Tiny Balcony Railway

[GAP]

Well, back to square one. After experimenting some time with the half finished switching layout on the narrow shelf I definitely can say it does not work satisfactory with a manual steam loco. So I dismantled the whole thing and have now decided to take another approach, I will setup a small oval on the balcony floor level with garden-like elements. Photos soon appearing here when I progress

For trees in scale size maybe consider bonsai. Can be done with most trees and would give another hobby for relaxation. Doesn't have to be in individual pots a small trough would work and it could even be shaped and painted to look like a cutting with trees on top.

[Allu]

IMG_20260805_141859.jpg (1.1 MiB) Viewed 378 times

Background done from willows. Decking made out of treated wood. Tracklaying did not take long

[Allu]

Well, back to square one. After experimenting some time with the half finished switching layout on the narrow shelf I definitely can say it does not work satisfactory with a manual steam loco. So I dismantled the whole thing and have now decided to take another approach, I will setup a small oval on the balcony floor level with garden-like elements. Photos soon appearing here when I progress

For trees in scale size maybe consider bonsai. Can be done with most trees and would give another hobby for relaxation. Doesn't have to be in individual pots a small trough would work and it could even be shaped and painted to look like a cutting with trees on top.

That is a good idea! Especially, as to my knowledge, many fir bonsais need to get their winter "sleep" outside and therefore my semicold balcony could work well for them. The summer here in Finland ends soon so I probably just get some cheap summer flowers nowo for the last month we still get warm weather here and next spring I will do some more serious planting

[philipy]

You might want to try looking for "Chamaecyparis thyoides 'Top Point' " which is a naturally dwarf evergreen. Tesco sell them here in pots as table decorations at Christmas for about £7 each.

Top Point.jpg (11.24 KiB) Viewed 305 times

I've had some out in the garden for about 12 years and they are still less than 50cm tall, but they look exactly like the full size tree, although they are beginning to show their age and lose their lower branches.

IMG_0362.jpg (364.07 KiB) Viewed 305 times

[Old Man Aaron]

I'd argue that looks better with the lower branches gone.

Speaking of which, those willow reed rolls look rather good.

[Allu]

I'd argue that looks better with the lower branches gone.

Speaking of which, those willow reed rolls look rather good.

I also agree, definitely more life-like after aging some time and looking now very realistic.

[DCooper]

Progress looks great Allu. Keep at it. Have you run any trains yet?

I like those pine tree. They look neat. I might have to see if I can find something similar round the nurseries.

[Allu]

Progress looks great Allu. Keep at it. Have you run any trains yet?

I like those pine tree. They look neat. I might have to see if I can find something similar round the nurseries.

I have tested it with my live steam GRS Hunslet and few wagons, works well as the track is of course 100% level. R1 curves are totally fine in my case with short wheelbase stock. I will investigate what kind of "bonsai like" fir trees are available in my local greenery shops