Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Having grow up not too far away from Victorville in neighboring Antelope Valley (Palmdale) I can attest to number of Redneck bars that exist in both Riverside and Redlands. But I digress. Since I am a former desert rat, and can see the beauty of the desert where others see desolation, I have always thought that should I ever return to that environment that a desert garden railroad with live steam locomotives would be a natural combination. My initial fascination with trains as a young'un was due in part to watching westerns that shouwed these magnificant locomotives thundering acrosss the desert plain, but as I looked out my bedroom window to the SP line a quarter mile away, I never saw a steam locomtive like those on t.v. Only a red nosed diesel. (Which explains my joy with the infernal combustion side of the hobby). So let me know when youstart builind in the desert...it'll give me another excuse to visit my old stomping grounds (in addition to family still there). Scott [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Yep Bob, I thought that would get a response from you. To answer your question, soon as I can tear myself awy from the redwoods and can afford some property in the mountains --only a 20min drive to the nearest lake from our sand lot. Another point, good traction with all that sand and good parts business for the manufacturers! Victorville is growing too. But Riverside and S.B-ick-the only good thing I remember during my selling days about those towns was some Redneck bar in Riverside! or was it Redlands? Apologies to the any steamer residing in those towns--'cos you must improve them! Geoff In a message dated 3/1/2001 2:20:33 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: hi-desert property we own between Apple Valley (Roy Roger's museum ) and Lake Arrowhead! When do we start building, Geoff? Bob -- -- Clack Valves Cornets Steam Band - http://www.erols.com/diesel/clack/ __ Get your own FREE, personal Netscape Webmail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com/
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Gee, Larry Thanks for the kind words--AND the offer on the front garden track. Looking forward to your railroad on April 1.--There will be photos on the internet no doubt. And lets see-"offers" from Bob and Scott on the desert track- This is getting serious-almost! I shall have to drive down and see if the sand dunes have levelled. Kidding!! The desert there is beautiful and doesn't have the hi temps of the lower deserts. Lucerne has a redneck bar too, I believe! If I may deviate for a moment, we bought that property in 1967 'cos it was right along the road between the mountains and Apple Valley and I KNEW it was going rise incredulously in value--well it didn't--but it did nearly everywhere else up there!!--Hey--an excursion RR-that'll make money! ?! Sand box Spenceley. Geoff Spenceley wrote: . It's still a mess in my opinion and takes over the whole small backyard. But as I tell visiting garden clubs, the garden only serves the railway, or is incidental to it. Geoffrey, Geoffrey, Geoffrey Your garden is not a mess. It is artistic whimsy Cassidy loves it and someday you will find all the things she rearranged. Then I have that blinking 3-1/2" track encircling the house! And great fun it is too. The videos prove it. Your smile is quite large. However, all in all, local GR club meets here are enjoyed Yep! ( particularrly by live steamers) because of the elevated 45mm double track--only 110 feet (sob) which is elevated with a 3% grade down to the g/l. My incredulous hindsight tells me that I should have put the track in the much bigger front garden --as Tony has done. I keep telling you, lets do it. A little fence, and a little track and it's done. The trouble maker! Larry Don't forget Apr. 1 my house.
