Garden Railway Forum

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.

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.

Rik

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...

Perhaps I should get out more????? While searching through some oddments I came across a set of these.....
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......
A spot of solvent later..... ... and I have some seating for shoppers and visitors to my pedestrianised shopping street (when the wraps come off).

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.

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..... 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.....

That really does looks excellent, from the roads and pavements all the way up to the buildings.

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

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

"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.

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

Rik

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

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!

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?

Cheers,

Andrew

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.

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!

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...

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.

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!