Garden and railway complete re-hash

Moonman posted:

You've nearly completed it. The spring should bring some fun and train running.

Lang may yer lum reek.

Hi Carl, aye hopefully by early spring things'll be on the move !!  And long may your stack smoke too !!    ha ha !! nice one or "nice yin" as we say in Scotland 

Davy, I's say winter has arrived at the right time for you, you've earned a well deserved rest after moving tons of earth and stone,

Davy, I think with all the work you completed this year you deserve a break! You have been working your rear off to get where you are today! Great work!

Well I don't like seeing that, but we knew it was coming!  I agree with Carl's way of looking at it!  I will look forward to seeing completion

Best of luck in your winter hibernation Davy!

Davy

I'll be looking forward to spring for part 2.

Have a great holiday season.

Larry

Hi  Guys, hope you all have a nice festive season, needless to say I ain't workin in the garden this Christmas eve......   heres a train making its way along the Scottish west coast earlier today......  

Thanks for the Picture Davy! But man does it look COLD!

I hope you and your Family have a great Christmas and cant wait to see what you have in store for us next year!

Merry Christmas Davy!

Another Merry Christmas Davy

Davy,

That photo reminds me of being at Lake Erie during foul weather.  Glad I live 100 miles from shore!

Merry Christmas!

Hi Mark, in Scotland theres nowhere you can be 100 miles from shore. When you're central 30 odd miles one way you have the Irish sea/Atlantic ,30 miles the other its the North sea..

Davy Mac posted:

Hi Mark, in Scotland theres nowhere you can be 100 miles from shore. When you're central 30 odd miles one way you have the Irish sea/Atlantic ,30 miles the other its the North sea..

So true!!  My wife and I would love to visit Scotland someday when we retire, which won't be long.  We love the photos and are both of Scottish heritage.  Thank's for the reply!

Hi Guys, well yesterday we had a slight taste of milder weather which has to last for a couple of weeks apparently so the "spring-itch" got the better of me and I went out and made a wee start to the O scale project. One of the last things I did before downing tools at the back end of 2016 was to bring in a load of old slabs and rubble so yesterday I got a bit more of the build /trackbed formation  along the back fence backfilled and smoothed off with cement. I also got a bit done in the far left corner (looking out from the wee hut that is) so its now ready for dressing with stones and plants etc. Anyway was good to get back at it.I hope this mild weather keeps up .The earlier the start I get the more chance I have of gettin some trains running before the year's out. Busy with work over the weekend but next week I'm hopin to get pushed on day and daily. Pics attached. Two water columns and a coaling tower stand in the corner waitin for the day they are put in place,...will be a while yet  . Anyway,so begins 2017. 

Hey Davy, Looks like a good start to the new year! I hope the weather hold off for you, cause I love to see your up dates!

Hi Mike, hope so, definately want to be seein some trains running this year . Mind you theres still a lot of work to be done. However upwards and onwards !!. 

Either way it sure is nice to see you posting again!

Happy New Year, Davy.

A good break from the winter doldrums.

Hey Davy Great to see you back posting . Looking forward to great happenings this year in your garden .  Always enjoy your news . Happy New Year mate !  Jim

Cheers guys, will be back in the garden saddle Monday AM,weather permitting !

I had a feeling you could not wait until spring.lol

larry

You tell him Larry! Hey did you see the guy that was selling that we talked about got his hand slapped!

Early spring in Scotland ? All the best.

Hi Guys, well so much for my hopes of an early start,the mild weather has dissapeared again, back to Mr Frosty,..... hmmmmm..........  spring where are you

Hmmm... Looks like we are going back to winter here in Western Pennsylvania too!  Ah well, it is only fitting.  We need it to be cold on Groundhog Day so everyone can freeze in the wee hours of the morning waiting to see if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow.  A friend is making his 18th annual visit to the event!!

Well Davy, look at it the way, it will give you time to get that extra rest you need before starting. I know you will need it cause from the past it show once you get going it balls to the walls! Enjoy your rest!

I should know better than listen to long range weather forecasts  . 

Hi Guys, nothing to report on the garden project progress down to still unfavourable weather but found this really well shot footage of steam on the west highland line here in Scotland between Fort William and Mallaig from August 2016. Steam runs daily throughout the summer on this line. Some great shots of locomotive,train, and scenery....enjoy.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXmr4GtlzOs

Hi Guys, well finally gettin a proper start made to gettin the garden finished and the trains up and runnin. Have been workin on a friends garden for a few weeks which is now finished so back in to my own place. These photos show how the alpine and other plants  have started to establish themselves in the main garden area. Have one last corner to finish plant and dress in the main garden.Also one more spill pool to install adjacent to where the G track tunnels thru the fence.  Hopefully will be posting progress pics regular again. 

Welcome back, looks good .

Larry

Hello Davy,

Good to hear from you? It appears your efforts are showing results! What a wonderful place to relax.

Any weddings on the schedule?

Hey everyone, it's DAVY! Welcome back, things are looking just wonderful in your garden. Almost cant see the tracks, but I bet it will just be great looking with the trains running!