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Tony, My initial plan was to integrate a layout with a garden in my immediate back yard. Incidentally, my backyard extends another 300 ft. beyond the tracks. I do plan to put a more utilitarian and elevated trackage along my right property line that will have a reversing loop around my green shed and another in the back woods. I intend to grade the access to the operator's path so that it is not like falling into a ditch as much as possible. I would have liked to elevated it in a way my wife would approve. However, I have, on the left hand side, a detached garage for which I have to allow for side door access. Hence, the compromise was struck for the limited operator's path on just one side. I have previously commented on digging into a somewhat level concrete surface. I tend to believe that it is the old septic tank (yuck) and not a tomb holding treasure to pay for the Aster Allegheny. Because of this surface, I will have to raise the roadbed by 12 to 18 inches to achieve at least a 30 inch elevation along the path. And I prefer for this setting a dirt-based roadbed. Okay, it's going to be a lot of trial and error. Initially, I was curious whether I was the only one aside from the author of the cited Garden Railways article to dig a hole for an operator's pit or path? SNIP: Anthony Dixon wrote: Hi Joe and all, I agree on the raised tracks issue. But also suggest its a matter of "horses for course,s". I also looked at the ditch digging idea,s and wrote them off very quickly. But no two landscapes are identicle, so maybe there are reasons to dig ditches for some layouts. I suggest much more convenient to achieve the eyelevel view by building up, not digging down. Also the drainage problems are eliminatedBut sometimes to keep the rest of the family happy, the track should not be too intrusive. Also suggest easier for guests to step over a low track, than risk falling into a ditch?. I suggest the bottom line is to have a track immediately at hand 24 hours a day, which suits the owners pre-requisites, and can still be comfortably utilised and enjoyed by friends and associates. Tony D. At 03:48 PM 2/27/18 -0500, Jim Curry wrote: Joe: My layout is elevated all the way around. With an undulating yard I vary from 6" to 44" off the ground with the main steaming area 24"-30" up. No site work necessary! Jim -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac - Hey, I dont do windows!
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Tony, Joe et al.--Agreed Tony! I did seriouisly consider a "trench" system on the inside of the track at one time but when I hit gold I quit, so now my track is an 36"elevated oval with a ground level track in the centerfor NG and battery sparkies- that has structures, miniatures. pond, bridges etc. It's still a mess in my opinion and takes over the whole small backyard. But as I tell visiting garden clubs, the garden only serves the railway, or is incidental to it. Then I have that blinking 3-1/2" track encircling the house! However, all in all, local GR club meets here are enjoyed ( particularrly by live steamers) because of the elevated 45mm double track--only 110 feet (sob) which is elevated with a 3% grade down to the g/l. My incredulous hindsight tells me that I should have put the track in the much bigger front garden --as Tony has done. Then I would have had elevated track on the low level which would have become ground level close to the house due to the grade. More track and more compliments to the garden.! One advantage, I must brag about --the present set-up is only 12 ft from my hobby-work-mess room to the steaming spot. Good for the old folks! At least the 3-1/2" track (12" elevation) in the front runs through flower beds which disguises the track somewhat. Like Tony, from my point of view, elevated is the best for running--but don't do it as I did-if you want the garden and flowers to dominate. My wife suggests that we should build on the hi-desert property we own between Apple Valley (Roy Roger's museum ) and Lake Arrowhead! Not worth much---but 10 acres of track?!!!-- with a house stuck somewhere in between--built as a GWR station?--Ah Dreams!! Geoff. Hi Joe and all, I agree on the raised tracks issue. But also suggest its a matter of "horses for course,s". I also looked at the ditch digging idea,s and wrote them off very quickly. But no two landscapes are identicle, so maybe there are reasons to dig ditches for some layouts. I suggest much more convenient to achieve the eyelevel view by building up, not digging down. Also the drainage problems are eliminated. Reviewing my landscape and options gave me no choice but to build a totally elevated track. By careful measurements I found I could have two steaming areas at 36" high at the side of the house, with 18'" high "scenic runs" across the front of the house, (and not to imposing) without adding or disturbing to much landscape. Some guys may want waist high tracks for total length. I have seen several well landscaped waisthigh tracks also. Including one track that goes from knee high to an unreachable 14' . high . But sometimes to keep the rest of the family happy, the track should not be too intrusive. Also suggest easier for guests to step over a low track, than risk falling into a ditch?. I suggest the bottom line is to have a track immediately at hand 24 hours a day, which suits the owners pre-requisites, and can still be comfortably utilised and enjoyed by friends and associates. Tony D. At 03:48 PM 2/27/18 -0500, Jim Curry wrote: Joe: My layout is elevated all the way around. With an undulating yard I vary from 6" to 44" off the ground with the main steaming area 24"-30" up. No site work necessary! Jim
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
