Garden Railroading: 4th of July Progress

Happy Independence Day to our

Friends South of the Border

July 4th brought us out to Fred's to work on the railroad.

Indeed, Happy Independence Day to our friends south of the border. I have found Andrew's 4-6-0 beside the enginehouse in Craig Leigh.

Mark's Climax is close by...

...and Moe's CN diesel is passing through!

Mark and his son, Olie, arrive for the morning.

I catch Andrew and Moe hard at work in Spruce.

Hey, there's George.

While we showcase the events of Saturday morning, Fred has sent along an e-mail detailing the plans for Spruce. In Fred's own words,

"Monday morning, I managed to install the third 2x8 piece of roadbed, and put in the final screws to that part of the "Renewal". The picture is becoming clearer now, with it in place.

Some may ask; "Why not draw a track plan, and let everyone see what you are doing ?"....good question !!

Well, I found that I can't quite work that way, and end up with what we all will appreciate, in the predetermined space we have.

When the failure of the roadbed in certain places appeared, it was not worth doing a "Band-aid job" on top of a bunch of past quick changes. The answer was to rip it out, and get rid of the faults and worn out band aids, and be done with it. There were poor track arrangements right at the start...we were still learning back them. So....first we had to get rid of those faults, and start by replacing the main line roadbed, with fewer curves, and better roadbed.

Next was the passing track...same cure, parallel with the main line. Then....where to connect the needed roadbed for the industrial siding/freight tracks ? This needed thought, because the old freight tracks and industrial siding, were awkward to switch, and maintain....change was needed.

Until the three main pieces of roadbed were installed in the limited area, I had no real idea, and drawing them on paper was a useless task."

Fred continues...

Late this afternoon, I sat back, bheer in hand, and took another gaze at the situation. As Bill Scobie used to proclaim, a bheer or two, in moderation, does wonders for the pencil and paper in your scheming mind....at least years ago, if I remember correctly while hitting the third or fifth bheer was what he said to me, while I counted my fifth bheer…... or more....!!! (those were the "Daze"...!!)

I moved the base plate for the Spruce station into what looked like its best location, and then it hit me square on my big toe, left foot....it hurt !!

The two, or three freight/industrial tracks can fit very nicely just behind the station, and a possible station, house track can be included. Then, there is an opening for another siding, if wanted, heading out towards the remaining Spruce tree....a possible clear track to aid in switching.

All his could only be easily planned with open eyes while standing and looking at the area available...bheer in hand !!

Then some...

What are we gaining ? A switching lead, to avoid using the main line, or passing track; easier access to switch throws, and views of car numbers; retaining or gaining the overall capacity of the yard/industries; retaining an interesting track/switching experience; and hopefully more dependable roadbed/trackage, for frustration-free operations. We even gain an opportunity for a new industrial site at the tail end of the old siding, heading towards the curve at the East end of Spruce.

I hope in the next few days to get the sidings installed, or at least get the main track laid so running can be enjoyed.

Drop in and see what I'm trying to describe....you may understand it better while viewing it in person.