Time to build a railway...but where?

[chrispearce]

Well my giddy aunt! Stap me vitals etc. Have just read through this entire thread and what a brilliant railway! Stunning.
More strength to your already apparently very strong arm Sir.

[Peter Butler]

Well thank you Chris, you are a brave man to take on my version of 'War and Peace' and survive. I am pleased to hear you are impressed and hope you get all the help you need from other members of the Forum. They are a friendly and supportive group.

[Peter Butler]

I have commented on the thread by Mitch concerning his PDF 3D Baldwin build and have mentioned my current Hunslet build from the same company. I won't hi-jack his story but can show progress so far on my own.
Only recently I built an earlier made Hunslet 'Alice class' kit from PDF which was entirely printed, however, their production method has altered considerably since then and this 'Port class' kit is a much better option, having more laser cut HIP parts for the cab, chassis and footplate. Everything fits perfectly and the printed parts, boiler, cylinders, saddle tank, firebox and smokebox (incl. chimney) are the only pieces to rub down to a satisfactory surface for painting.
It is well worth the effort to spend time on these prominent sections in order to get best results.
There are options available when ordering the kit..... eg. short or tall chimney, plastic or metal gears, but others are available if you ask. I wanted metal wheels, at extra cost (plastic are now the ones supplied) and a 12v motor...... not a problem! You also get a 4 x AA battery holder and a DPDT switch included.
'Cambrian' rivet heads and cab detailing parts are included so I attached these to the bodywork and firebox.
I spent some time preparing the parts for paint so little to see there, once sprayed I added lining tape (Trimline) and a spray lacquer to keep it in place.....

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The boiler and firebox were filed out to accept a 4 x 4 AA rechargeable battery pack.....

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The chassis can be painted before assembly and is bolted together using the printed spacer blocks provided....

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I mounted a single pole on-off-on switch under the cab and a charge point at the rear using a plastic tunnel to conceal the wiring into the firebox. This will be hidden by the driver and fireman (from 3D Design Scan Print) which are currently on order.
Not included in the kit are handrail knobs or buffers. This leaves the builder free to choose so I have fitted brass knobs and brass handrail to continue around the chimney. Also, I have replaced the springs with plastic moulded ones I had from an unknown source. I also replaced the printed spectacles for brass ones, which look better.

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Up to present time it is a running loco using Deltang receiver and RC Trains controller and just waiting for final detailing.

[LNR]

Beautiful surface preparation and paintwork as usual Peter.
Grant.

[ge_rik]

Another finely finished model, Peter.

Rik

[FWLR]

Very nice Peter.

[BertieB]

Wow. Beautifully done. Love the cab windows; and interior; and...

[Peter Butler]

Further progress today.... the handrails and springs previously mentioned are in these pictures, along with the buffer beams, cab steps and Binnie buffers. Also, the nameplate 'Alice', offered for sale on eBay just days ago, is now attached.
I will give the whole thing a light spray with matt lacquer to cut back the high gloss finish. I have used this method before and it gives a nicer overall appearance...

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Still waiting for the two 3D printed figures to arrive but I have the cab roof to form first.

[Peter Butler]

Now 'Alice' is finished (except for driver) I have introduced her to the garden railway, just a short run as there is so much crud on the line it wouldn't be possible to do the full circuit. With the additional batteries on board (8 instead of the 4 holder supplied) it has better traction and responds really well to the Deltang control system. Not fast by any means, but proto-typically smooth with ample pulling power.

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Now we are confined to home I can see another kit joining the fleet any time soon.

[philipy]

Very nice Peter, as always!

[LNR]

Pretty as a picture.
Grant.

[ge_rik]

A great addition to the line, Peter. Are you going to add a gallery to the slate quarry for her?

Rik

[philipy]

A great addition to the line, Peter. Are you going to add a gallery to the slate quarry for her?

Rik

Oooh, naughty naughty Rik!
I got in trouble when I suggested something similar many moons ago and caused Peter more work!

[Peter Butler]

That's true Philip, but it worked out well. Having searched through my photo files it is interesting to see how long ago it was....
Building began here in June 2014....

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From a simple siding plan a full blown quarry site emerged complete with inclines and winding house. It all adds to the visitor attraction on my tourist line.....

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[FWLR]

She looks brilliant Peter. Those little extras have made her look very proud and regal. Your attention for detail inspires me to try to do the same, but alas I don't come close to you.

Thanks also for reminding us about your Quarry build. It's got to be one of the best I have seen.

[Peter Butler]

I think I remember reading in one of Peter Jones' books about maintenance of a garden railway and how much time could be occupied just keeping it tidy. Over the past couple of days I have been reminded of this as I was on my hands and knees clearing out all of the accumulated crud from between the rails and down the drains.....

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It certainly proves the efficiency of the drainage system as the water managed to carry away so much surface muck yet not block the pipes, I must brush the covers more frequently next year. The soil over the tracks is the after effects of rabbits digging for something?
When visitors ask about the 'extension'..... the answer is well rehearsed, enough is enough!
I still need to pull out the bush which was blown over by storm Dennis, I will try to plant it elsewhere in the hope there is enough root for it to take.
There was so much clearance to do I decided to enlist the help of a good and trusted friend, Henry was given the job of removing loose ballast etc. from the trackwork and points, many of which were locked in position with the grit trapped beneath the tie-bar.....

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On the plus side, the points which are cable operated work perfectly. The one point which is rod operated is jammed due to the crank being seized in its housing. This has happened before and I managed to free it with oil.
Eventually I managed to get a train running and gave the honour to the new girl, 'Alice', who ran sweetly hauling the Jerry Irwin coaches built during the winter.

[FWLR]

Our lines are certainly high maintenance Peter. But all your hard work is well worth it when we see such a brilliant line.

[Andrew]

I think I remember reading in one of Peter Jones' books about maintenance of a garden railway and how much time could be occupied just keeping it tidy.

I recall that too - I think I remember an article when he put a ratio on the amount of time that should ideally be spent maintaining what you've already made compared to the time spent building new stuff. I don't remember what the numbers were, but I know I've got them wrong! The idea of spending an evening or two mending the coaches I've already got is far less appealing than spending six months building a new one!

Glad you've got your line running again. Do post some photos of Alice in action, it's a lovely model.

All the best,

Andrew.

[RobRossington]

High maintenance or not, it looks great!

I actually quite enjoy the maintenance side of things.

[Peter Butler]

Andrew, I found my Peter Jones book, 'Garden Railway Guides No 1' and read it through this afternoon but found no reference to the ratio of time spent on maintenance compared to operation and building new items for garden railways. It is annoying to know we both remember the article but not the figures. How many other Peter Jones books are out there?