In a message dated 3/1/2001 2:20:33 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: hi-desert property we own between Apple Valley (Roy Roger's museum ) and Lake Arrowhead! When do we start building, Geoff? Bob
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Yep Bob, I thought that would get a response from you. To answer your question, soon as I can tear myself awy from the redwoods and can afford some property in the mountains --only a 20min drive to the nearest lake from our sand lot. Another point, good traction with all that sand and good parts business for the manufacturers! Victorville is growing too. But Riverside and S.B-ick-the only good thing I remember during my selling days about those towns was some Redneck bar in Riverside! or was it Redlands? Apologies to the any steamer residing in those towns--'cos you must improve them! Geoff In a message dated 3/1/2001 2:20:33 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: hi-desert property we own between Apple Valley (Roy Roger's museum ) and Lake Arrowhead! When do we start building, Geoff? Bob
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Geoff Spenceley wrote: . It's still a mess in my opinion and takes over the whole small backyard. But as I tell visiting garden clubs, the garden only serves the railway, or is incidental to it. Geoffrey, Geoffrey, Geoffrey Your garden is not a mess. It is artistic whimsy Cassidy loves it and someday you will find all the things she rearranged. Then I have that blinking 3-1/2" track encircling the house! And great fun it is too. The videos prove it. Your smile is quite large. However, all in all, local GR club meets here are enjoyed Yep! ( particularrly by live steamers) because of the elevated 45mm double track--only 110 feet (sob) which is elevated with a 3% grade down to the g/l. My incredulous hindsight tells me that I should have put the track in the much bigger front garden --as Tony has done. I keep telling you, lets do it. A little fence, and a little track and it's done. The trouble maker! Larry Don't forget Apr. 1 my house.
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Hi Joe, Amazing co-incidences between the problems and solutions we both appear to have. i.e. raising roadbed 18" to achieve a 30" elevation against a path. I worked the problem from opposite direction. I did not want track at ground level in front of house or 3' high either. So compromise was 18" in front of house, and 36" at the side of the house for steamup bays. Dirt based roadbed:- Initially 60% of my track was sitting on a dirt based roadbed. But the last 40% needed to be on a wood trestle structure. I found myself spending more time releveling the dirt roadbed than completing rest of the track. So cleared all the dirt roadbed out, and rebuilt up on 1" plywood sheeting, (sitting on 5" x 3" redwood decking), covered in 3/16" felt and overlaid with 1" square redwood spars for track base. After 300feet, and almost three rebuilds, when time came time to join up both ends, track height variance was less than 1/4".. At the moment 50% is double track, the rest single. Makes for interesting track control with guests. But a complete double track is in the works. (And I have permission from the supervisor of tracks and gardens!). I took almost 2 years to complete my track, working weekends only. So you will have plenty of time for contemplating options. Keep us all appraised. Tony D. IAt 06:51 AM 3/1/01 -0500, Joe Betsko wrote: Tony, My initial plan was to integrate a layout with a garden in my immediate back yard. Incidentally, my backyard extends another 300 ft. beyond the tracks. I do plan to put a more utilitarian and elevated trackage along my right property line that will have a reversing loop around my green shed and another in the back woods. I intend to grade the access to the operator's path so that it is not like falling into a ditch as much as possible. I would have liked to elevated it in a way my wife would approve. However, I have, on the left hand side, a detached garage for which I have to allow for side door access. Hence, the compromise was struck for the limited operator's path on just one side. I have previously commented on digging into a somewhat level concrete surface. I tend to believe that it is the old septic tank (yuck) and not a tomb holding treasure to pay for the Aster Allegheny. Because of this surface, I will have to raise the roadbed by 12 to 18 inches to achieve at least a 30 inch elevation along the path. And I prefer for this setting a dirt-based roadbed. Okay, it's going to be a lot of trial and error. Initially, I was curious whether I was the only one aside from the author of the cited Garden Railways article to dig a hole for an operator's pit or path? SNIP: Anthony Dixon wrote: Hi Joe and all, I agree on the raised tracks issue. But also suggest its a matter of "horses for course,s". I also looked at the ditch digging idea,s and wrote them off very quickly. But no two landscapes are identicle, so maybe there are reasons to dig ditches for some layouts. I suggest much more convenient to achieve the eyelevel view by building up, not digging down. Also the drainage problems are eliminatedBut sometimes to keep the rest of the family happy, the track should not be too intrusive. Also suggest easier for guests to step over a low track, than risk falling into a ditch?. I suggest the bottom line is to have a track immediately at hand 24 hours a day, which suits the owners pre-requisites, and can still be comfortably utilised and enjoyed by friends and associates. Tony D. At 03:48 PM 2/27/18 -0500, Jim Curry wrote: Joe: My layout is elevated all the way around. With an undulating yard I vary from 6" to 44" off the ground with the main steaming area 24"-30" up. No site work necessary! Jim -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac - Hey, I don't do windows!
