A simple change has made such a difference

[Southern188]

or "Why didn't think of this before"...

I've just realised that I have probably ran my trains more times this year than the total of all previous 8 years since I started my garden railway. Whilst it has something to do with an extension I carried out over the winter and the 'infamous' bespoke wi-fi control system I installed in my locos, a large part is do with this:

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It may be obvious to many of you but it was only after I had completed the track extension to the front, back and side of the 12' long summerhouse that I realised the floor of the summerhouse was at the same level as the track and what I could do as a result.

To be honest this was the most difficult "OK" decision from my wife. "You want to cut out a hole in the summerhouse!". Luckily, I found an example in an American Railway magazine and got the go-ahead.

Take tonight for example, after a 3 hour drive, a nice meal and with rain clouds in the distance, I normally would never have bothered to setup a train. Now, within a couple of minutes, an up to 12 foot long train is having a nice run. It also doesn't take long to return it if the rain starts.

It also gives me the incentive to get my first points motor working.

Michael

[IanC]

Well done. I think anything that keeps the trains running is a good idea.

I need a new man cave (shed). I might make sure it gets built so as to have trains running in and out. It will also give me an excuse to extend at a later date. Lol.

Ian

[tom_tom_go]

How do you block the hole when not in use?

[Dwayne]

[daan]

I sense that the summer house will evolve into a signalbox over the next few months..

[bazzer42]

Nice to do that in comfort, my railway loops in my shed but the logs, bikes and bbq are a bit uncomfortable

[Southern188]

An electrically operated roller shutter would be nice but I ended up using the piece I cutout. There is still a piece of wood missing, which is why there is that long gap at the bottom. Long story, the summerhouse was as far back as the fence but was being raised 6" by the tree roots, moved it 3' forward, cut tree down and it gave me a great way of extended the railway.

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I have forgotten to cover it a few times but the only invader has been a large slug.

Yes, it's going to be a signal box.

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[ge_rik]

Great idea - you're right, a great disincentive is having to carry out all your stock each time you want to run a train ....

Rik