Devious Diesel's Conversion

I converted Paxton to battery power with radio control and sound in April - see April Update. Diesel joined the loco fleet in May but I've only just started the process of carrying out his conversion.

The first photo shows the layout of Diesel's floor. The speaker has been fitted and the holes drilled for the switch (2 holes to right of speaker) and charge sockets (larger hole above the speaker).

This photo shows the template I made for drilling the holes for the speaker cone. The squares are 5mm by 5mm.

The holes are made using a 3mm drill bit. The template has been sellotaped in place.

An underneath view showing the charge socket, switch and speaker locations.

An underneath view showing charge socket, switch and speaker fitted.

Stoke Prior Station Update

The Stoke Prior Station area is nearing completion. The slab retaining walls are complete and I've cut the track which will link the branch line to the main line and also the branch line run round loop.

The area is ready now in in-filling with concrete.

Stoke Prior Station Progress

I've decided to make the elevated area on which Stoke Prior Station will be built out of broken paving slabs, salvaged from the front garden.

The retaining walls will be six slabs high

Work in Progress

A view from the top of the spiral

The Railway from the Air

Here are a few aerial shots of the railway.

A general view. The building site at the top of the garden is where Stoke Prior Station will be situated. The route of the single track branch line is marked by the slot cut in the lawn. The tunnel will be earthed over and turfed.

The branch line will leave the main line at Stoke Prior Station and will descend on a spiral until it passes under the main line. The first part will be carried on a curved viaduct which can be seen on the left of the photo.

Stoke Works Station is still a temporary structure and eventually the Salt Works Sidings will be populated with suitable buildings.

The house end of the garden. The branch line runs in front of the train viewing area and will disappear behind a flower bed before emerging further up the garden. Once the branch line, spiral and Stoke Prior Station are completed the final stage will be a quarry branch running across the lawn and round a pond.

The Railway's Second Birthday

Today is the second birthday of my garden railway.  🎂

It's reached the toddler stage.

It's still not finished but here's a short video of what has been achieved to date.

The Single Track Branch Line

 I've also been experimenting with the route that the branch line will take from the bottom of the spiral to Brookside Station.

Stoke Prior Station - Experimenting with Track Layout

Stoke Prior Station will occupy an elevated location, about 20cm above ground level.

In order to try out different track layouts I have built a wooden frame. I'm now experimenting with the layout. I need to ensure that Emily plus four coaches will fit in the terminus and there is enough space to allow Emily to run round her train.

Also the branch line station must allow Thomas to run round Annie and Clarabel.