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Mike, I believe that there is some sort of coating on the Aristo-Craft track, possibly to improve conductivity or to distinguish it from LGB's. The A-C brass track takes forever to weather. I have had the track for almost a year outside. I could take a green 3M pad and scrub off the coating to expedite the weathing process. I would do this on a test section. On the other hand, my LGB track is nicely weathered. I went with the A-C track because it was ready-to-use and inexpensive. Oh well... "M. Paterson" wrote: Joe, recommend that you do not paint the rails. The brass will weather in (about 6 months here in CA)and turn a dark brown. Painting, I found causes numerous problems down the line because you either never full remove the tape residue or the paint flakes or both. I have painted al rail and unpainted brass, all code 320. The Al rail (Micro Engineering) is hand spiked in redwood home made ties, the brass (LGB)is in plastic. All rail is bent on site. mike --- Joe Betsko [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Charles and List, This page shows some of the progress I made today http://www.gardensteamers.com/track_install.html Right now, I have a level point to point set up and it's great to be steaming in the meantime! Charles, a drain pipe would eventually surface on my property after trenching about another 15 feet or otherwise it's "Steam in the Pond" for me! Or I could put in a pipe with holes - not sure of the exact term at the moment... I like the mat suggestion. Thanks! Charles Brumbelow wrote: Drainage to what? Sump pump? Or are you on a slope where the drain pipe would eventually surface? I suggest something removable to keep the feet off the concrete(?) floor. Door mats made of recycled tires is a possiblilty which comes to mind. And something to keep the butt off the concrete wall . . . Just a couple of thoughts . . . Charles -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac - Hey, I dont do windows! __ Do You Yahoo!? Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail. http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/ -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac - Hey, I dont do windows!
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
The Aristo track is a different alloy of brass than the LGB stuff. It simply corrodes slower. The Aristo alloy has more copper and conducts better. Seems it would oxidize faster that way, but it doesn't. :) Trot, the fox who plays with too many sparkies... ;] On Wed, 28 Feb 2001, Joe Betsko wrote: Mike, I believe that there is some sort of coating on the Aristo-Craft track, possibly to improve conductivity or to distinguish it from LGB's. The A-C brass track takes forever to weather. I have had the track for almost a year outside. I could take a green 3M pad and scrub off the coating to expedite the weathing process. I would do this on a test section. On the other hand, my LGB track is nicely weathered. I went with the A-C track because it was ready-to-use and inexpensive. Oh well... /\_/\TrotFox\ Always remember, ( o o ) AKA Landon Solomon \ "There is a \./ [EMAIL PROTECTED] \ third alternative."
RE: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Joe, Looking good so far! And you are right about the Aristo track. Same thing with me. Takes a 100 yrs to darken compared to LGB! Chuck Walters - President Central New York Large Scale Railway Society http://home.twcny.rr.com/cnylsrs -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Joe Betsko Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2001 10:13 PM To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam Subject: Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit Charles and List, This page shows some of the progress I made today http://www.gardensteamers.com/track_install.html Right now, I have a level point to point set up and it's great to be steaming in the meantime! Charles, a drain pipe would eventually surface on my property after trenching about another 15 feet or otherwise it's "Steam in the Pond" for me! Or I could put in a pipe with holes - not sure of the exact term at the moment... I like the mat suggestion. Thanks! Charles Brumbelow wrote: Drainage to what? Sump pump? Or are you on a slope where the drain pipe would eventually surface? I suggest something removable to keep the feet off the concrete(?) floor. Door mats made of recycled tires is a possiblilty which comes to mind. And something to keep the butt off the concrete wall . . . Just a couple of thoughts . . . Charles -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac - Hey, I dont do windows!