It looks great, Davy!  Glad to see you are back 

Hi Guys thanks for the welcomes back !.  Great weather today. After I posted I made a decent start to the final header pool. Will hopefully finish it tomorrow. Intend it to be  just about the right depth for the smaller wild birds to bathe in. Once I get that corner finished I'll be back into the O gauge layout in the back section. As for weddings Carl, yip, every weekend theres at least one,....hate wedding cake ...ha ha.  Heres me at my "work". 

Wow Davy

That bride looks awful young for him. Of course if thats his car I understand. lol

Larry

Larry Sr. posted:

Wow Davy

That bride looks awful young for him. Of course if thats his car I understand. lol

Larry

Hi Larry, ha ha, no thats the bride's dad walkin her from the hired wedding car to the church.

Hi Guys, well heres yesterday's progress, Base of the last header pool cemented , still have to do the edges and overlay with butyl rubber,then a waterproof coat of cement and a final layer of flat stones. The water will spill from left to right in the pictures.

Looking good Davy, just a little side question, did you use your wee hut this last winter?

mike g. posted:

Looking good Davy, just a little side question, did you use your wee hut this last winter?

Hi Mike, no, it's still as it was left ,still waitin for a door and internal finishing. But its for the O gauge line . First on the agenda is finishing the main garden of which theres just the left hand back corner I'm workin on right now, some topping off of the walling around the G scale line and some ballasting. Last job will be puttin safety sides on the lifting bridge section of the G scale line as I don't want a loco derailing and taking a dive onto the concrete. Once thats all done I can start running the G scale. The O gauge line and area still needs a load of work but should take shape quite quick if I get the weather with me.

Just been doin some cement and stone work on the spill pool this mornin. Need to wait for the cement to set before I do the next bit. You can see the basin takin shape. 

Davy Mac posted:

Just been doin some cement and stone work on the spill pool this mornin. Need to wait for the cement to set before I do the next bit. You can see the basin takin shape. 

Davy, its going to be fun to watch your post again! I think you do great work and it is nice to see what you get done! The ponds and garden are just wonderful looking and I can tell it is going to be a pleasure to sit back with a cold drink and watch the trains run!

Yes Mike has it figured out!  LOL

Davy, one question about the cement.  Do you have a problem with a lot of freezing and thawing like we have in Pennsylvania?  If so I'm sure you know how to take ample precautions.  I extended our patio and built a stone wall a couple years ago, and so far so good, no cracks.

Hi Guys,  last post for the day. Butyl rubber cut and in place and ready for final finish of waterproof cement and stonework. 

mike g. posted:

Davy Mac posted:

Just been doin some cement and stone work on the spill pool this mornin. Need to wait for the cement to set before I do the next bit. You can see the basin takin shape. 

Davy, its going to be fun to watch your post again! I think you do great work and it is nice to see what you get done! The ponds and garden are just wonderful looking and I can tell it is going to be a pleasure to sit back with a cold drink and watch the trains run!

Hi Mike, was out there tonight havin my dinner "al fresco" with a glas of wine. still awee bit of an edge to the weather yet but nice and sunny. 

Mark Boyce posted:

Yes Mike has it figured out!  LOL

Davy, one question about the cement.  Do you have a problem with a lot of freezing and thawing like we have in Pennsylvania?  If so I'm sure you know how to take ample precautions.  I extended our patio and built a stone wall a couple years ago, and so far so good, no cracks.

Hi Mark, I use a waterproofing agent thru the cement that will be under water.Other than that just normal cement mix. Read a while back in a Canadian rail fan's post that in Canada where they know about low temperatures the secret is sub-drainage. If the ground is well drained with rubble or rock chips or whatever it can't hold water so no water to expand in frost.  My plot is so well built up on rubble that frost isn't an issue. 

Good deal!

Davy, I truly envy you! If I didn't have a dog that would eat my trains, I would think of an outdoors layout and not build a train room! But so is life, and the train room will go up, maybe down the road when he gets older and slow I can do an outdoor layout. Sure would be nice to sit outside and have dinner and some cold ones, watch some trains in the summer !

Davy welcome back and your outdoor layout is always interesting to read about.

Hi Guys, this mornin's progress.  Header pool now has had its final layer of waterproof cement and has been dressed with stone. Still some work to be done on the edges but that  will have to wait till the cement in the basin is cured. The big stone sticklin up on the left is actually pressing down the end of the feed-water hose into the cement till the cement cures and fixes it in position as the plastic of the hose is quite rigid and springy.  

Hi Guys, water course now finished. Cement was set solid by yesterday evening, header pool working perfect...  now just some peripheral stonework and planting to go and thats that corner complete. Nothing much if anything will get done today though as I have other life must-do's to be at.  

Davy, It all looks great!!  Nice waterfalls and pools!  Now you need some fish!

Davy, that is one great looking pond with the waterfall. I can already see you sitting next to it enjoying life!

Hi Guys, heres a couple of short vids, still haven't sussed how to convert them , maybe you'll have better luck ??  Already fish in the pond Mark.Couple of gold fish and some minnows out the local river. 

