Jones the steam

Today my son and I started building a fun garden kit - a locolines Ivor the engine model.

The first stage was to seal the non waterproof parts with varnish. These were sprayed outside with plasticote.

More soon on this project.

ESC innovation

http://www.mtroniks.net/details1.asp/ProductID/193/MicroViper-loco.htm

I'm hoping this beauty is the answer to my ESC reversing woes.  Specially designed for model garden railway locos, it gives the same voltage in forwards and reverse!  yay!

ESCs again

Not much to report, but I am looking at ESCs again. The problem was reverse running with Rough Pup. I noticed that the ESC I've got gives 20A in forward but only 12 in reverse. This appears to be the crux of the problem.

State of the nation

So after a further day's work this is the state of play.

Earthworks

The fact that our local DIY shop (focus) is closing down spurred me into action.

Firstly I have decided to use the GRS interlink system - http://www.gardenrailsystem.com/typical5.html

So I have purchased enough bricks, sand, gravel etc to complete the line.

Secondly I have started the base earthworks for the line allowing us to plant up the areas not affected by the alignment.

The shot above shows the bricks temporarily laid to show the position of the track.

Concrete will be used to ensure a good base for the bricks where the earth has been made up.

Large scale show, Leamington

Today we attended the large scale show just off the Fosse Way near Leamington Spa. 

I purchased a useful book…. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garden-Railways-Ground-David-Pratt/dp/0955259800

and a flying bench cheap…

http://www.ipengineering.co.uk/page68.html

I’m not really expecting to run passenger trains, but this makes a useful ‘quarryman’s’ vehicle to go with the slate wagons.

Dad also purchased the zoo car:

http://www.ipengineering.co.uk/page64.html

to go with his other bugs and his Prince…which I’m sure will make visits to my garden line from time to time.

So, now I have to work out how to build the line this summer with the minimum of cost/time spent doing it….