Vale of Ddualt light railway

[Joe]

Time for a update! although i still haven't got round to completing the spiral as i am still debating different options for the track plan of the station at the bottom I have progressed with other areas of the line and apart from a few gaps here and there all the track bed is now complete . The main progression is the construction of the "long drag" section of my line along the left Fence, I have used the wood "stretcher" technique by using two wooden battens (supported by the posts) spaced apart supporting the planks on top; I just need more track to complete that section. Also I have acquired a large amount of slate which is ideal for starting to make things look a bit more "Welsh" and to build embankments and cuttings with. Finally the swing bridge is now connected up to the drop in corner section built a while ago and a well positioned swing bridge "buffer" means the track lines up correctly so after purchasing more track i will soon be bale to run a train around the whole large loop which practically loops round the whole of the garden.

[Soar Valley Light]

Great work Joe.

It's good to see your railway coming together so well now. Well worth all the effort that you've put in.

All the best,

Andrew

[Joe]

Cheers Andrew, yeah its good to be able to now run some decent length trains with a much reduced risk of serious harm being inflicted don the lines passengers!

[Joe]

Well the spiral is now finished (as far as the trackbed is concerned) and the first open day has been and gone with generally all going well. My next project will be to continue adding scenery on the other sections of the railway. I decided to stick with just a passing loop at the bottom of the spiral which will mean i can run bi directionally by using the other passing loop on the raised section; there is also the possibility of adding a siding at the bottom of the spiral towards the buddlea as after an open day the need for more stock storage space was highlighted.

[LNR]

Coming along in leaps and bounds Joe, bet your happy with the progress. Amazing the difference all the plantings make, really starting to blend in. That swing bridge is a marvel too.
Grant.

[Big Jim]

Your line is really coming on Joe. Anymore pics of the open day?

[Soar Valley Light]

Hi Joe,

Grant and Jim are right, the way your line has come together is remarkable. You're making a cracking job of it. Looking back at some of the early shots it's hard to believe it's the same line now it's becoming established in it's surroundings. From your comments you are clearly enjoying operating it and developing it further. Keep us posted.

Andrew

[Joe]

Thanks for all the continued support all, its been a long journey but ive got to the stage now where i no longer have to rush what i am doing as trains are able to run the full circuit. I already have plans to continue with the scenery with some quite ambitious projects and being inspired by other lines I intend to add a little slate quarry behind the spiral. Heres some more photos Jim but on a my second open day.

[Joe]

As mentioned earlier work has begun on a slate quarry area behind the spiral although due to the small scale of the site perhaps more of a waste slate dump site. Anyway ive experimented with building a foam board hut which i have covered in exterior polyfiller and added slate chippings. For the roof i have applied ex polly but drawed in tile shapes which dont look to bad at all. The bank surrounding the hut is mostly made up of spare builders sand which chippings are added on top of; i intend to lay track where the bricks are laid when finances allow

[Soar Valley Light]

Nice work Joe, your waste tip looks really good. It will look even better when you can add the track. A great way to add scenery to a tricky corner!

Andrew

[Joe]

Some recent (ish) photos.

[Soar Valley Light]

Looking good Joe. The landscape is really starting to establish itself, it's going to look better and better with each passing month this year. I love the shot.

Keep us updated as Spring takes hold.

Andrew

[Peter Butler]

Well done Joe, your plans seem to have worked out. Was the snow picture taken this year? We haven't seen such a covering in here in West Wales this year.

[tom_tom_go]

The last shot shows it is coming together.

Is the slab on the right of that shot for sitting on watching thr trains go by?

[LNR]

Nice shots Joe, your plantings are starting to blend everything together.
Grant.

[Joe]

Cheers for the comments chaps. Yes I did get a little snow this year-didnt last long though . And yes the slab has brick pillars beneath to create a quit useful slate bench-took some effort to get it in situ though

Joe