Davy

I'm getting sound but no picture?

Larry

Davy, I am getting the same as Larry!

Hi Guys ,this happened before. The vids need converted apparently but I still haven't worked out how to do it. 

Your videos worked fine for me with Win 10 and Google Chrome. However, I have also had videos and pictures that I could NOT see when others could. Maybe it just depends on the phase of the moon? 

We forgive you!  This new fangled technology gives a lot of us old guys fits.  :-)  And to think, I have been working in electronics for 41 years now, and I often have to get one of my sons-in-law to figure it out!  LOL

Davy, use the Add Attachments method and point the file finder to the vid. it works on a phone using the phone browser to sign in to the forum

Hi Guys, back to photos ,much simpler ...lol  , have done a bit more finishing and planting on the header pond area.Doesn't look a lot but been a few hours of frittery stone and cement work to make natural troughs for the plants . Still a bit to go yet. Like the alpine plants I planted last year it'll take these wee newbies a while to establish themselves. On the subject of things alpine heres a wee video from the Isle of Skye here in Scotland , Cuillin Mountains,on a bike, this guy has nerves of steel..... enjoy !  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ_IQS3VKjA

Every thing you do is wonderful Davy, you make things look so easy, and I know it not!

mike g. posted:

Every thing you do is wonderful Davy, you make things look so easy, and I know it not!

Thanksfor the thumbs up Mike.

Hi Guys, a few days since I posted but been busy with work and other things . Last couple of days I've been  putin in all my annual plants and finishing the flowerboxing on top of the fencing.Rubble on the bottom and the ornamental chips on top to save cash !!

Hi Davy,

It must be getting close to play- umm   -   er  - I mean train time. 

Looks nice Davy, I couldn't help notice there seams to be alittle work on the left side of the fence, must be the o scale section.

I hope you can run trains soon!

Hi Carl, aye hopefully I'll have trains running soon, . The G scale line just needs a bit of adjusting in a couple of places where it passes through the O gauge-dedicated part of the garden to make way for some stonework. The O gauge line will be a bit longer in taking shape as I have a whole load of other work to do in that section,but hopefully before the summer's out I'll have O gauge on the move. We had great weather there for a few weeks but now its back to changeable. Still fingers crossed !!

mike g. posted:

Looks nice Davy, I couldn't help notice there seams to be alittle work on the left side of the fence, must be the o scale section.

I hope you can run trains soon!

Hi Mike, yip ,to the left of the fence is the O gauge area, just as it was when I finished workin on it last year, as soon as I get the garden comopletely finished on the other side of the fence I'll be making a start to that area. A couple of good days should see it done

Hi Guys, heres the present state of the O gauge area..... a coup[le of days away from some serious work.... load of old paving slabs I brought in for building with or breaking up for rubble.  The last picture is the next ton of sand for the cement work. !!...watch this space !!

Davy, no wonder you look like your in great shape, old pavers to move around and a ton of sand to move to the back yard! You could be the next HULK by the time your done! LOL But I have a feeling you really enjoy all the work as much as you do running trains!

mike g. posted:

Davy, no wonder you look like your in great shape, old pavers to move around and a ton of sand to move to the back yard! You could be the next HULK by the time your done! LOL But I have a feeling you really enjoy all the work as much as you do running trains!

Hi Mike, I don't mind the work but ah must admit at ver near 64 I don't have aches and pains to seek at night these days. Could be doin with a new body !!   . When I get this place done I'll be calling it a day on heavy work methinks. I'll get my exercise out on my push bike of a mornin. Hopefully that exercise will keep me healthy enough to play trains for the rest of my days ha ha !! Was just out the back workin ,bright hot sunshine,two minutes later sky's as black as the earl of hell's waistcoat and now its torrential rain....  such is Scottish weather

Davy Mac posted:

mike g. posted:

Davy, no wonder you look like your in great shape, old pavers to move around and a ton of sand to move to the back yard! You could be the next HULK by the time your done! LOL But I have a feeling you really enjoy all the work as much as you do running trains!

Hi Mike, I don't mind the work but ah must admit at ver near 64 I don't have aches and pains to seek at night these days. Could be doin with a new body !!   . When I get this place done I'll be calling it a day on heavy work methinks. I'll get my exercise out on my push bike of a mornin. Hopefully that exercise will keep me healthy enough to play trains for the rest of my days ha ha !! Was just out the back workin ,bright hot sunshine,two minutes later sky's as black as the earl of hell's waistcoat and now its torrential rain....  such is Scottish weather

 

I know how you feel Davy, poured here all night, now we have blue skies. But they are calling for thunder storms later today. Such is the weather in the great north west! You take the sun when you can get it!

Looks very good, Davy!  At just 3 years older than I am, I can guess how you feel after your "workouts" in the garden!  I have some big stones to move for my wife, that I haven't put off on purpose, just that other tasks have been deemed more important.

Yes, here in Western Pennsylvania the weather can change rapidly as well!  

