I wanted to run big mainline trains, but most of all I wanted a railway that would look geographically realistic. There wasn't going to be room to do both! So I decided to settle for a smaller well sceniced railway. I would have to run older small locos and wagons, but if I designed the track well I could also use it for testing the bigger locos on. The longer trains would have to be run on someone else's layout.
1. A flat circular layout so trains could be left to run unsupervised when hosting people for BBQ's etc.
2. To have a bridge with a real water fall.
3. To be laid out for maximum visual impact from the house.
4. Good photographic opportunities (sun angle considered)
5. Yard to hold a second train, and maybe sidings for other locos on display.
The railway is similar to a raised garden. It is very compact, measuring only 2.5 x 6.5 meters.
The height above ground uses the dirt dug from the ponds and some extra from around the section.
Two trailer loads of rock have been consumed by the railway. These are used for retaining walls and edges of the three ponds.
The curves are 6 foot in diameter (4foot is the smallest set track sold). These slightly larger curves allow longer locos to be run. It has clearnces for a Vulcan Railcar to be run (70 scale feet long) although construction of one is well down the priority list.
Bridge 3 was the first to be built. From there the rocks were arranged to for the ponds and rock walls. After these were concreted in place the earth was back filled. Some settlement has taken place of the last 6 months.
