CWN Back Shops

Sooner or later its time to stop planning and start building. Five minutes after you break ground you'll begin to realize your plan is flawed or missing some elements. Don't be discourage. Keep going. If you never get a train running you may become disappointed with the hobby. Remember that even the greatest railroad you ever see probably has some plans for changes, modifications or repairs.

With that in mind here is a list of some of the things the CWN needs to rethink, plan for and fix. I hope this helps you with planning your railroad, but don't let it stop you from breaking ground! This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of things to consider, but rather a list of items that the CWN did not prepare for or wished we had put more thought into.

Storage.

The CWN began life as an oval of track and one locomotive with no rolling stock. I therefore never considered outdoor equipment storage. This means that every time we want to run trains, we have to haul the equipment up from the basement and when we are done take it all back in. Buildings, people etc remain outside until the snow falls. Even when I was just hauling one locomotive in and out, this became a problem. The only damage my Forney has experienced has been associated with transporting it. I have had no railroad incidents to speak of. I have really come to understand why people knock holes in walls and so forth so that trains can be run in and out of storage. The CWN compromise has been to utilize space in a storage shed which is conveniently located near the line and already houses the power supply and Train Engineer. I cannot run the trains into this storage area, but it has greatly reduced the effort required to setup for an operating session and reduced wear and tear on the trains. Don't forget to make sure your choice of storage is highly secure from both critters and crooks.

Work with your Gardener.

My wife is the gardener in the family. She has created some beautiful gardenscapes. Sometimes we fail to accurately compare notes. We have had occasion where things have been planted and deemed immovable, where the CWN was expecting to lay new track. In other cases the CWN ran rail too close to certain plants not knowing how big they would spread, causing interference when trying to run. We laugh about it, but have learned to verify plant and rail locations a couple of times before proceeding.

Stepping Stones.

We were both inexperienced gardeners and inexperienced outdoor railroaders when we launched the CWN. As a result we have not provided adequate access to plants or track for weeding cleaning and general management in some areas. Where possible we are "planting" stepping stones and minor pathways to rectify the situation. On our line this was probably our biggest mistake so far.

Plan for Wires.

A fence line along the back of the CWN has made a great wireway for running power and lighting lines. I am able to run wires along the back of my fence then pop under it at the appropriate location along the line. Not everyone is so lucky. Wire is both inexpensive and easy to install before planting and track laying. Bury some extra when you start to dig. You won't be sorry.

Children.

I thought this one out ahead. Many people do, but I have visited two layouts that did not. What a disaster. The owners who had graciously opened up their railroads for club visits, spent most of their time politely and not so politely scolding children and adults alike. It wasn't that anyone, child or adult was being destructive or over zealous, but the layouts just promoted certain traffic flow and perceived interaction that the owner did not want. I of course respect that, but would suggest to those who are currently designing a garden railroad to consider this issue before breaking ground or placing that valued wooden structure.

My layout is reasonably child friendly. I tend to set buildings, vehicles and detailed people out of reach, but in view. When possible I sit some less fragile or more expendable people out within reach if I am expecting younger people that I am familiar with. This is not a wise idea if you do not know your audience well, as permitting some "touching" leads to wanting to touch more things. I visited one layout with a pathway that led over a trestle to a sitting area. Understandably this was not a route for young unattended children, but it was a natural draw for them. Consider polite signs or barricades for such areas during open houses. Parents need to be responsible for little ones, but as owners we need to consider the possibilities and what we are willing to put up with or not put up with. Think about how much child traffic you expect on your line. Do you have children or grandchildren who you hope will interact with the line or do you prefer passive observation? The choice is of course yours, just plan for it. If trains travel near the front edge of your garden someone will touch them, some child will try to drop stones in that passing gondola. It doesn't happen often but it does happen.