Garden Railway Forum

Today, after five years or so of inactivity, the SWR saw movement once again! The track was covered in grass, moss, twigs, pine cones, and all sorts of detritus which had to be cleared very labouriously by hand. That said, the line has weathered superbly, and the moss growth (where it hasn't grown out of control) looks divine!

Here is No.4 (Wigeon) idling in the sunshine at Park Hall before tackling the severe grade on the way to Flange Halt.

On arrival at Flange Halt. Eventually No.4 managed 2 return trips without too much de-railing or pushing from the big hand in the sky.


More updates to follow when the line is back in full commission.

That is a real testament to peco track that its survived during the resting period. The rapier look brill.

callumk5:67769 wrote:

More updates to follow when the line is back in full commission.

Your lines got a really nice run down look Would you be able to tell me what make the two wagons are in the foreground of the last picture?
Thanks

I think its also testament to the construction of the track base..... How did you do it please.

Thanks

Barry

Thanks for the comments folks  :)

Bryan- the tract is still perfect. I'v always thought Peco track was virtually indestructible, and even the point blades move freely and positively (once frogs were cleaned out etc).

James- the wagons in that picture are a Newdigate resin bodied box van (no longer available I believe?), and an IP five plank open. Both made during the first flush of SWR activity.

Barry- I consider myself very lucky the foundations have survived so well! We dug out the foundations to about 6", then filled the bottom with wet cement and laid 6" Thermalite blocks laid on their sides and attached the track with a combination of screws and masonry nails. Despite initial fears the frost hasn't affected the integrity of the blocks and it's all still very solid to walk on. The plan is to fill around the blocks with loose gravel/slate and ballast the track with a gravel/sand/cement mix.