Hi Guys, well spent a day of very mixed weather,torrential showers interspersed with very hot sunshine tryin to get the back left hand corner next to the pond done. Tricky because of the electrical boxes and pipework underneath.Some stones cemented in place others sitting loose of necessity for any required future maintenance access. More or less finished. All I have to do now on the lower section of the garden is some edging stonework next to the tracks and some ballasting and thats this side of the place pretty much ready to roll. Time for a hot shower and an early bed !!   

Looks Great Davy! You deserve the rest! maybe even a cold one!

Hi Guys, todays project, finishing the stonework and ballasting on the right hand side of the garden on the G scale line... 

Davy, what make of "G"  scale track are you using, I like the look of it.

Looks very cool Davy! Wish I could do something like that, but takes a lot of $$ and not sure the wife would go for it. I am sure if I built a garden like you maybe, but man that sure looks like a lot of work! Something I am trying to stay away from! LOL

Arthur posted:

Davy, what make of "G"  scale track are you using, I like the look of it.

Hi Arthur, the track is Peco nickel silver G45 Flexi, beats the pants of any of the brass track on the market as do their switches.

Hi Guys well heres the results of today's efforts.So glad to see this bit finished at last. Some of the same to be done elsewhere on the layout to retain the ballast but am almost home and dry with the main part of the garden. 

Hi Davy , Your garden is looking fantastic . And you do make to look easy , although we all know that is not .  Just out of curiosity , did you make a sketch of your work before you started , or is this masterpiece from all in your head ?  Can not wait to see the trains going around on the track .   Jim

The Aristo "revolution" is now being sold again....   http://www.revoelectronics.com 

Summerdale Junction posted:

Hi Davy , Your garden is looking fantastic . And you do make to look easy , although we all know that is not .  Just out of curiosity , did you make a sketch of your work before you started , or is this masterpiece from all in your head ?  Can not wait to see the trains going around on the track .   Jim

Hi Jim, its gettin there, don't work to a sketch at all, I form the basic idea in my head so I always know roughly where everything is heading ,however sometimes once a project is in progress some ideas for modifications /additions will present themselves.Like for example the waterfalls in the pond,I was only intendeing to do one originally, then when I laid the stones  saw an opportunity for two,then three and finally ended up with four ... the O gauge section I know I want a double track mainline all the way round the circuit but what sidings there'll be ,how many and where I'll decide when I get things pushed on a bit... but no,nothing goes down on paper...all in my head !!

Greg Elmassian posted:

The Aristo "revolution" is now being sold again....   http://www.revoelectronics.com 

Have already invested in the ROCO Z21 digital control system

Mornin guys, finally into the O gauge area ,my project for today is to get this corner built up  dressed and planted .....

Looks like a lot of work Davy, Cant wait to see what you get done!

I can't wait for the video of Davy sitting in the yard with a beer in his hand watching the trains roll by.

I want to see him in the "wee hut"...

Hi Guys, lovely day here,gettin on good, ,the wee corner is almost done,thought I'd take a couple of pics to let you see the construction method. You can see the broken paving slabs cemented together to form the support for the ornamental rocks. Once I've finished the side stonework,the trough thats formed will be filled with a compost/rough sand mix,planted then screed with gold pea gravel as per the rest of the garden.  Running out of the right kinda stones so a trip to the river is on the card this evening !!.  As for sittin with a beer Joe, ye missed it ! ...,was sittin in the sun takin a break a wee while ago drinkin a cold budweiser !! 

Cold Budweiser.........I said a beer not swamp water.

Davy, The rock work looks wonderful! To each there own on what beer they drink, as for me its COORS! LOL

NJCJOE posted:

Cold Budweiser.........I said a beer not swamp water.

well it was all there was in the house Joe so it was better than nuthin lol  . 

Mornin guys, never made it to the river last night but did this mornin, 1st picture shows the haul , 2nd picture is my German Piko BR64 tank checking clearances in the "cutting" . Just wonderin how the digital sound unit will sound down in that section once its running,wonder if the stone either side will make a natural amplifier ??? ,oh well we'll see. Last picture shows the rear of the tank engine and the O gauge track base up top...  oh well.... gettin there !!    

Nice work there Dave! Sure is close on the sides, I sure hope there is wiggle room for when its moving! I hope you didn't have to carry all the river rock, I would think with all that rock you would have a cart or something, Keep up the great work!

Whistles in the valley should sound nice. You won't see it in there from the seating area, but you sure will hear it.

Does it have a smoke unit?

mike g. posted:

Nice work there Dave! Sure is close on the sides, I sure hope there is wiggle room for when its moving! I hope you didn't have to carry all the river rock, I would think with all that rock you would have a cart or something, Keep up the great work!

Hi Mike, no barrow, had to walk up out the river with the the bigger stones individually or in plastic bags with the wee ones. 

Moonman posted:

Whistles in the valley should sound nice. You won't see it in there from the seating area, but you sure will hear it.

Does it have a smoke unit?

