a narrow gauge feel. Many thanks to dad for the wisdom here as indeed it looks the part!

Bottom Looking up before

Bottom Looking up after

Preliminary survey pic of horse shoe loop, at this stage negotiating land acquisition & coordinating long-term transport provision & identification of dads future 15" gauge railroad projects

Horseshoe loop from below after staking out the 6.8m radius pegs, the string was not required and I ended up constantly getting caught on em while hauling rocks around.

Horseshoe loop from below sometime later, drainage pipe on left visible

Showing the build method, walls first, fill with clay then compress & repeat until desired height. Finally cover with weed matt then gap20.

Weed mat pinned down

Horseshoe loop from below at "Quake crossing" after plate compacting

Horseshoe loop from below at "Quake crossing" after track laying & ballasting

Slight deviation from break breaking work. the 1:24 garden railway gets some much needed attention, flat reinforced concrete pavers, weed mats, concrete & stone will create a solid weed proof foundation.

Supergluing scrap wood formwork in place before pouring concrete. Some chicken wire for reinforcing should be effective enough.

Looking from dads place, the roadbed, compacting & track laying on this section has largely been finished. I failed to take any photos of the effort here, Many tree roots, stones & stumps in the way that took weeks to chew through one step at a time. The shed will be elongated and curved to match the railway forming a tunnel of sorts. 

Cutting, marking & stacking of sleepers.

Horseshoe loop after ballasting

Arrived at the bridge

Looking back from the bridge after ballasting & tamping

Another load of sleepers arrives

Roxy holding down the roadbed

Point blades fixed to a bit of metal & bracket with 2:1 mechanical advantage, need to find a light bar to extend the switch about 10ft down the line so it can be changed without dismounting. I've sanded the sleeper tops to keep friction down & need to treat em with varnish

Building the first turnout

Top loop bridge

Top horseshoe loop bridge

Top horseshoe loop