We start with the bridge over the pond. this is almost the highest point of the line. The pond was already here when we moved in, so, as I didn't fancy emptying the pond and digging down further, I raised the line up to clear it. As a compromise, I tried to make a 'low profile' bridge. I had available two 2" x 2" (50 x 50mm) steel angles which were slightly too short! but decided to lengthen them with 1" x 1" (25 x 25mm) steel square tube. Spacers of the same tube were cut to 5" to seperate the angles at the correct gauge. The angles forming the running surface. (see diagram below) Further tube sections were welded to the outside to form a side 'walkway'.
The bridge was completed by painting the metalwork black and fixing a timber deck.
This photo shows the bridge in situe minus the decking.
The bridge is supported on Concrete blocks and is screwed down.
The timber decking was given a coat of wood preservetive and bolted in place. The structure easily takes the weight of the train with three adults and can be safely walked on. I did contemplate adding sides, but haven't proceded any further with this idea.
A point has now been installed just beyond the bridge and a new cutting cuts through where the rocks are on the right. See Latest update for more details.
Just over the bridge, the line enters the cutting. This section is almost level, climbing slightly to the far end of the straight. I had to dig down about 1 foot (305mm) here, not much I hear you say! Under the 2 or 3 inches of top soil I came across well compacted shale & gravel, along with roots from trees and other vegetation, it made the going very hard. The rock for the retaining wall was mostly recovered from this dig, also!
The material excavated from here was used to raise other parts of the line.
Apart from here, elsewhere the road bed was limited to removing the top inch or two of soil and placing black plastic sheet down. A layer of gravel (borrowed from the drive!) was spread over the plastic sheet and 'flattened' ( levelled not being appropriate as few parts of the line are actually level). This was followed by the pre-assembled track panels, these being 'levelled' locally by eye and spirit level. The rail and brass strip for fishplates was purchased from Blackgat
From the other end of the cutting, the line curves around crossing a path.
The gradient starts to drop from here. This is the steepest section, and has some of the sharpest curves, hard work for my little train!
I usually run in the direction of this tour, particularly when I have visiting 'drivers', particularly young ones, so that the train only has to cope with the easier gradient up to the bridge, and can coast down this gradient.
This picture was taken, looking the other way, during construction from about where the level crossing is in the previous pic.
The 'far from level' level crossing over the path. The line falls from the camera possition to beyond the left of the picture. The path slopes from right to left.
This curve is the second tightest on the line.
This picture was taken from the same spot when building the line.
A little further on as the line passes between the Silver Birch trees.
Here the line curves round through what could be mistaken as a jungle! It looks like I am in for some serious weeding this autumn!
A bit further round, the line levels off and passes the tool shed, crossing another path.
A bit more of the 'jungle', the line runs along beside a high stone wall from here.
This curve is also the tightest on the line, careless drivers usually manage to derail the engine here. I plan to ease the tightest curves when I have time.
Having to 'drive' the train does make the line more interesting, but not all drivers appreciate this!
Oh well, more weeding to do!
I hope to install a turnout here and take a branch line through the potting shed (right of the blue water butt in the picture) and into the workshop (garage). This will make the storage of the train much easier. At the moment, every thing has to be lifted out from the workshop.
The point and sidings into the Workshop has now been installed,
see Latest update for more details and pictures.
Start of the gradient up to the bridge. (the bridge is just out of sight beyond the level crossing over the path at the top of the picture)