Hi Carl, I have two Piko german engines for the G scale line, both fitted with all bells and whistles digital smoke and sound. The smoke units are also the pulsed units synchrod with the pistons. The 2-6-2 in this you tube vid is the exact sister of mine....  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J834n8Z40c 

Davy Mac posted:

Moonman posted:

Whistles in the valley should sound nice. You won't see it in there from the seating area, but you sure will hear it.

Does it have a smoke unit?

Hi Carl, I have two Piko german engines for the G scale line, both fitted with all bells and whistles digital smoke and sound. The smoke units are also the pulsed units synchrod with the pistons. The 2-6-2 in this you tube vid is the exact sister of mine....  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J834n8Z40c 

That's whistle will sound great! Nice smoke, too. Volume up for the valley run...

Hi Guys,well finished for today, fernickety workin in that wee corner however its comin along. Started to stoning the path too. Day off tomorrow as I'm pipin at a wedding, weather permittin I'll be back at it on Sunday though 

That looks great, Davy!  I like the pipes!

Turned out looking wonderful Davy! I hope you have fun tomorrow at the wedding! will look for your update Sunday!

Davy Mac posted:

mike g. posted:

Nice work there Dave! Sure is close on the sides, I sure hope there is wiggle room for when its moving! I hope you didn't have to carry all the river rock, I would think with all that rock you would have a cart or something, Keep up the great work!

Hi Mike, no barrow, had to walk up out the river with the the bigger stones individually or in plastic bags with the wee ones. 

WOW Davy, so that brings on the next question! What are you going to do to say buff once the garden and railroad is done!

Hi Guys, oh well the best laid plans this week got pretty much scuppered by bad weather at the start of the week and other unforeseen life-to-do's also got in the way of prgoress however hot and sunny as hell yesterday and today, Scotland apparently hotter than Mexico yesterday, same today.  Managed to do a wee bit to the stonework along the back and cut the fence next to my neighbours a bit to make an extra bit of flowerboxing. Pipin at a weddin today,so can't see much gettin done today either.  ,I'll get ma trains runnin yet.... !  as for what am goin to do after all this is done Mike,.... oh I have umpteen rail-related projects waitin my attention in various scales. So I'll no be bored ... lol

Hi Guys, treated me and the Mrs to a couple of new reclining loungers, weather's scorchin.... this garden project might be a while longer in gettin finished....lol  

Davy Mac posted:

Hi Guys, treated me and the Mrs to a couple of new reclining loungers, weather's scorchin.... this garden project might be a while longer in gettin finished....lol  

Hey Davy, I am glad to see you enjoying all your hard work! You have a great view there for relaxing!

Nice photo Davy! Looks like a Hot day..You guys don't wear shorts over there just kilts

Seacoast posted:

Nice photo Davy! Looks like a Hot day..You guys don't wear shorts over there just kilts

Hi George, kilt will be on in about an hours time. Pipin at 3.00. Should be back home for about 5, grab ma dinner and get into the garden with the old workin togs on,need to try and get some stonework done tonight. Eldest grandaughter's found the new seats !!

Mornin guys, well back into the nitty gritty, lifted some of the G scale track next to the site of where the O gauge turntable well will be. Will have to slew it a bit to clear the well. At the same time forming the approach to the turntable off what will be the O gauge mainline.  I might yet make another off/on road from the turntable over the G line to the other side of the layout but this plan isn't set in stone yet....no pun intended . Another sweltering day here but unlike yesterday its very humid and threatening thunderstorms,however so far still managing to get some work done

You have quite the mess going there Davy! But I am sure it will turn out wonderful just like everything else!

mike g. posted:

You have quite the mess going there Davy! But I am sure it will turn out wonderful just like everything else!

Quite a mess indeed...lol..,but there is a plan Mike ....I think... ha ha. Thunderstorms stopped play about half an hour afer I last posted...but I got some stuff done 

Hi Guys, didn't get that much done yesterday as the sweltering weather gave way to thunderstorms but managed to slew the stonework to accomodate the O gauge turntable well. Project looks like a dogs breakfast right now but will take shape and make sense to you soon me hopes !! . 

Hi Guys, well have pushed things on a bit. These pics show O gauge the turntable area taking shape. I've built the most of the channel for the pulley belt. I'll need to insert a tensioner pin into the ground and get a crank handle made for turning it. There will (I have made up my mind) two on/off roads onto the table. I've started to make the formation for the first road as you can see. The second road will go off to the right looking towards the wee hut to join the other side of the layout. The stick laid from the nose of the turntable in the picture shows where the off roads will be.  Oh well ,pipin at a weddin this afternoon, better get in the shower and get ready !  ... 

Looking good Davy, I knew there was a plan there somewhere! It just takes time to put it all into place and you sure look like your moving right along!

Hi Guys, Scottish weather back to its wet-self unfortunately ,however got a wee bit done this mornin. Laid the edging for the path-to be.Used old "causeway stones" or as we say in Scots "Causey Stanes". Good solid heavy stones set in cement,need to try and source a few more. Also got the wooden base for the 2nd O gauge overbridge cut and in place now. 1st dry day I'll bitumen it and cement it firmly in place. Beginning  to take shape...... I think ?   lol  

One day at a time Davy, and when that day is done you just look back and see how things look. From where I am sitting and from your pictures things are looking just fine! Keep up the good work and enjoy as much as you can!

