The Potters Orchid Railway

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Peter Butler
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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by Peter Butler » Sat Oct 01, 2022 11:15 pm

Time spent on research and sourcing correct material will be worthwhile. Your choice of small scale, angular, natural stone is best suited to fixing with SBR (or Aussie equivalent) and I have been using the method since about 2016, much of which is still in situ.
You do have an advantage in that your track base is concrete, therefore permanent and stable. Some of mine was on treated wooden boards with felt covering, which moved and perished, although the ballast was still firm.
Forum users can confirm the best way of applying the SBR is to soak the ballast thoroughly with undiluted SBR and then cover for a few days to protect from rain (a regular UK problem!) after which you will notice a colour change. Just ignore the alarming blue appearance... it will fade... eventually!
Try a test piece first, once set it needs a hammer and chisel to shift it.
The best things in life are free.... so why am I doing this?

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FWLR
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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by FWLR » Sun Oct 02, 2022 11:05 am

Love that cactus Dazza, well worth the wait. Does it flower more than once during its life time. :?:

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Hydrostatic Dazza
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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by Hydrostatic Dazza » Sun Oct 02, 2022 8:58 pm

Peter Butler wrote: Sat Oct 01, 2022 11:15 pm Time spent on research and sourcing correct material will be worthwhile. Your choice of small scale, angular, natural stone is best suited to fixing with SBR (or Aussie equivalent) and I have been using the method since about 2016, much of which is still in situ.
You do have an advantage in that your track base is concrete, therefore permanent and stable. Some of mine was on treated wooden boards with felt covering, which moved and perished, although the ballast was still firm.
Forum users can confirm the best way of applying the SBR is to soak the ballast thoroughly with undiluted SBR and then cover for a few days to protect from rain (a regular UK problem!) after which you will notice a colour change. Just ignore the alarming blue appearance... it will fade... eventually!
Try a test piece first, once set it needs a hammer and chisel to shift it.
I am intending to follow your words and music as some time ago saw your results and methods and stored that in the Mk 1 cranium computer.
Cheers from Dazza, The Hydrostatic Lubricator 8)
The chances of finding out what’s really going on in the universe are so remote, the only thing to do is hang the sense of it and keep yourself occupied. Douglas Adams

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Hydrostatic Dazza
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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by Hydrostatic Dazza » Sun Oct 02, 2022 8:59 pm

FWLR wrote: Sun Oct 02, 2022 11:05 am Love that cactus Dazza, well worth the wait. Does it flower more than once during its life time. :?:
It was only planted earlier this year, so we hope it flowers each year. I am pretty sure it will flower as long as it is still alive.
Cheers from Dazza, The Hydrostatic Lubricator 8)
The chances of finding out what’s really going on in the universe are so remote, the only thing to do is hang the sense of it and keep yourself occupied. Douglas Adams

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Peter Butler
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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by Peter Butler » Sun Oct 02, 2022 9:04 pm

If the Aussie SBR equivalent doesn't work I will naturally deny all responsibility... good luck.
The best things in life are free.... so why am I doing this?

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Hydrostatic Dazza
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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by Hydrostatic Dazza » Sun Oct 02, 2022 9:46 pm

Track laying commenced. Captain Plod lined up the entry point to the Terminus. He thinks if he gets this right the rest should follow on nicely. It was too bright for the LASER so a string line was used.

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Plod had some assistance as Ben called in to have looksee and got to grips with Plod's method.

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Mr Specture heard a whisper in the Pub last night that there was to be some track laying action over the weekend. His natural inspection and regulation instincts kick in and he made a surprise appearance at the POR's new terminus worksite.

"Blimey, this mob of foamers and dribblers are still here"

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"Alignment is being maintained for screwing down, appears to being done satisfactorily. The bed needs work in some places with a concrete disc in an angle grinder to bring the line top to a satisfactory standard. No problems, just a wee fiddle here and there.

