need advice on backyard track

This forum is dedicated to Riding Scale Railroading with propulsion using other than steam (Hydraulics, diesel engines, gas engines, electric motors, hybrid etc.)

Moderator: Harold_V

Post Reply
Matt Stolzenfels
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Mar 02, 2012 3:58 pm
Location: western, NY

need advice on backyard track

Post by Matt Stolzenfels »

Hello All,
I am looking for advice, guidance, wisdom, money etc.
All because of this forum, I have a 4 ¾” gauge steam locomotive. (for reference, here is the post that started it all) http://www.chaski.org/homemachinist/vie ... 33be28e061
I do not have a lot of space to work. My current plan is for an "L" shaped point to point track plan with about 100 feet of track. I know that’s not much but it’s better than what I currently have – which is nothing. I have a tight curve area where the track would take a 20’ radius. Will my locomotive be able to negotiate that? I am not sure what to use for rail, what are my best budget minded options. Groovy track keeps crossing my mind but I’m not entirely sold. I seem to recall reading that groovy track caused excessive wear to wheels.
How wide of a right of way will I need? The track will run next to a fence. What is a good safe distance so legs and arms don’t catch the fence? Anyone have experience laying a concrete roadbed instead of stone?
Any ideas how to make the railway blend into the backyard and be visually pleasing?
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt Stolzenfels
User avatar
kcameron
Posts: 266
Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2011 4:23 pm
Location: Syracuse New York

Re: need advice on backyard track

Post by kcameron »

Matt S,

A whole bunch of your questions could be best answered by visiting a club running 4.75" track. FLLS is one in CNY that could show you lots of ideas. Tonawanda is another with some 4.75" track. I'm not sure if the East Aurora group has 4.75", but I thought they had some. But one of your questions, at least 15" from the rail to the outside obstruction to clear feet and knees is minimum. We clear to 30" for brush and weeds. Check out the website for some of the other details.
-ken cameron
Syracuse Model Railroad Club http://www.SyracuseModelRr.org/
CNY Modelers http://www.cnymod.com/
Finger Lakes Live Steamers http://www.fingerlakeslivesteamers.org/
Member JMRI Developer Team http://www.jmri.org/
mailto: kcameron@twcny.rr.com
In the Upstate New York US area of the world
6491
Posts: 184
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2009 6:57 pm
Location: Bribie Island.

Re: need advice on backyard track

Post by 6491 »

Hello Matt, I have had my share of club politics and just want to enjoy my hobby.
I have started clearing the ROW for what we call the "100 foot Railroad". With the short distance involved I don't feel that wear on your wheels would be a problem. My loco and stock have steel wheels and have been running on bar rail for a number of years doing club passenger service with no signs of wear.
Although we are running 7.25" gauge I have set 24" as my clearance. Remember you will not be running at mainline speed.
Have a good one....John.
"MALCOLM MOORE LOCO & THE 100 FOOT RAILWAY" on Facebook.
User avatar
dnevil
Posts: 373
Joined: Fri Aug 03, 2012 10:19 am
Location: Springtown, Texas
Contact:

Re: need advice on backyard track

Post by dnevil »

Here is a video of John Kurdzionak's backyard "L" track. This is 3/4 inch scale, but 1 inch is not that much bigger. It illustrates what you can do in a small area.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr8ihtkydSE


Happy steaming!
Daris
Daris Nevil
IBLS Secretary
North American Region
http://www.ibls.org
Post Reply