Workin away between showers Mike, heres a wee bit more progress.... 

You know Davy I am starting to think you have a rock Quarry in your front yard! You have so many different kinds of stone you are using. It all looks great!

mike g. posted:

You know Davy I am starting to think you have a rock Quarry in your front yard! You have so many different kinds of stone you are using. It all looks great!

Hi Mike, ha ha ,no, no quarry but plenty builder's merchants and rivers nearby . Always keep my eyes open as I travel about, amazin what people throw out and discard that can be re-cycled....  weather to pick up this afternoon, so might get a bit more done today yet 

Hi Guys, well ,got a decent shift in today despite the weather. Nipped into a local dump this afternoon and found that some kind soul had dumped a pile of good used paving bricks, or "mono-block" as we call them over here. So I thought... just the very thing for my access path,plenty still lyin to finish the job so I'll be back for more tomorrow....  The edge of the path next to the G track is a few inches away from the edging stones I'll fill this with compost and plant it with thymes and other miniature plants. Ditto for the rock work next to the O gauge track-bed, have left enough room for plants there too.   

Great find there Davy, the garden Railroad gods are looking down on you with a smile!

mike g. posted:

Great find there Davy, the garden Railroad gods are looking down on you with a smile!

Hi Mike, funny ,because I was mullin over whether to do the path in natural stone or wee concrete paviors ,however when I saw the bricks at the dump I thought "perfect" and I quite like the look when I see them down.  Good dry weather forecast for tomorrow so I'll be up at the crack of dawn and into it for a whole day.So should see some real progress tomorrow. Its at the stage now though where I need to take stock of the O gauge track plan ,where the sidings will be goin etc., so a bit of thinking required too.  I'd like to get in some sidings to hold a few trains and also a seperate loco stabling area . Anyway, we'll see where it takes us tomorrow !!  

Hi Guys, well spent yesterday tidyin things up a bit and goin for more stuff,plus got some more stonework and path done. Back at it this mornin and have just installed the 2nd off road off the turntable which forms a bridge crossing over the G scale line.  Weather to break later today so will push on and get as much done before the rain makes its appearance !!

Hi Guys, well got on not bad this mornin,finished my last bag of cement and ver near another ton of sand gone too.(see 2nd picture...lol)  Taking shape though. Have the path up to where I need to make a step up and over the line that will come off the turntable. Rain's just startin to spit so am finished for today. Yet another ton of sand and some cement required ...however ....gettin there !!. Now off to cut my grass before the rain gets serious !! 

Looking good Davy, I sure hope you don't get wet today! Just so you don't feel bad it's raining here also!

mike g. posted:

Looking good Davy, I sure hope you don't get wet today! Just so you don't feel bad it's raining here also!

Hi Mike, just finished cuttin my wee bit grass and tidyin up and now the rain's on proper, just headin into the shower then off for some paint to paint some N gauge wagons !  trains in the brain...lo

l  

Hi Guys, not so much done today however did get some of the trackbase formation started off the turntable across to the mainline route on the other side. Other sidings will come off this line ...all shall be revealed as things progress ....   ...and took delivery of another (and final ??) ton of sand today... oh well... we'll see !

Looks great Davy, I hope you don't mind me asking, but do you do something else for a living besides play the pipes?

mike g. posted:

Looks great Davy, I hope you don't mind me asking, but do you do something else for a living besides play the pipes?

Hi Mike, been a full time pro musician since about 1991and part time prior to that,  .Had my own function band for many years, play accordion, keyboards and for the last 7 years the pipes. Quit the band work a few years back and now mostly just play the pipes these days. Couldn't stand bein stuck in an office or factory 9-to-5 .... perish the thought ,I like my freedom..

Davy, I know exactly what yo mean about the office/factory type jobs. I couldn't do it either and I do appreciate your feelings on that! I was always out in the field, had an employer provided vehicle and was going to different places quite frequently. I did that for about 5-6 years and then they wanted me to work in the office. I tried it and after about 5 years just couldn't take it anymore. I was a nervous wreck! They were kind enough to give me my old job back and I was so much happier I finished my entire working life back out in the field. They just told me where to go and what to do when I got there and pretty much left me alone to do what I wanted after that. As long as I got the work done and didn't run over on costs they never said much about anything job related. Doesn't get any better than that, IMO, but I am glad to now be retired. The best job yet!

You know Davy, with all the great work you do and all the heavy lifting, I would have thought you were in the construction field or something like that! Hell you look at your picture and you have some good size guns there mate! LOL

I am honored that you fallowed your dreams and did what you enjoy, not to many of us can say that, including me!

rtr12 posted:

Davy, I know exactly what yo mean about the office/factory type jobs. I couldn't do it either and I do appreciate your feelings on that! I was always out in the field, had an employer provided vehicle and was going to different places quite frequently. I did that for about 5-6 years and then they wanted me to work in the office. I tried it and after about 5 years just couldn't take it anymore. I was a nervous wreck! They were kind enough to give me my old job back and I was so much happier I finished my entire working life back out in the field. They just told me where to go and what to do when I got there and pretty much left me alone to do what I wanted after that. As long as I got the work done and didn't run over on costs they never said much about anything job related. Doesn't get any better than that, IMO, but I am glad to now be retired. The best job yet!

