 |
Although progress has been somewhat slow, there has been actual progress on the railroad. Stream has been created and the beginnings of track are showing.
Retaining walls actually remain standing (and vertically so)after an abundance of rain. And even more surprising, the dirt fill has not settled excessively. The Whiskey River and Canby (WR&C) has been redesigned into a folded loop or something vaguely similar to allow more track to be laid in a more compact area. Hopefully, this will up the activity level. Raising it above ground level makes it more viewable, adds to the realism, and gives the local squirrels a place to bury their peanuts. This will allow addition of a tunnel. After all, the local skunks need someplace to hide. And it will make it much more exciting, recovering from the inevitable derailment in the center of the tunnel. |
| The railbus, converted to battery power using a NiMH battery pack, Locolinc control, and Sierra sound, has proven to be quite impressive. It has run more or less continually for 3 to 4 hours without using up its charge. So, other locomotives will get a changeout of sealed lead-acid batteries for newer technology, perhaps even LiFePO4. All depends on what can be fit into the available spaces in the locomotives. With their much greater power densities, if they will fit, the Shay should do fairly well with the newer technology. |
 |
 |
Stream is in and running. It was lined with "Gulapata" from the recipe in Garden Railways in an attempt to make it look more realistic with "rock" riverbed instead of black plastic that was impossible to hide. This sort of worked but the problems associated with the rubber liner that is, in theory, supposed to be above surrounding ground level, has not proven as successful as hoped. Still, it is better than the rubber liner showing.
|
| The same sub-roadbed, Trex, will be used and the pieces already on hand will be used wherever possible. Somewhat of a tedious process, cutting and fitting short pieces of board, but it will keep the track stable on the fairly soft ground. Thinner Trex, bent for curves, was used for the Oregon Garden railroad but was just too involved and requires (eew) planning. Cutting and laying short pieces makes it easier to do bits at a time and adjust the route as the mood strikes. Unfortunately, a serious problem with frost heave (or winter moisture absorption) is occurring. Haven't figures how to stop it yet. Blast! |
 |