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"Loop laid, second loop and loco service area to be laid today. Track laid out for kicks and giggles before retiring to the pub."
Cheers from Dazza, The Hydrostatic Lubricator 8)
The chances of finding out what’s really going on in the universe are so remote, the only thing to do is hang the sense of it and keep yourself occupied. Douglas Adams

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FWLR
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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by FWLR » Mon Oct 03, 2022 7:45 am

Really impressed with your track laying. It's puts my "by eye'" to shame. :thumbup:

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Hydrostatic Dazza
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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by Hydrostatic Dazza » Mon Oct 03, 2022 10:00 pm

Track laying continued into Sunday and then Monday (Public holiday here for Lizzie)

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Positioning the points correctly takes considerable time and effort. The track for the loco roads and access loop were plonked down for a visual idea.


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Rail was rolled for the curve


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Cheers from Dazza, The Hydrostatic Lubricator 8)
The chances of finding out what’s really going on in the universe are so remote, the only thing to do is hang the sense of it and keep yourself occupied. Douglas Adams

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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by Hydrostatic Dazza » Mon Oct 03, 2022 10:27 pm

The connection curve and the temporary ply wood bridge (to be replaced by a QR style trestle one day in the future) were in place just before the light faded, so Mr Specture was keen to do his first quick run over the new extension on the POR section car ("Zing Zing, driven by a still very pale Mr Starboard) . The POR staff were not to miss out on this bit of fun so they hooked on the permanent way flat top and all hopped on. Mr Specture frowned and sighed, but he relented and let this un-offical party have some joy. No doubt helped along with the nice red wine in celebration.

"Will you lot shut up and sit down or we will not be going any where!"
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Off they set for the first run.

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For three riders on the flat top this track laying caper brought back some memories.

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Over the temporary bridge they go with much excitement (To be replaced with a QR style trestle brige when Captain Plod gets around to it)

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"Temporary plywood bridge painted with primer by MAM is satisfactory , will need to be replaced within 12-18 months"

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"All is satisfactory with what has been laid, only the usual normal adjustments to top and line and then completion of the loco roads and access."

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" Time to get away from this lot of foamers dribblers, now off to the pub and I hope that nice lass is there with the .......
Cheers from Dazza, The Hydrostatic Lubricator 8)
The chances of finding out what’s really going on in the universe are so remote, the only thing to do is hang the sense of it and keep yourself occupied. Douglas Adams

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FWLR
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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by FWLR » Tue Oct 04, 2022 5:38 am

Excellent work and they POR seem to be enjoying themselves. :thumbright:
Mr In.Specture looked dumbfounded with the crew. :lol: :lol:

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Old Man Aaron
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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by Old Man Aaron » Wed Oct 05, 2022 12:01 pm

Beautifully flowing rails over a bulletproof foundation. Can't go wrong. :thumbright:
Regards,
Aaron - Scum Class Works

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Hydrostatic Dazza
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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by Hydrostatic Dazza » Wed Oct 05, 2022 9:32 pm

Old Man Aaron wrote: Wed Oct 05, 2022 12:01 pm Beautifully flowing rails over a bulletproof foundation. Can't go wrong. :thumbright:
Bullet proof, ha, bomb proof from Lancasters dropping Tall Boys :lol:
Cheers from Dazza, The Hydrostatic Lubricator 8)
The chances of finding out what’s really going on in the universe are so remote, the only thing to do is hang the sense of it and keep yourself occupied. Douglas Adams

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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by Hydrostatic Dazza » Wed Oct 05, 2022 9:39 pm

Track laying was completed last night.
Mr Specture will be notified soon after the buffer stops are installed so he can sign on off on the certification for the track as fit for service.


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Sharp eyes will see the 5mm alignment jiggle was required for the loco roads access.

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Cheers from Dazza, The Hydrostatic Lubricator 8)
The chances of finding out what’s really going on in the universe are so remote, the only thing to do is hang the sense of it and keep yourself occupied. Douglas Adams

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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by ge_rik » Thu Oct 06, 2022 10:47 am

Absolutely perfect. Everything precisely aligned.

Rik
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Trevor Thompson
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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by Trevor Thompson » Fri Oct 07, 2022 9:36 am

Stunning! Brilliant track laying.