Hi Rt, should have mentioned as well that I generally don't like workin for a "boss". Did work for a couple of decent ones when I was younger but also worked for some complete a-holes, so have been my own boss for a very long time and thats the way I like it. Did office work for about 2 years when I left school and hated it . Its like prison to me.

mike g. posted:

You know Davy, with all the great work you do and all the heavy lifting, I would have thought you were in the construction field or something like that! Hell you look at your picture and you have some good size guns there mate! LOL

I am honored that you fallowed your dreams and did what you enjoy, not to many of us can say that, including me!

Hi Mike, I come from a long line of manual workers and military ,worked in the woods with ma old man for years, suppose what you guys call a lumberjack in the states,on the work side farming/woodcutting/mining etc., ma old man was a WW2 paratrooper and my furthest back great (x?) grandfather was a soldier who fought in the Napoleonic and Indian wars back in the day. Also have another way back great grandpa who was a soldier back in the 1600s ,so maybe I get my mentality /physical stuff from that gene-pool.However, I'm useless with heights get the shakes up a ladder   and never been in the military either, though I was an undertaker for three years back in the 80s and handled death in all its ugly forms and dealt  with it OK,so maybe theres a bit of what would be required on a battlefield in me but happy to say av never needed to put that to the test nor have any wish too.     Heres a wee ironic story though, I had two great uncles on my mother's side who fought at the battle of the Somme in WW1,both were wounded but returned home and lived to a very old age, however another brother who was a railwayman remained at home during the war, one night he dismounted from his locomotive at a signal cabin and was hit and killed by a London bound train....  I was about to say its safer playin trains than bein a soldier...then I remembered  him ..lol  

Hi Guys, well got a couple of hours in this mornin, roughly laid a couple of bits of track just to let you see where this is goin.... this mornins work was layin steps at the end of the block path to get up and over that rail-line. I've left wee troughs round the steps for ground hugging plants I'll finish the planting and dressing once the track is in situ proper. Ah well, need to get in the shower now and get ready for another afternoon on the pipes. Another poor guy gettin married...

Onec again very nice work there Davy! Also thank you for sharing that wonderful story about your family!

Davy Mac posted:

rtr12 posted:

Davy, I know exactly what yo mean about the office/factory type jobs. I couldn't do it either and I do appreciate your feelings on that! I was always out in the field, had an employer provided vehicle and was going to different places quite frequently. I did that for about 5-6 years and then they wanted me to work in the office. I tried it and after about 5 years just couldn't take it anymore. I was a nervous wreck! They were kind enough to give me my old job back and I was so much happier I finished my entire working life back out in the field. They just told me where to go and what to do when I got there and pretty much left me alone to do what I wanted after that. As long as I got the work done and didn't run over on costs they never said much about anything job related. Doesn't get any better than that, IMO, but I am glad to now be retired. The best job yet!

Hi Rt, should have mentioned as well that I generally don't like workin for a "boss". Did work for a couple of decent ones when I was younger but also worked for some complete a-holes, so have been my own boss for a very long time and thats the way I like it. Did office work for about 2 years when I left school and hated it . Its like prison to me.

I understand that with the bosses!

Hi Guys, well another day at the project, managed to get on not too bad, however rapidly running out of suitable stone,so yet another trip to the river is on the cards,maybe tonight or tomorrow.  Been workin on  the path formation either side of the track off the turntable. Next up is to continue the path over the G scale line and into the back left corner where I'll make a wee patio for my lounger (troughly where the barrow is sittin), that corner is the last to get the sun at night... not so far from the finishing line now but it doesn't half take some amount of material ...never mind ...upwards and onwards !

Looking good Davy! I hope you don't have to get to much more stone, you don't want to have to take any back! LOL

Hi Guys, well after two solid days torrential rain which made gettin anythin more done impossible the suns back out so back at it today. Picked up a pin and crank handle which I ordered for the turntable. Just need to cement the pin in place and thats another job done.workin fine.

Great idea there Davy, is that a chain or just a rubber strap? either way I bet its going to work just wonderful!

Hi Mike, rubber washin machine pulley belt. Installed and workin perfect.Just waitin for cement to cure now. Have also now got a strong flat stone in place over the  G scale line to carry the path into the back corner. No way I'm gettin any stone out the river the next coupla days with the amount of water thats in the river system now... so I'll need to see what I can scrounge elsewhere to get things pushed on. 

Hi Guys, well between lousy weather and havin to do other life-stuff the garden railway project's been a bit neglected for a few days,however managed a couple of hours yesterday and this mornin. Have the wee patio down for my "railway observation lounger"...  I'm now in the final stages of the hardscaping, some final stonework,planting and dressing then its trackwork time. Can sit in that lounger and turn the locomotives without gettin off my butt !!. Its also the last place to get the sun at the end of the day....  magic !! 