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Interesting . . . If that's a ladder on the left instead of wide-gauge track BG you have quite a nice space. As for the concrete in the pit, can you slide the hole to the right a bit and make the concrete part of a step down? Charles - Original Message - From: "Joe Betsko" [EMAIL PROTECTED] This page shows some of the progress I made today http://www.gardensteamers.com/track_install.html Right now, I have a level point to point set up and it's great to be steaming in the meantime!
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
I play with sparkies also, and I have Aristo track that has been out in the snow, rain, mud and hot sun for over seven years an it hasn't weathered yet. Roger WPW
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Hi Joe and all, I agree on the raised tracks issue. But also suggest its a matter of "horses for course,s". I also looked at the ditch digging idea,s and wrote them off very quickly. But no two landscapes are identicle, so maybe there are reasons to dig ditches for some layouts. I suggest much more convenient to achieve the eyelevel view by building up, not digging down. Also the drainage problems are eliminated. Reviewing my landscape and options gave me no choice but to build a totally elevated track. By careful measurements I found I could have two steaming areas at 36" high at the side of the house, with 18'" high "scenic runs" across the front of the house, (and not to imposing) without adding or disturbing to much landscape. Some guys may want waist high tracks for total length. I have seen several well landscaped waisthigh tracks also. Including one track that goes from knee high to an unreachable 14' . high . But sometimes to keep the rest of the family happy, the track should not be too intrusive. Also suggest easier for guests to step over a low track, than risk falling into a ditch?. I suggest the bottom line is to have a track immediately at hand 24 hours a day, which suits the owners pre-requisites, and can still be comfortably utilised and enjoyed by friends and associates. Tony D. At 03:48 PM 2/27/18 -0500, Jim Curry wrote: Joe: My layout is elevated all the way around. With an undulating yard I vary from 6" to 44" off the ground with the main steaming area 24"-30" up. No site work necessary! Jim
Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Fellow steamers, I am in the middle of digging a trench along my straight away. So far, the pit measures 4 ft by 4 ft by 15 inches. I plan to build an operator's pit/path to fiddle with those manual locos along the lines of 4 ft wide and 12 to 15 ft long (depending on my back). My concern is about the height for comfortable access to the manual loco along the pit path. 24 inches? 30 inches? 36 inches? I am leaning toward 30 inches...thus raising the roadbed by 15 inches. Has anyone else done this on the list? If I could do this the whole way around, there would be a turtle back effect in the middle. Has anyone bothered to put in PVC piping for drainage? -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac - Hey, I dont do windows!
My thoughts regarding Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Personally, I have often thought it would be far easier to dig a trench to allow operators or audience to see the train layout from a more eye level than to cart in endless wheelbarrows of fill to raise all the landscape except a path. When I was considering making a trench I liked the idea of draining the trench with a sock covered drain pipe (sloped of course downhill) with a French style gravel fill around the pipe to encourage drainage and to keep the trench area dry for walking. http://www.drainpro.com/french.htmFrench drain system construction http://www.insync.net/~zwater/frenchdrn.htm French drain system http://www.varicore.com/ A multiple smaller pipe drain system http://www.homeimages.com/wwwboard/messages/1429.html message board discussion about drain fields Hope something out of this helps! Garden Railways magazine recently had an article about a fellow who did make a cement pit for legs and fanny while steaming up. I got lucky, I have a section of yard that slopes steeply. This section has a trestle. The trestle is 70' long permitting people to fiddle with trains at any height they find comfortable between ground level and 8' high. http://www.angelfire.com/or/trainguy/photos of the trestle made instead of ditching to permit easy access to trains for any height of visitor. ~Gary of Eugene, Oregon - Original Message - From: "Joe Betsko" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: "Multiple recipients of sslivesteam" [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2001 7:31 AM Subject: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit Fellow steamers, I am in the middle of digging a trench along my straight away. So far, the pit measures 4 ft by 4 ft by 15 inches. I plan to build an operator's pit/path to fiddle with those manual locos along the lines of 4 ft wide and 12 to 15 ft long (depending on my back). My concern is about the height for comfortable access to the manual loco along the pit path. 24 inches? 30 inches? 36 inches? I am leaning toward 30 inches...thus raising the roadbed by 15 inches. Has anyone else done this on the list? If I could do this the whole way around, there would be a turtle back effect in the middle. Has anyone bothered to put in PVC piping for drainage? -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac - Hey, I don't do windows!
