Our Beginnings in G Scale:- Part 2 (2003)

Part One dealt with our initial Loop, dcc (/MTS>, and Branch Extension in to the Green Storage Shed
Part Two: The growth of the track along the Satellite Extension Railway on the other side of the garden.



Just one year on, the system had settled down to its basic pattern - dictated by the garden as always.
Primarily: 3 stations, for trains to run between, and with a continuous running capability whilst enjoying a BBQ



Lin painted lots of people to populate the coaches ensuring the line remained profitable, and would thus stay open.
Fimo Catering UnLimited, in conjunction with Fillin Ltd, ensured they were fed. (not that they have eaten any of it).




This first Photo Composite shows the overall scheme - The local (inner) loop with industrial sidings,
the Branchline back to the Storage Shed and the extended outer loop now passing the satellite dishes.
As with the branchline, decking was used to support track level or above the soil, with biscuit joints (as advocated on the TV Series 'This old House').

It was around this time Lin joined the Society, (Reading Show - Thames Valley Stand) and we started visiting gardens over a very hot summer, where we saw that the MTS controller/power should be used in the shade, and not sunshine, to avoid overheating, and also experienced the enhancement of SOUND when running around the garden (the trains - not us), which soon resulted in our 5 locos acquiring LGB sound modules! (Phil was also promptly ordered to remove an irritating Maplin Steam Chuff Sound Kit)



The Station loops were designed to hold 3x 4-wheel coaches and a small loco (Stainz, Otto) from the original starter sets, the MTS2 Digital Start Set, or our earlier Playmobil RC Set.
The branchline was operated 'handsfree'; either by a railcar, or a loco running around its train over uAutomatic Uncoupling ramps.
Arriving in Platform 3 after a sharp Radius 1 curve, the loco could uncouple and run round via Platform 2 and back on to the other end of the train, before departing , once again, for the branchline. Once inside the shed, a Radius 1 crossover allowed the light loco to be released to run round, recouple, and repeat the journey.
From platform 3 it could continue onward to e remainder of the system; and when darkness fell, all stock was returned to the shed by this route.
Then came an Estate Sale, capably managed by Jack, and 3 Zillertal bogie coaches, matching our HOe stock.
Fnally, there was this single, enormous, but beautiful, RhB Observation Coach left over ....

LGB Stock will always go around Radius 1 curves, but the loading gauge may require adjustment.



The Zillertal Bogie Coaches, followed by the RhB coach at 600+mm, cope with Radius 1 curves, even if the surroundings don't. .. Radius 1 was on its way out!


The LGB stock was illuminated - which is an essential feature for evening running.
Constant Digital Lighting also helps when bringing the stock in, via the branchline, in darkness!

Part One dealt with our initial Loop, dcc (/MTS>, and Branch Extension in to the Green Storage Shed

Part Three (2004) continues ....

Back to the Solent Home Page   Back to the Fillin Home Page and Calendar


For SOLENT GROUP matters please use this new dedicated address..


(Copyright Phil and Lin Spiegelhalter 2000-2016)