Possible track layout

[godsteam]

We have a small garden which slopes quite steeply across the back of the house.
Having said that one area is terraced and measures 2x5.5 mts and its the only flat lawn we have. I am reluctant to install a permanent track as its used by the grandchildren.

It would be really nice to have somewhere to at least test a loco before going to the club which half an hours drive away.

Question, can track be laid grass or does it have to be fixed.

Godfrey

[Bill/Rubery]

Hello G, My garden slopes and I too have Grandchildren playing in garden so maybe you need Peco SM32 in a circuit hugging the boarders of your lawn? Use Peco 'Set-Track' to get 'quick' corners. ....and keep the track-plan simple. I don't know how much space you have as I don't do metric...use Imperial measurements! If you look at my web page below you will see a up to date picture of my line hugging the edge of my garden.....much better to have your own line than going to a club line.....because its yours!!

[Andrew]

Hello!

I'm sure it can be done, but personally I wouldn't want to lay out temporary track on the lawn, I don't think you'd ever get reliable running and that would become awfully frustrating. As has been said before, both here and elsewhere, a sloping garden can be a real plus, allowing a steam-up area at a convenient hight and offering scope for some interesting scenic work elsewhere.

Good luck with it - and do peresevere, your grand-children will love it!

All the best,

Andrew.

[jay1976]

my 2 year old and 4 year old love the track yes they will meddle with points so set them back from the edge of the board..main track is fine for a 4 year to stand on as well but a kick from the side will break it so if on a trestle 2 foot high they can still see without standing or doing any damage... and if u get a cheap plastic or wood kit thats radio control u will be surprised how well they can control the trains after a time and if the train is speed limited then no worrys about run aways or if a point is set wrong they ram into the buffers or another loco..
them at our local steam up days know charlie my 4 year old and him controlling my locos at days and how good he is at trying to destroy a red hglw loco and not succeding
keep the plan simple a dog bone layout or something simlar..use set track on curves if unsure on how tight u can go and flexi on straights or slight curves and most locos will go round almost flat out unless a flying mamod..

[rebelego]

Question, can track be laid grass or does it have to be fixed.

LGB track and other 45 mm gauge code 332 track = No problem.
Peco SM32 I guess will be a challenge.

[andymctractor]

My very first attempt at running anything in the garden was with setrack Peco 32mm laid on lawn. It was better than nothing but was only really something to do some limited train runs on. It couldn't be treated as a railway.
I now have Peco sm 32mm laid on bricks mortared onto concrete at ground level for my main running lines and on Filcris for goods yards and similar. My very large golden retreiver regularly uses the track bed to 'patrol' the garden including walking over the points. While I wouldn't advise this I have not had any damage except where I didn't secure the plain track at enough points. This prevents me having point rodding or levers etc. of course.

I think the idea of securing the track but round the edge of your garden might be best, depending on the size of your garden. You might be able to turn your grandchildren into 'little helpers' when you run trains and they are visiting.

Good luck.