Jaybee

The ballast unfortunately did not hold. I used diluted Evo-Stick Waterproof PVA and the drip of washing up liquid. Perhaps the mix wasn't quite right. Will try again soon.

Sorry for the lack of posts in the recent year! Lot's of things got in the way of the building work, but on the occasional weekend that I've had free then work continued at a slow pace. Anyway I can confirm the loop is now complete and trains running very well. I'll be adding the platforms and buildings in the weeks to come and will post some photos soon. Jaybee

Very impressive! Looking forward to seeing more photos. How did you build the viaduct? Construction on the Jaybee railway has been temporarily suspended until after the Olympics.

Have you or anyone else ever used this on Skaledale buildings? Am looking for a suitable exterior varnish and this might be the one.

The squealing was cured a few weeks ago by Roneo Models in Essex - a drop of oil was all that was required. However the Intercity 125 is still not a good runner - very slow - so further work needed me thinks!

I got mine from an ebay trader - MK tools Ltd. I got 2x115ml bottles for £7.95. Also also availble on Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gorilla-Glue-1044400-115ml/dp/B001W030E0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1338222580&sr=8-2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Also think I saw it in Tesco/Hobbycraft/B&Q/Homebase. Sorry, can't remember which. I'd advise you to experiment with it first. You will most likely have to remove some with a knife or screw driver as it will expand and forms a foam type substance - similar to that large gap filler foam.

Regarding glue. Try Gorilla Glue. It works for me. Check out the photos on my jaybee railway. It expands so you only need a small couple of drops. You may need to scrape away the excess when dry. Once you have applied the glue under the track/on top of the concrete base you will need to weigh it down with a brick or something similar. After 30 mins or so lift the brick to ensure that it is not also sticking to the track. You can then turn the brick over and lay it down again for an hour or so. Then leave to properly dry and scape away the excess.

I have to admit I was actually thinking of a brick wall border a while back, similar to the other side of the garden...or railway sleepers. A friend recently built a rather large fish pond last year so will see if he has any spare building material... I haven't yet got planning permission for that yet though...! Roll on 10AM tomorrow. I think the engine shed, Dent Station, Windmill, cottage and a couple of signal boxes will make an appearance tomorrow.

Now back from holiday in Norfolk. I went to the Merrivale Model Village in Great Yarmouth and what an amazing model village it is, complete with large scale garden railway. Also visited a few model shops along the way. Certainly got a few ideas... By removing the hedges alongside the garage, it will open up space of around 3m x 50cm, plenty of room for more railway. I even have planning permission to do so Bazzanoid has drawn a good sketch of how it could look, and I very much like the idea of a water feature... The majority of it will have to be raised above ground leveI on an external ply baseboard. Thinking I could have a number of sidings and another small village station. Also thinking of planting a couple of plants to replace the hedge, perhaps a few miniature conifers, or a forest of them....

Now that I've started installing my first platform, I'm considering adding platform fencing. What's best for outdoors? What have others used?

There is still lot's to do. The next day will see the construction of the double engine shed (well, actually its a Skaledale model), add the remaining platforms, and lay the rest of the track in that area. We will then need to construct the remaining bridges, using decking board, as it will be high level from then on. We can lay the track without concentrating on the bridges themselves, and over time the decking boards will turn into a viaduct, girder and suspension bridge. There is also another station to complete. So, my shopping list now includes more platforms and I will also need a bit more track. Not forgetting of course another station building (already have Dent Station). Will also need some more external ply, which will be used on the bends, between decking boards. There will be 4 cross over points in all, from the engine shed to just before the tunnel mouth (as pictured). Hopefully we will have more test running shots next time.

Thanks for the comments. The bricks are not held in place. Assuming you mean the bricks under the track, they are bedded into the soil. The ones to the side are just placed there temporarily. Interestingly though, the bricks which we have used for the tunnel sides are are held to the paving stone base using Gorilla Glue. It's very strong stuff that - who needs sand and cement when you can use Gorilla Glue? Really looking forward to the Spring when we will continue. I have more track, I have shed roof felt, I have Dent Station, I have more platforms and I have Honeysuckle Cottage... Jaybee

Truly amazing video. You have got some great kit there, love the engines and coaches - they look like the real thing!. I can't wait for the spring when hopefully the Jaybee line will be complete.

Very impressive indeed.

I was in Homebase the other day and they had shed roof felt for £10.99. Has anyone used this and is it any good?

Love the pics. In the last photo, is that the start of a viaduct?

Love the photos and video clips. Looks really good.

Looking forward to seeing photos of the proposed location later this week.

The curve is tight, but the cars are now no longer touching. Phew! I'm now on the look out for a used HM 2000 as my old controller, a R900, would not work properly. The whole railway will be DCC eventually! My old Intercity 125 failed but after Bazz had cleaned the wheels it moved, but was constantly 'screaching' along, and think the wheels were als slipping (any ideas what this could be)? My brand new 'DCC Fitted' BR 4-6-0 Standard 4 '75062' ran perfectly. Roll on the next train running day!

I'm certainly interested in the Skaledale platforms - how many do you have?

Thanks all for the feedback. If we had a bit more free time between us we could probably complete the track laying by the weekend, but due to other commitments, like work for example, we are restricted so usually only meet up every 2 or 3 weeks for 'train days'. The next stage of construction, probably in 2-3 weeks time, may see the raised timber sections put in place. I have 3 decking boards for this, I may need one more. I also need to purchase some more track very very soon! The girder bridge and viaduct will be constructed once all the decking boards and track are in place. When the tracks meet we will have a celebration. It will be tested by my 1970's clockwork train! One for You Tube me thinks! Hampton Field Railway - Me and Bazzanoid have known each other for around 8 years. However, another poster on this forum -from Romford Garden Railway, lives in the same area as us. We've never met, but perhaps we will in the future.

I love the bridge, looks very easy to build. What with the Suspension Bridge that Dave is planning, and now this, you guys are certainly giving me food for thought!!

We are going to use Gorilla Glue to fix the track down. Ballast will then be added. We will experiment first and if that is unsuccessful we will try a different adhesive. Watch this space!

Well, what a day! With thanks to Bazzanoid we made a great start. Nice to see what has been thought and talked about for many months finally taking shape. The next stage will see a further paving slab placed in position (which will form the base for the start of the town) and then we will continue laying the bricks which will lead us to a 1 metre (approx) tunnel - very much looking forward to building that! After that the decking boards will be used to carry the track around the rest of the garden. The viaduct will follow, once we have all the decking in place. If any one has any experience on using solar panels to light up buildings etc, then be good to hear from you.

I may just have to get a copy of the 'Garden Railway Expert' DVD, unless of course there is a clip of the viaduct on You Tube? I do have the 'Garden Railway - The Series' DVD, which was recently reduced in price. It mainly covers G scale but is still a good source of ideas. Have to say it was watching that which gave me the polystyrene idea for the arches.