Garden Layout, Early Pics

[gloobey]

My problem isn't knowledge Richard, unfortunately it's cashflow! I've been slowly changing my 4' radius track up to 8' radius. I ran out of funds at the end of last season, and am now trying to catch up. Sometimes the realities of life get in the way of my outdoor empire...

Why is the 4' radius curve bad outside, is it the fact that it doesn't sit completely level?  Or is it that you can run the trains faster?

The 4' radius track is really just too tight for these big trains. Indoors it works becuase the conditions are so controlled (perfectly level track, no temeprature changes to deal with, etc.). Outside these issues become very apparent. If I could move up to a radius larger than 8' I definitely would. The straighter, and more gentle the track is the better the trains will run.

[Richard]

Hello, Steve ...

My problem isn't knowledge Richard ...

I suspected, that with as much driving as you have done, that "knowledge" wouldn't be the problem!

The West Coast Road on Vancouver Island has a curve very similar to the one on your Garden Railroad. When you are driving East on the West Coast Road (which actually runs East-West along the southern end of Vancouver Island) from the Otter Point Firehouse there is a curve that "tightens on itself (much like your 8' to 4'). The scrapes and wheel marks on the wall and roadway give testimony to the "momentum" theory. However, when driving Westbound there are no scrapes or marks on that side of the roadway.

If this theory has any validty, you should be able to run your trains in the opposite direction (4' to 8') with few, if any. derailments.

Is that true?

All the best,
Richard

[gloobey]

Actually, it is Richard! The whole situation really is the result of inexperienced tracklaying. I've learned alot about running trains outside over the past few years . I didn't know what I was getting myself into when I started. It's a lot of fun, though and I love doing it. I'd have all of my trains out there if I had the space.

I have a few ideas about improving what I've started. I'll be taking pics throughout the summer. Hopefully I'll have things in a better state before the leaves start falling in October.

To change the subject a little bit...I was wondering if you've been on the RDC's that run on Vancouver Island. I was just reading about them and looking at a few pics. The article I'm reading says they are run by VIA Rail Canada. I have a picture showing a two car set stopped at Qualicum Beach. The article is in the May 2008 issue of TRAINS magazine. It looks like a lot of fun. I'd consider a trip up there just to ride on them. Not that I'd need another reason to come up there. I really like Vancouver Island (Victoria).

[Richard]

Hello, Steve ... 

To change the subject a little bit...I was wondering if you've been on the RDC's that run on Vancouver Island. I was just reading about them and looking at a few pics. The article I'm reading says they are run by VIA Rail Canada. I have a picture showing a two car set stopped at Qualicum Beach. The article is in the May 2008 issue of TRAINS magazine. It looks like a lot of fun. I'd consider a trip up there just to ride on them. Not that I'd need another reason to come up there. I really like Vancouver Island (Victoria).

I haven't ridden the Vancouver Island train yet (but, want to)!

It looks like Susan and I will be completing the renovation and construction on our home here in the Virgin Islands this summer. We are both hoping to be able to be in our Vancouver Island home in July or August.

Does that look like a good time for you to come over and ride the train? If so, let's make some tentative plans.

The VIA train runs from Victoria to Courtenay through the Malahat! The bridge over the Malahat appears to be breathtaking ...

Take a look HERE!

All the best,
Richard

[gloobey]

Hello, Steve ... 

I haven't ridden the Vancouver Island train yet (but, want to)!

It looks like Susan and I will be completing the renovation and construction on our home here in the Virgin Islands this summer. We are both hoping to be able to be in our Vancouver Island home in July or August.

Does that look like a good time for you to come over and ride the train? If so, let's make some tentative plans.

It looks like an awesome ride! I'm thinking I could swing a trip in August. My wife Elizabeth said she would like to get back up to Victoria anyways. I think I'll take a look at the schedules and see what there is to see. I'm not sure where on the island you're located, perhaps we could meet up somewhere along the way?

[Richard]

Hello, Steve ...

I don't know the train schedule, but August sounds fine.

Susan and I could meet you and Elizabeth in Victoria. If the train schedule allows, we could then all do a round trip to Courtenay and back to Victoria.

If the schedule requires an overnight in Courtenay or Victoria, that might create a problem.

Please let me know what you find out.

All the best,
Richard

[Tiermann]

Looks like a really fun layout. I may try some temporaryish track outside this summer to see how it goes. My big problem is no outside electricity. The only thing I have outside is the front porch light, nothing in the back at all. I have to run an extension cord out the door whenever I want to do anything electric.

[Richard]

Hello. Tim ... 

Looks like a really fun layout. I may try some temporaryish track outside this summer to see how it goes. My big problem is no outside electricity. The only thing I have outside is the front porch light, nothing in the back at all. I have to run an extension cord out the door whenever I want to do anything electric.

Ah ... An outside electrical outlet. Now, that sounds like a fun project ...

Seriously, it's not really that difficult to do (or even very expensive). When you're ready, I'd be happy to share my meager knowledge of electrical circuitry with you ... 

All the best,
Richard

[gloobey]

Hi Tim,
I don't have an outlet outside either. I have an adapter that screws into my outdoor light fixture. It has a threaded "bulb" end and an outlet on the other end. Teh other routes would be battery power, R/C and or Live Steam.

It would be great to see some what you come up with. If your area is flat enough you could just lay the track on the grass. Lots of people get started that way.

I'm not an expert, but I do have three years of experience with my own layout so feel free to ask any questions you might have. If I don't know the answer I can probably point you in the right direction to get it.

Good luck!

[gloobey]

I don't know the train schedule, but August sounds fine.

Susan and I could meet you and Elizabeth in Victoria. If the train schedule allows, we could then all do a round trip to Courtenay and back to Victoria.

If the schedule requires an overnight in Courtenay or Victoria, that might create a problem.

Hi Richard,
I have looked at the route, but don't have exact schedule times yet.The web site says that there is one train in each direction per day. One from Victoria, one from Courtenay. There may be a second train added during the summertime. It could mean an overnight stay, which would be an issue for me too.

I'd like to try and work it out. The ride is 4 1/2 hours and costs $27 each way. I'll se if I can get exact schedule times for August. Either way, it looks like a beautiful ride on a fun train!