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Joe: If you're looking for stand-up access 4' would be pretty comfy. If you're going to have a seat 30" is fine, that's what I use on my layout. As far as all the trench work is concerned, this may be the excuse you've been looking for for that small John Deere with a backhoe(mower, snowthrower) Jim
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Joe- There's an article in a recent Garden Railways about constructing an operator's pit somewhat like you describe, and it shows how to determine a suitable depth. It assumes that the pit will be used by one operator. From what I've seen, you'd be much better off with most of your track elevated to give good access, just like you've experienced at PLS, rather than using a pit. Drainage is essential, as Phil identifies. Also remember that drainage pipes must lead to a place where the rainwater will disperse harmlessly. ErnieW in SE PA
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Joe: My layout is elevated all the way around. With an undulating yard I vary from 6" to 44" off the ground with the main steaming area 24"-30" up. No site work necessary! Jim
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Drainage to what? Sump pump? Or are you on a slope where the drain pipe would eventually surface? I suggest something removable to keep the feet off the concrete(?) floor. Door mats made of recycled tires is a possiblilty which comes to mind. And something to keep the butt off the concrete wall . . . Just a couple of thoughts . . . Charles - Original Message - From: "Joe Betsko" [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fellow steamers, I am in the middle of digging a trench along my straight away. So far, the pit measures 4 ft by 4 ft by 15 inches. I plan to build an operator's pit/path to fiddle with those manual locos along the lines of 4 ft wide and 12 to 15 ft long (depending on my back). My concern is about the height for comfortable access to the manual loco along the pit path. 24 inches? 30 inches? 36 inches? I am leaning toward 30 inches...thus raising the roadbed by 15 inches. Has anyone else done this on the list? If I could do this the whole way around, there would be a turtle back effect in the middle. Has anyone bothered to put in PVC piping for drainage?
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Charles and List, This page shows some of the progress I made today http://www.gardensteamers.com/track_install.html Right now, I have a level point to point set up and it's great to be steaming in the meantime! Charles, a drain pipe would eventually surface on my property after trenching about another 15 feet or otherwise it's "Steam in the Pond" for me! Or I could put in a pipe with holes - not sure of the exact term at the moment... I like the mat suggestion. Thanks! Charles Brumbelow wrote: Drainage to what? Sump pump? Or are you on a slope where the drain pipe would eventually surface? I suggest something removable to keep the feet off the concrete(?) floor. Door mats made of recycled tires is a possiblilty which comes to mind. And something to keep the butt off the concrete wall . . . Just a couple of thoughts . . . Charles -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac - Hey, I dont do windows!
Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit
Joe, recommend that you do not paint the rails. The brass will weather in (about 6 months here in CA)and turn a dark brown. Painting, I found causes numerous problems down the line because you either never full remove the tape residue or the paint flakes or both. I have painted al rail and unpainted brass, all code 320. The Al rail (Micro Engineering) is hand spiked in redwood home made ties, the brass (LGB)is in plastic. All rail is bent on site. mike --- Joe Betsko [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Charles and List, This page shows some of the progress I made today http://www.gardensteamers.com/track_install.html Right now, I have a level point to point set up and it's great to be steaming in the meantime! Charles, a drain pipe would eventually surface on my property after trenching about another 15 feet or otherwise it's "Steam in the Pond" for me! Or I could put in a pipe with holes - not sure of the exact term at the moment... I like the mat suggestion. Thanks! Charles Brumbelow wrote: Drainage to what? Sump pump? Or are you on a slope where the drain pipe would eventually surface? I suggest something removable to keep the feet off the concrete(?) floor. Door mats made of recycled tires is a possiblilty which comes to mind. And something to keep the butt off the concrete wall . . . Just a couple of thoughts . . . Charles -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac - Hey, I dont do windows! __ Do You Yahoo!? Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail. http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/
