Time to build a railway...but where?

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laalratty
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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by laalratty » Wed Aug 29, 2018 8:49 pm

Interesting what many have said about Thermolite blocks not being suitable for outside, part of my line has used them for the trackbed for over 10 years and touch wood there has not been any sign of delamination, the track going loose or other such issues. Indeed, some of the blocks are older then that as they were rescued from a skip. However, there may be a certain amount of circumstance at play, the section on blocks is close to the house and quite well sheltered, so this may have had an impact on longevity.
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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by ge_rik » Thu Aug 30, 2018 8:16 am

laalratty wrote: Wed Aug 29, 2018 8:49 pm Interesting what many have said about Thermolite blocks not being suitable for outside, part of my line has used them for the trackbed for over 10 years and touch wood there has not been any sign of delamination, the track going loose or other such issues. Indeed, some of the blocks are older then that as they were rescued from a skip. However, there may be a certain amount of circumstance at play, the section on blocks is close to the house and quite well sheltered, so this may have had an impact on longevity.
That sounds encouraging. Presumably only one side of each of your blocks is above the ground whereas three sides of my blocks are exposed to the elements - but maybe a coat of waterproofer with be sufficient protection.

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laalratty
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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by laalratty » Thu Aug 30, 2018 8:46 pm

Some have only the top side exposed, some have been buried on one side and some have had slate walls built up to them and some are totally exposed, so I think I've covered all circumstances! They have generally been mortared to a concrete base, which was put in presumably when the house was built and in places many inches thick...
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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by Peter Butler » Thu Aug 30, 2018 9:40 pm

Perhaps I should get out more????? While searching through some oddments I came across a set of these.....
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They are '00' scale track incline supports which I purchased from a Toy and Train Fair some time ago as 'something which might come in handy one day!'
OK, so I don't do '00' and so they are useless as their intended purpose but they immediately 'spoke' to me to create something I needed. They had to be modified and a few additional pieces prepared and soon the kit of parts were laid out......
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A spot of solvent later.....
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... and I have some seating for shoppers and visitors to my pedestrianised shopping street (when the wraps come off).
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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by SimonWood » Fri Aug 31, 2018 10:37 am

Peter Butler wrote: Thu Aug 30, 2018 9:40 pm ... and I have some seating for shoppers and visitors to my pedestrianised shopping street (when the wraps come off).
And meanwhile a comfy seat for enjoying a cuppa while watching the trains go by. Honestly, you can almost see the steam coming off those mugs.

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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by Peter Butler » Fri Aug 31, 2018 9:15 pm

If I haven't bored you all up to now, be prepared to see lots of pictures....
First of all, a massive thank you to Phil (Lonsdaler) for alerting me to the white marker pen, I think that was the tip of the year and recommend it to all.....
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So, as you can see, my village is now installed complete with roads, road markings, drain covers, crossing gate and planting areas ready to receive spreading Alpines which I bought on Wednesday.
I am so pleased with the way it looks I even ran trains this evening.....
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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by Hydrostatic Dazza » Fri Aug 31, 2018 10:16 pm

aw, that is a sweet village. Bravo. All it needs now is a smelly coal burner rattling past with 6 on the hook.
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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by laalratty » Fri Aug 31, 2018 10:30 pm

That really does looks excellent, from the roads and pavements all the way up to the buildings.
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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by tom_tom_go » Fri Aug 31, 2018 10:50 pm

I will admit I find model villages not my thing but that does all look brilliant!

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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by invicta280 » Fri Aug 31, 2018 11:07 pm

Excellent buildings and well laid out too. I like the market house in the centre.

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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by philipy » Sat Sep 01, 2018 7:08 am

"Magnum opus", I think that says it all.

Edited to ask, Is that Camomile growing near the crossing on the last 2 or 3 pictures? I've used that as well, but forgot to put in in on my plants thread.
Last edited by philipy on Sat Sep 01, 2018 9:02 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by ge_rik » Sat Sep 01, 2018 8:09 am

Brilliant, Peter. Looks like it's been there for ages.

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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by Just Julie » Sat Sep 01, 2018 9:01 am

Wow, The village is brilliant Peter, it looks so realistic. I can’t believe how fast it has come together. Brilliant pictures :)

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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by bazzer42 » Sat Sep 01, 2018 9:21 am

That is a cracker Mr B. My grandson would love those cars but.....

That pen tip is worth knowing about.

Edit just bought black and white for wagon numbering!

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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by Andrew » Sat Sep 01, 2018 10:34 am

Congratulations, that looks fantastic, all the careful planning really payed off! The scene looking down towards the level crossing is particularly realistic...

Have you had any rain recently, to test your drainage system?

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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by Peter Butler » Sat Sep 01, 2018 10:38 am

philipy wrote: Sat Sep 01, 2018 7:08 am "Magnum opus", I think that says it all.

Edited to ask, Is that Camomile growing near the crossing on the last 2 or 3 pictures? I've used that as well, but forgot to put in in on my plants thread.

Thank you for all your replies, I am feeling a little pleased with myself now it has come together.
The plant is Camomile and I have used it in various locations around the line, it spreads well, possibly too well in places, and smells lovely when touched.
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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by Peter Butler » Sat Sep 01, 2018 10:45 am

Andrew, up until now the drainage system has seen no rain as I have had the entire area covered while the cement, then the SBR had time to dry out. As you can see from the above pictures, it is now exposed but so far, strangely, no rain!
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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by Andrew » Sat Sep 01, 2018 12:09 pm

Peter Butler wrote: Sat Sep 01, 2018 10:45 am Andrew, up until now the drainage system has seen no rain as I have had the entire area covered while the cement, then the SBR had time to dry out. As you can see from the above pictures, it is now exposed but so far, strangely, no rain!
Keep us posted - I'm intrigued to see how it will all work...

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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by IanC » Sat Sep 01, 2018 2:46 pm

Peter, one couldn't get bored of seeing work of this quality. Not enough superlatives to describe your work. Well done. You have every right to feel pleased with your village.
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Re: Time to build a railway...but where?

Post by Soar Valley Light » Sat Sep 01, 2018 8:18 pm

IanC wrote: Sat Sep 01, 2018 2:46 pm Peter, one couldn't get bored of seeing work of this quality. Not enough superlatives to describe your work. Well done. You have every right to feel pleased with your village.
Amen to that!
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