3-05-00
Since
Ruby has still not arrived, there was plenty of time this weekend to work on
the layout. As you can see from the pictures at the right I am about
ready to start laying some track. I removed 6 wheelbarrow loads of sod
and haled in 6 loads of top soil. Once most of the sod was out I put in
the 81 - 8" retaining wall stones. The double and triple height
stones at this end of the picture help hold the dirt in place as I form the
hill area.
I
have placed a 10" piece of PVC pipe for a small tunnel on the back side
of the hill. I hope to have a branch line that runs around the side of
the hill and services a mine shaft before winding down into town. My
biggest problem this weekend was that the two local landscaping supply places
were not open yet for the season so I could not get any crushed stone to start
preparing for track. It was 60 degrees all weekend and is supposed to
get into the 70s this week so they should be open soon.
Hopefully by the end of the week I should have some aluminum rail come in
so I can start making some of my track. So this week I hope to be
cutting some lumber for building track and buildings.
Johnny F
2-29-00
Well, for the last few evenings its been turf removal time. The back
is a little stiff but I'm getting there. I have about 1/2 the turf
removed and as I move along and look at the site I get more and more
ideas. The tunnel is still up in the air but my small mountain is
forming and I think I am going to need two bridges for the main loop. I
plan on having a dry river bed that has 3 small branches leading into
it. These river beds will also double as a way for the area to shed
water when it rains. The train will cross a dry stream at the top with a
small bridge about 8 inches long. At the bottom of the loop there will
be a bridge, possibly covered, that will be about 20 inches long. I have
ordered plans for a covered bridge from Garden-Texture and hopefully you will
see an article about that experience here on my site.
Still waiting on the Ruby (live steam loco) to arrive. I don't have
much patience, when I get an idea I like to more forward with it.
Keep checking for more updates.
Johnny F
