The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
Is no news REALLY good news?!!
It's clearly been a while since I reported any progress on the (WH)WHR, but I'm afraid that's because things are going backwards...
Penlan station, the midpoint on my line, is built partially under the raised deck that allows access to and from the back door - that was in a bad state of repair, and had to have significant repairs, so I had to lift the track:
The deck work's done now, so I'm going to try to get the track back down. I had to lift it in a hurry, so I hope none's damaged... Much of the rest of the railway, the sections built on wooden supports, is now on seriously borrowed time, so I don't think I'll get round to ballasting etc, it doesn't seem worth it.
There's going to be a big gap behind the station where the wood store used to be too, but similarly - although it offers considerable scope - I don't think I'll be doing anything with it. We'll see...
Hopefully, though, there'll be trains running again this weekend, and the line will make it through another summer, at least...
Cheers,
Andrew.
It's clearly been a while since I reported any progress on the (WH)WHR, but I'm afraid that's because things are going backwards...
Penlan station, the midpoint on my line, is built partially under the raised deck that allows access to and from the back door - that was in a bad state of repair, and had to have significant repairs, so I had to lift the track:
The deck work's done now, so I'm going to try to get the track back down. I had to lift it in a hurry, so I hope none's damaged... Much of the rest of the railway, the sections built on wooden supports, is now on seriously borrowed time, so I don't think I'll get round to ballasting etc, it doesn't seem worth it.
There's going to be a big gap behind the station where the wood store used to be too, but similarly - although it offers considerable scope - I don't think I'll be doing anything with it. We'll see...
Hopefully, though, there'll be trains running again this weekend, and the line will make it through another summer, at least...
Cheers,
Andrew.
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
Thats a shame Andrew, that wood store looked good behind the line. We have to move on with things I suppose and maybe it is for the better that space to build something that is crying out for it.
Maybe something like these. Or something like Rik's ore distribution build but for coal.
My mind is full of options, but that's just me, Anne says I do have some brilliant ideas at times..
Maybe something like these. Or something like Rik's ore distribution build but for coal.
My mind is full of options, but that's just me, Anne says I do have some brilliant ideas at times..
ROD
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
Oh No! Hopefully it all goes back together OK
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
Nice ideas, thanks Rod! It is a tempting space - I really like your pictures of the FR exchange sidings... I'm considering a small storage shed, or even just some sidings, but time and money are tight, so we shall see...FWLR wrote: βFri Apr 19, 2024 7:50 am Thats a shame Andrew, that wood store looked good behind the line. We have to move on with things I suppose and maybe it is for the better that space to build something that is crying out for it.
Or something like Rik's ore distribution build but for coal.
My mind is full of options, but that's just me, Anne says I do have some brilliant ideas at times..
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
Yes, I hope so too! I lot of the glued ballast is VERY reluctant to come up, so I'm hoping the track will nestle back nicely into the holes it vacated...
Annoyingly, I ordered too new packets of fishplates for the relaying, took 'em into the garden to make a start last weekend, and misplaced them somehow. It's only a small garden, but I've got no idea where they are!
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
Same here Andrew, I loose most things when I put them down, even if I am working with them...
Anne says I'am a nightmare...
ROD
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
- Soar Valley Light
- Driver
- Posts: 1454
- Joined: Sun Dec 08, 2013 5:18 pm
- Location: North West Leicestershire
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
Hi Andrew,
That's sad to see and hear. I hope something can rise from the ashes. Maybe not a phoenix, perhaps Y Rhiw Goch in your case? Changes are sometimes forced on us but they aren't always all bad. I hope that you can monopolise on the opportunity.
I can sympathise, It's been ages since I was on here because I'm sad to say that my SVLR is officially closed and defunct. The track became unusable over 18months ago and the vegetation has crept in and over. I have to say I chose my plants well as it now presents a really good impression of a long disused railway. Using the Filcris in the way I did was a shocking idea. Complete demolition and rebuilding is inevitable (on concrete!) - if I can find the will. I might be more inclined if I'd ever really got things up and running.
Your line was well and truly up and running though, it's been an established line a for quite a while now. It has it's own history, besides it's back story. I hope you can find the motivation and drive to rebuild and even develop the (WH)WHR. Your line has always been an inspiration to me and I'd be delighted to it come back to life. You have some beautiful rolling stock which fits your garden setting really well. I think that was one of the big attractions to me. I hope I'm providing some encouragement for you to plan and execute a restoration plan - that's certainly my intention!
Looking forward to great things .....
SVLR Andrew
That's sad to see and hear. I hope something can rise from the ashes. Maybe not a phoenix, perhaps Y Rhiw Goch in your case? Changes are sometimes forced on us but they aren't always all bad. I hope that you can monopolise on the opportunity.
I can sympathise, It's been ages since I was on here because I'm sad to say that my SVLR is officially closed and defunct. The track became unusable over 18months ago and the vegetation has crept in and over. I have to say I chose my plants well as it now presents a really good impression of a long disused railway. Using the Filcris in the way I did was a shocking idea. Complete demolition and rebuilding is inevitable (on concrete!) - if I can find the will. I might be more inclined if I'd ever really got things up and running.