And the formation looks impressive.

Trevor

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Hydrostatic Dazza
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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by Hydrostatic Dazza » Mon Oct 17, 2022 5:54 am

Not a lot happening with any speed at the POR. Captain Plod is at the Rattler every weekend for some time now and back this Wednesday and this weekend. Driver shortage !

Image (Photo by Mark Dorman)

However Captain Plod was to be seen on Rock seeking expeditions along the branch last Friday, Sat afternoon and even Sunday morning before he signed on for his shifts on # 967.

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Some grunting, barrow work and perspiration in the increasing humidity had the Dunnydoor station wagon loaded with some suitable material for Slartibartfast to work with. Some Rock was even collected and tossed into the guard's van on Sunday during the turnaround at Amamoor.

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After Plod signed off to complete his Sunday shift and the journey home begins he detoured to his last created pick up at a location called the "Dawn". Plod had walked about 14 kms on Friday to look for his special "Railway Rock" locations. This last pickup point was an effort due to trudging and down and back up to the road side through waist high grass carrying 15 -20kg of rock each time by hand. Concerns of big brown snakes did pass by Plod's feeble mind but heavy tramping should send them scurrying away. The loading was completed and then it was back down the Bruce Highway for 160km to get home.


As soon as Plod got home he continued to thrash himself so as to get the rock unloaded straight away before he was completely buckled. This was aided by two glasses of Red Wine into an empty stomach.

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As the Rock in the barrow was a bit weighty and Plod was showing signs of fatigue it was thought to be best if it stayed in the barrow after being rolled off from the Dunnydoor and transported to the extension site.

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That more rock may be required will be of no surprise in the weeks to come.
Last edited by Hydrostatic Dazza on Mon Oct 17, 2022 8:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Cheers from Dazza, The Hydrostatic Lubricator 8)
The chances of finding out what’s really going on in the universe are so remote, the only thing to do is hang the sense of it and keep yourself occupied. Douglas Adams

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Peter Butler
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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by Peter Butler » Mon Oct 17, 2022 10:34 am

Pure dedication!
The best things in life are free.... so why am I doing this?

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Hydrostatic Dazza
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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by Hydrostatic Dazza » Mon Oct 17, 2022 7:47 pm

Peter Butler wrote: Mon Oct 17, 2022 10:34 am Pure dedication!
Gympie (GHIM-pee) is the town that the Mary Valley Rattler is based. It was around 1867 that the area came to world attention due to the discovery of paying amounts of alluvial gold and the resultant gold rush. Over the weekend it is reported that mutterings of "there be gold nuggets in them rocks" were being emitted by Captain Plod as he went about collecting his mineral specimens. Some say he adds to much steam oil to season his can of tea when on the loco, some say he is just totally "Loco" but most agree that he is simply best ignored and let go about with what ever craziness he is up to as it keeps him occupied and less likely to get into serious strife. Mr Specture does often sip some Reds with Captain Plod.
Cheers from Dazza, The Hydrostatic Lubricator 8)
The chances of finding out what’s really going on in the universe are so remote, the only thing to do is hang the sense of it and keep yourself occupied. Douglas Adams

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Peter Butler
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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by Peter Butler » Mon Oct 17, 2022 8:36 pm

Hydrostatic Dazza wrote: Mon Oct 17, 2022 7:47 pm
Peter Butler wrote: Mon Oct 17, 2022 10:34 am Pure dedication!
[ Mr Specture does often sip some Reds with Captain Plod. [/color][/b]
We taught him well during his visit to West Wales.
The best things in life are free.... so why am I doing this?

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Hydrostatic Dazza
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Re: The Potters Orchid Railway

Post by Hydrostatic Dazza » Mon Oct 17, 2022 10:02 pm

To see what might form in one's mind's eye, rock was moved

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Cheers from Dazza, The Hydrostatic Lubricator 8)
The chances of finding out what’s really going on in the universe are so remote, the only thing to do is hang the sense of it and keep yourself occupied. Douglas Adams

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