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Raymond's Garden Railroad (2006)
This page continues with the new additions and changes to the Garden Railroad for 2006. For other years, see these links: (2004) - (2005) - (2007) - (2008)
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01/08/06
Rotary Snow plow:
Seeing some of the cool creations by quite a few Garden Railroaders, I've decided to make one myself. One thing I notice with most prototypical rotaries or plows is their standard width results in the rear engine getting covered in snow and the path is only just wide enough for the train to pass. I wanted a wider path cleared so I decided to make a dual rotary plow.
(Click the picture to see more.)
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01/17/06
The BIG order:
Over a years worth of planning and saving came down to today when UPS delivered most the order for first major layout expansion.
16 Tubes of 8ft Stainless Steel flex track (768ft), 4 - Boxes of 20' curves, 883 tie sections, a second MTH TIU, a few lighted track bumpers and 4 - 19.5 degree cross-overs.
(Click the picture to see more.)
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01/20/06
8ft Aristocraft Stainless Steel Flextrack:
I've read a bit about their unassembled 8ft sections and decided it was the way to go for my next expansion. The track has just been delivered and wanted to post some info and pictures as I've always wondered about the info I've provided below.
The 8ft rails come packaged in what amounts to metal pipes lined with cardboard/paperboard tube for padding. (Shipping weight for two tubes is 44lbs. Dimensions for the pair are ~ 8' 3" x 1 13/16" x 2 5/8") They have metal caps on the ends that are screwed in place with brass screws. The tubes come with the standard Aristocraft slide-on joiners and the track is pre-drilled for the joiner screws. It appears they do not come with the screws. The bottoms of the rails are not drilled to allow for screwing the plastic track ties as the preassembled track normally does. The separate ties you can order DO have holes for screws.
If you plan to use Split-jaw clamps you will need for each 8ft section of rails, 8 complete tie sections(30033 - USA STRAIGHT TRACK TIES 1') + 5 ties of another section. Note, each complete tie section (at really more like 11") has 14 ties.
I did notice there were two versions of the USA ties, one slightly larger than the other. Three of the boxes were of the slightly larger tie, the other box was of the smaller.
Excluding the additional costs of shipping and the use of Split-jaw clamps, the 8ft sections (in Stainless Steel) are approximately 10% more expensive than the preassembled 5ft even when taking into account the reduced number of rail-clamps required because of the fewer number of joints.
Overall, I'm glad I purchased the 8ft sections as it will allow for a little better look by reducing the excess space between track tie sections and at the rail ends.
In the second close-up photo of the rail end with the Split-jaw clamp is an example of the extra five ties needed to finish a full 8ft rail section.
(Click the picture to see more.)
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01/24/06
MTH GS-4 American Freedom Train #4449:
UPS delivered the engine this evening. More pictures to come soon.
Initial impressions are very positive. The colors on this engine look right and is well detailed like the other. (The smoke-box on this engine will be painted flat-black like I did the other MTH GS4.)
(Click the picture to see more.)
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02/07/06
Regulated Power Supply (24volt - 40amp):
I've acquired this constant output power supply to power my MTH DCS controlled engines. It provides a rock solid 24volts output and runs very cool.
(Click the picture to see more.)
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02/07/06
MTH ATSF Hudson:
Actually acquired in 2005 second hand, this engine is another good runner with great sound and smoke.
(Click the picture to see more.)
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03/24/06
MTH American Freedom Passenger cars:
These were just delivered.
(Click the picture to see more.)
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03/25/06
Track Expansion Project 2006:
(Click the picture to see more.)
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05/13/06
Basement Ramp Rebuild project:
(Click the picture to see more.)
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05/29/06
Turtle pays the layout a visit:
(Click the picture to see more.)
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07/31/06
MTH Union Pacific Big Boy #4004 (4-8-8-4)
Two of these engines were delivered on 07/05/06. The ultimate in steam locomotive design, this model will bring serious power to any layout. One more of these monsters is on pre-order. The trio will be slated to pull a 60 Bachmann coal hopper train. (Two at the head end and one as pusher.)
(Click the picture to see more of this engine.)
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10/22/06
Double Tracked Basement Staging Line
Needing ever more space, I double tracked the staging lines for more engine storage.
(Click the picture to see more.)
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11/1/06
Aristocraft - USRA Mallet
My first Mallet arrived 11/1/06. This is a very impressive engine, with fantastic detail, finish and size. This C&O in all black with vanderbuilt tender looks just plain great.
(Click the picture to see more of this engine.)
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