When I moved to Berlin I brought quite a few cartons of LGB track, locos and rolling stock. I had previously thought about building in the garden but only got as far as a large loft layout and the garden layout was all in my head with lots of different ideas. After the first winter of experiencing temperatures for more that two weeks at -15 to-17oC I knew that what I built had to withstand excessive changes in temperature between summer and winter. After much consultation I received planning permission (From she who must be obeyed) to commence work according to my plans. This entailed building a Dogbone layout with the ends of the dogbone bent to provide a return. The garden was reasonably level apart from about 8 metres at the side of the front left garden, which fell away about a foot towards the front hedge. The garden also had a slope from left to right and so I decided to build it up to a reasonable level and use stones around what is visible and concrete garden blocks where you cannot see them. I started the front turn around first and used a lot of sand in the process of levelling. I then turned my attention to the rear and had decided to build a granite stone patio with the rail level at the hight of the granite blocks to give the impression of a Strasse Bahn or Tram railway. I levelled the site and started laying the granite blocks in a circle working out until I had to start planning where the rails went. When I had assembled the track and knew where it was going, I placed pre-cast concrete foundations (made by a Charlottenburg firm) that were made for LGB track or similar track radius). I had decided on a minimum of Radius 3 (4 feet) which would allow a more realistic running. I then finished off laying the stones to finish off the patio and then started to complete the front area with passing places for a railway station. I layed the same concrete foundations and then had two areas complete with nothing in between for about 25 metres. I started to connect the two and the out and return track were placed close together to give the impression of a double track. I was convinced to have some curves and so, doing as I was told by the chief planner I incorporated some curves to add a bit of variety. This section travels along the left hand side of the garden, under bushes and trees and also incorporates passing places for the trains, plus a place to have another station. Between the front and rear sections the track is almost level with only a slight variation, which makes for good running. The garden railway has gone down well with the neighbours, especially their children. When we had an open day the other year there was a great time had by all. I have dismantled the track last year to remove all the fish plates and the rails are now connected with miniature fishplates at both sides of the rail and connected and fastened by minute bolts and nuts as prototypical. The sleepers are also screwed to the concrete foundations with rawlplugs and this provides added stability, the track expanding and contracting as the prototype. Since this modification I have not had any electrical problems with poor connections. Regards Tom
Tom - that's wonderful. I really enjoyed reading about your creation and the photos are great. Liked your hat, too...
That is a truly beautiful creation Tom, every boy's childhood dream come true!!! Thanks for posting the photos and there will be 2 very jealous little boys in Dublin tonight when Daddy shows them his friend's garden!!!! Well done and like Paul said, Nice hat!!!
Paul, I had to wear it as one of the neighbours arrived with a cake shaped like a train and a hat and other items! Two Train cakes from two friends and all home made. They were almost both devoured by the evening time! It was a truly memorable day. Thankyou all for the kind comments. The building work was hard work, working a few hours a day, but I slept really well! It was a labour of love really and the railway has really blended into the garden well. Regards Tom
Oh yes, I hadn't missed the cake. I remember German cakes with fondness, and I bet that didn't disappoint!
Great layout Tom , resist going for dive bombers etc as Herman G did. A great way to pass the afternoon - enjoy sir !
Tom :sign_wow: Your creation is truly amazing. I would not be surprised to see your railway listed as a tourist attraction in Spandau. Regards - Robert. :nlflag[1]:
The superlatives have been hung out like clothes on the line, and very well deserved. Tom, this is just brilliant! And many thanks to SWMBO for giving you permission to construct. Now if you need a little snow for the plough to practice on, Tom and I can ship you some Canadian Snow -- how many tons would you like? kind regards, phil
I have some video footages (Drivers eye and all that with sounds from the locos). I could do with help on the best way of posting them. You Tube? Any advice would be appreciated. regards Tom
TCS - great to see it once more - I would go along with ramacal - make it a toursit stop - and sell tickets - Phil and I will send you some snow - for a slice of cake.... Cheers
Somehow missed this. Splendid stuff Tom! ~A I have some video footages (Drivers eye and all that with sounds from the locos). I could do with help on the best way of posting them. You Tube? Any advice would be appreciated. I'd say Youtube is probably your best bet if you haven't done it already, though most picture hosting sites like Photobucket can also host video.
Thanks for the kind comments and I will try and put together some more photos for the thread. Regards Tom