Hi Guys, been busy with other things but still makin progress, .... pushed on with the stonework between the block access path and the track base. I've formed a trough between the stones that will get filled with a compost and rough sand mix and it will get planted with low growing alpines,thymes etc., this should give the railway a nice "rails thru the mountains" effect once its complete. I'm almost ready to start track laying on that stretch.

Hi Guys,thought you might like a look at the rest of the garden with the  plants maturing.Took these pics a couple of days ago.

Davy, the progress looks fantastic!  It's really coming together!  

Very nice Davy! You have your own little heaven there! Just sit back and relax and enjoy!

Wow, things are really progressing nicely for the trains!  The rest of the garden is fantastic!!  Mike is right, it looks like a bit of heaven on earth!

The Dude posted:

Davy, the progress looks fantastic!  It's really coming together!  

Hi A ,thanks for the thumbs up 

Mark Boyce posted:

Wow, things are really progressing nicely for the trains!  The rest of the garden is fantastic!!  Mike is right, it looks like a bit of heaven on earth!

Mark and Mike, well after the life I've led I probably won't be seeing the real heaven when I pop my clogs so might as well enjoy it while I'm here . Why is it the last part of any project always seems to take the longest time ????... I was hopin to have trains running by now but looks like it will be a wee while yet....still...nearly there 

Davy , I can not complement you enough on what you have done to your garden . Your forethought is amazing . I hope you have many, many years sitting in your lounger watching the fruits of your labor. With a good single malt ,I may add !!!  .  I am looking forward to watching your trains make the trip around that beautiful setting . If I ever get to Scotland , birthplace of my grandfather , I'll shurely look you up . Jim

Summerdale Junction posted:

Davy , I can not complement you enough on what you have done to your garden . Your forethought is amazing . I hope you have many, many years sitting in your lounger watching the fruits of your labor. With a good single malt ,I may add !!!  .  I am looking forward to watching your trains make the trip around that beautiful setting . If I ever get to Scotland , birthplace of my grandfather , I'll shurely look you up . Jim

Hi Jim, thanks for the encouragement ,and if you ever get to Scotland you'd be very welcome too !. And, aye...I'm hopin  do get a few summers yet to enjoy it !!

Hi Guys, well spent the day finished that stonework along the block path, filled the trough with compost/sand mix and got a few plants in, the wee channel on the other side of the path has also been filled with the compost mix and dressed with the pea gravel ,it will get planted out too with small creepers and such like. So come next spring/summer  it should be fairly mature lookin and colourfull too. Not far from the landscaping finishing line now,then its the track and trains....the icing on the cake !! Where the barrow is sitting in pic1 will be the loco sidings. 

Wow Davy, Do you make trips across the pond for landscaping advice .

Seacoast posted:

Wow Davy, Do you make trips across the pond for landscaping advice .

send 1 airline ticket to.....   

Davey- been following your build. Your work is spectacular. The garden is beautiful. If you need any assistance pouring (or drinking) your single malts let me know.

Great Looking Davy! Just wondering does your wee little hut have AC if needed?

mike g. posted:

Great Looking Davy! Just wondering does your wee little hut have AC if needed?

Hi Mike, Ihave a couple of Marklin AC  G scale engines and have an AC controller ,however I'll be selling the AC stuff and sticking to digital for the G scale and DC or digital for the O gauge. I don't have any three rail stuff at all.

Hi Davy, I'm sorry I ment air conditioner! 

mike g. posted:

Hi Davy, I'm sorry I ment air conditioner! 

In general, the European Continent and British Isles are comfortable as is and find no need for A/C.

Arthur posted:

mike g. posted:

Hi Davy, I'm sorry I ment air conditioner! 

In general, the European Continent and British Isles are comfortable as is and find no need for A/C.

 I Respectfully disagree the continent can get HOT in the summer. Paris in a hotel without AC is a miserable time. London in the summer can get humid.

Seacoast posted:

Arthur posted:

mike g. posted:

Hi Davy, I'm sorry I ment air conditioner! 

In general, the European Continent and British Isles are comfortable as is and find no need for A/C.

 I Respectfully disagree the continent can get HOT in the summer. Paris in a hotel without AC is a miserable time. London in the summer can get humid.

Yes it gets hot, and hotels yes have A/C, but everyday households, not so common.

Hi Guys, ,well the fact that my first thought was AC as in "alternating current" is an indicator that in Scotland air conditioning isn't a big deal. You do get it in some public buildings,hotels etc.,  but with our climate theres seldom sticky humidity,  south of the border in England ,especially the south of England, London, Sussex, Hampshire etc., they generally get their weather more influenced with the european mainland and France in particular.So they generally get more of the hot unconmfortable stuff than up here. As for AC in my wee hut.... theres a door.... lol 

Hi Guys ,not much progress to report as had to see to other things today ,however got some track fixing timbers cut....