Garden Railway Forum

I never knew that Brian! I had assumed they only built standard gauge stuff. I ought to be able to remember the works but I can't. Do you know how big it was or the dates between which it was in production? The abutments of the bridge over the Erewash Valley line which led to the works (and beyond!)...

The Modratec frames certainly look robust enough to do the job and durable enough to live outside. I was hoping for something with working catch handles though; my home made points won't have over centre springs so I'll be relying upon the lever (via the rodding) to hold the blades against the stock...

This is all really useful stuff guys. Although I've been in modelling for years all this RC stuff is brand new to me and a total mystery. Undaunted by that I've bought two secondhand manual loco's (because they were the right price - i.e. I could afford them!) with the intention of fitting RC. The i...

I wondered where to post this for best. It's not really a project, nor is it an item of rolling stock and its certainly not scenery! So, here's where I thought I'd put it. Does anyone know of any manufacturers of mechanical lever frames, either in kit form or built up, suitable for use outdoors? I'm...

That's looking very smart indeed. Nice to see nice straight straights and carefully set out regular curves. Please keep us updated, I look forward to seeing the shunting yard.

Andrew

Let me start off by saying I'm no garden railway construction expert, I haven't reached the construction stage yet. However, I do know a thing or two about construction in general and railway lines in particular - still not an expert mind you! Zach has hit the nail on the head (sorry, no pun intende...

I trust all this resting was done in your own time Inspector Isle! I'd hate to see tax payers money being misappropriated!

It reminds me of the old chestnut Rule Book question.....

What colour lamp signal means Danger, Caution and Right away?

I do believe you are right! It conjours up a wonderful picture, doesn't it. I think that one will have to go into the Soar Valley Light Railways Rule Book when it's finally written.

Thanks fr the information Peter, I wondered if it was tenmille. I would have loved to have seen the control system in full cry - my other huge passion is signalling. The railway is a credit to all it's creators, please keep the pictures and construction progress reports coming. I need my daily fix! ...

Hi Andrew, People often think that 'Permanent -way' means a solid, unmoving road, in reality it's anything but. Track is a surprisingly flexible support system for trains to run on. The skill of the track engineer and the platelayer is controlling this flexibility. Even the great Brunel learnt this ...

Congratulations on your special day Peter. Your questions are not stupid to me - I'm also a relatively late comer to live steam - please keep them coming. Your contributions to the forum are very inspirational so thanks for those too. One thing I've noticed is how lovely your track looks. (I'm a p.w...

By the way, I meant to say that I'm certain Inspecting Officer Isle would find this worthy of the most hearty commendation.

Wow, Mr Bond, what an unusual and interesting diversion. It's very much in keeping with some historical narrow gauge practise, at the very least in the ingenuity of your work. I like it very much. This could be a great benefit to multiple operator lines where an operator is located at each station a...

Cliff Barker launched his new 32mm gauge narrow gauge track at the Peterborough show last Saturday. I've seen no mention of this anywhere which surprised me a bit. The track is based upon Penrhyn chairs and his code 180 bullhead rail. I think it looks like the doggies dangly bits - so much so that I...

Very true kandnwlr. When I was writing my post I was thinking to myself about how small some of the FR coaches are compared to locos. They weren't the only ones and it's not confined to narrow gauge either. Look at a picture of a Brighton terrier coupled to a Brighton autocoach! The bottom line is a...

The information about coach heights was something I'd not picked up on before - thanks for that SPuduk. I was on the verge of spend about £100 (that I don't really have!) on some second hand ones of the freelance range. I've checked and I agree with you, they would look uncomfortable behind an Accuc...

That is absolutely fantastic! I honestly thought it was the genuine 12" to the foot article when I looked at the first pic.

Well done indeed.

Inspired somewhat by yesterdays exhibition and the lovely sunshine today the Soar Valley Light Railways manager decided that it was time to dig out the contractors railways equipment to assist with some outstanding work. Progress on the permanent railway is still at the drawing board stage (but maki...

I think Phillipy has summed up the situation well. It's an age old problem in many (if not all) national organisations. I now the Hornby Railway Collectors Association suffer similar agonies! One factor which can also influence venue, and which is every bit as important as any other consideration wi...