BOATS AND CANALS

My handy man has been round and we have discussed bthe design, he had some interesting ideas. He will be over again to do some work and we will undertake a more detailed survey. We hope to get something running this year.

Cheers Graham

I hope so, please keep us posted.

_________________
Maurice

Please click to go to our associate sites

Foxshaw Gardens Online & Boats and Canals

My tame DIY man has been and we have discussed the bits he will be building. There is now nothing stopping me from starting.

Well except the need to rebuild Jo's wild west shack first.

But work will start this year!

Cheers Graham

Good news, please keep us up to date, and on the railway as well.

_________________
Maurice

Please click to go to our associate sites

Foxshaw Gardens Online & Boats and Canals

I am still waiting for the garden wall to be built but am now getting on with designing the supporting structure. I intend to build the quite complex track bases in 'wood' made from recycled plastic. I have ordered some trial pieces and will start to build one of the sections supporting the 180 degree curve outside the high level return loop.

The idea behind using recycled plastic is that it is rot proof and I can build easily, in stages and without lots of digging for a solid foundation.

The 'wood' comes from these guys.

https://www.kedel.co.uk/recycled-plastic-wood/recycled-plastic-wood-120mm-x-20mm.html

Cheers Graham

Something has happened in the garden. I am experimenting with the plastic wood base.

The top is cut to the exact size of a LGB curve.



The supports are just hammered into the ground. It seems to work.



This technique will allow me to build a bit at a time with no digging to do my back in!

Cheers Graham

Our 'old' backs have a lot to answer for and contend with. At least you have started it will give you the encouragement to carry on.

I am hoping that Chris will be able to finish my track off soon.

_________________
Maurice

Please click to go to our associate sites

Foxshaw Gardens Online & Boats and Canals

I have a garden railway, not a very big one bit there is a bit of track in the garden.



Cheers Graham

It is getting bigger, There will be a high level reverse loop in the middle of this bit and all the grass inside will be replaced with low maintenance garden with lots of pretty plants in pots and things! The lawn to the left will be edged with something which can survive a strimmer!

The low level wall to the right will be raised two bricks once my handy man can work again!

The plastic structure is very easy to build and very solid, the piles go down about a foot. The two ends of the reverse loop are now close enough to see how I did on levels, there is only a 2mm difference which shows I am getting the boards levelled quite well.



Cheers Graham

It looks like yours will be finished before mine,

With regards to the edge of the lawn, a border of creeping tyme could be the answer, you could strim to the edge of it and if you cut any it will soon grow back, it has a pleasant smell and you can use it in your cooking. Just a suggestion.

_________________
Maurice

Please click to go to our associate sites

Foxshaw Gardens Online & Boats and Canals

That sounds an interesting idea.

Cheers Graham

Slow but steady progress, owing to a surveying error I have had to lower the ground! The point nearest is the junction for the branch up to the high level return loop. I have even charged up my engines and run a train.



Cheers Graham

There is enough track to operate a service.

https://youtu.be/aK_zaPTJbFY

Cheers Graham

One good thing of being battery operated, no need to worry about the track shorting out at the points. Looking good.

_________________
Maurice

Please click to go to our associate sites

Foxshaw Gardens Online & Boats and Canals

You also don't need to worry about electrical connectivity. The trains go through the points that are set against them quite well but it is a bit touch and go for the front bogie!

Cheers Graham