Time to build a railway...but where?

[IanC]

Glad you were prepared for the result Peter. If it had been me I'd have been horrified and worried in case it remained like that on seeing it for the first time.

[Peter Butler]

Does that give protection against frost, Peter? I'm waiting for Beeston Castle ruins to dry out before applying masonry waterproofing agent. SBR might be an alternative if it can be applied to damp Thermalite......

Rik

I'm placed on the spot now because I can only report on my experience. The road surface I laid previously was treated in the same way and has survived two or three winters without suffering frost damage. Whether it is because of the SBR I couldn't say but concrete has some resistance to frost if laid thickly enough.
I believe Thermalite blocks are intended for indoor use and not designed to withstand wet and frosty conditions. They are softer than the exterior quality blocks and therefore more porous. Whether any type of waterproofing agent would be able to protect them is something you might need to try, perhaps using a well soaked sample in your freezer?
Just explain the importance of the experiment to the management, I'm sure she will understand...... possibly?

[Peter Butler]

Glad you were prepared for the result Peter. If it had been me I'd have been horrified and worried in case it remained like that on seeing it for the first time.

It certainly scared me the first time but that is what happens when something new is tried. Each of us face new and exciting challenges and opportunities to improve the way we achieve the results we wish for, the Forum enables us to pass on the information to others.

[jim@NAL]

Looking good Peter if used SBR to seal a badly layed concrete floor it seals the floor completely. You are right thurmalight or soft blocks are not used outside in buildings as the frost gets to them and render dosent sick to them very well.thay are very rearly used inside now too they are considered as a bit old now lots of houses in the 1970s where built with them.you can seal them with some waterd down PVA or as Peter says SBR or paint them with some wheratersheld paint

[ge_rik]

Thanks folks
I'll do some experimenting. My preferred option is to wait until the blocks dry out (weather permitting) and then apply weathershield compound as this is specially formulated to penetrate masonry. It's very thin and so I imagine it will soak into the Thermalite quite readily as the bocks are very porous. I suspect that SBR is more likely to sit on the surface or at least penetrate only a little way into the blocks as it's thicker. Anyhow, as has been suggested, as the Thermalite is representing a ruin, it's no great problem if the blocks do crumble a bit at the edges.....

Rik

[laalratty]

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.

[ge_rik]

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

[laalratty]

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...

[Peter Butler]

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).

[SimonWood]

... 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.

[Peter Butler]

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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[Hydrostatic Dazza]

aw, that is a sweet village. Bravo. All it needs now is a smelly coal burner rattling past with 6 on the hook.

[laalratty]

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

[tom_tom_go]

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

[invicta280]

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

[philipy]

"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.

[ge_rik]

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

Rik

[Just Julie]

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

[bazzer42]

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!

[Andrew]

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