Your line was well and truly up and running though, it's been an established line a for quite a while now. It has it's own history, besides it's back story. I hope you can find the motivation and drive to rebuild and even develop the (WH)WHR. Your line has always been an inspiration to me and I'd be delighted to it come back to life. You have some beautiful rolling stock which fits your garden setting really well. I think that was one of the big attractions to me. I hope I'm providing some encouragement for you to plan and execute a restoration plan - that's certainly my intention!
Looking forward to great things .....
SVLR Andrew
"Smith! Why do you only come to work four days a week?
"'cause I can't manage on three gaffer!"
"'cause I can't manage on three gaffer!"
- Peter Butler
- Driver
- Posts: 5304
- Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2012 10:33 pm
- Location: West Wales
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
I do hope you can regain your enthusiasm Andrew, your railway was so thoughtfully designed and constructed, apart from the Filcris problem! I'm sure a little time can be spared to give it a second chance...... You know you want to!Soar Valley Light wrote: βWed May 08, 2024 9:02 pm Hi Andrew,
I can sympathise, It's been ages since I was on here because I'm sad to say that my SVLR is officially closed and defunct. The track became unusable over 18months ago and the vegetation has crept in and over. I have to say I chose my plants well as it now presents a really good impression of a long disused railway. Using the Filcris in the way I did was a shocking idea. Complete demolition and rebuilding is inevitable (on concrete!) - if I can find the will. I might be more inclined if I'd ever really got things up and running.
SVLR Andrew
The best things in life are free.... so why am I doing this?
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
I can only echo Peters words, I hope both Andrews can again find the will to repair/rebuild their great railways to be even better.
Grant.
Grant.
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
A"me too" from me as well, I'm sure that you can both rise to the challenge. I was only thinking a day or two ago, that SVLR Andrew had been MIA for too long.
Philip
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
Shame about SVLR Andrew. I know how it must feel note being able to get the line up and running because of some problem or other. Has you know mine is my health problems with is a constant pain in the old backside it really is. It seems like every day is a struggle for me, but I get by with the help of my rock Anne, but even she can't help me when I struggle with tiredness all the time, doing simple things like bending to tie my laces is hard work. This new line of ours has taken me nearly two years to get a full circle, if you know what I mean, complete run around.
So the point I am trying to make is your enthusiasm seems to have wain because of the overgrown vegetation, but doing a little bit every day will soon get your line back to some sort of resemblance. Has for the Filcris issue, I would just take small sections out at a time and replace with wood or concrete or even building blocks, a little at a time will soon get your brilliant line back and up and running I am sure of it.
So the point I am trying to make is your enthusiasm seems to have wain because of the overgrown vegetation, but doing a little bit every day will soon get your line back to some sort of resemblance. Has for the Filcris issue, I would just take small sections out at a time and replace with wood or concrete or even building blocks, a little at a time will soon get your brilliant line back and up and running I am sure of it.
ROD
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
And another "Hear, hear" from me. Would love to see your line resurrected, Andrew. I well remember watching it's progress with great interest as Filcris seemed to be the future for track foundations. The garden can be a harsh mistress.
Rik
Rik
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
Hi Andrew (and all!)Soar Valley Light wrote: βWed May 08, 2024 9:02 pm Hi Andrew,
That's sad to see and hear. I hope something can rise from the ashes. Maybe not a phoenix, perhaps Y Rhiw Goch in your case? Changes are sometimes forced on us but they aren't always all bad. I hope that you can monopolise on the opportunity.
I can sympathise, It's been ages since I was on here because I'm sad to say that my SVLR is officially closed and defunct. The track became unusable over 18months ago and the vegetation has crept in and over. I have to say I chose my plants well as it now presents a really good impression of a long disused railway. Using the Filcris in the way I did was a shocking idea. Complete demolition and rebuilding is inevitable (on concrete!) - if I can find the will. I might be more inclined if I'd ever really got things up and running.
Your line was well and truly up and running though, it's been an established line a for quite a while now. It has it's own history, besides it's back story. I hope you can find the motivation and drive to rebuild and even develop the (WH)WHR. Your line has always been an inspiration to me and I'd be delighted to it come back to life. You have some beautiful rolling stock which fits your garden setting really well. I think that was one of the big attractions to me. I hope I'm providing some encouragement for you to plan and execute a restoration plan - that's certainly my intention!
Looking forward to great things .....
SVLR Andrew
Thanks for the kind words, which are very much appreciated!
Please don't worry, it's not so much a lack of drive and motivation as changed short-term to medium-term priorities. There's lots to do to the house, now accelerated by the recent settlement of an insurance claim, plus the issue of where and how we live now the children are all independent-ish, which may result in a move.
In addition, the railway is in an increasingly bad state of repair, particularly the wooden bits, some of which were used under a previous line and are now approaching twenty years old. Plus, although the overall concept works, there are definitely things I'd do differently that get in the way of enjoying the existing set up.
The plan (when I can find those bloomin' fishplates!) is to temporarily reconnect the line asap, then to run trains merrily for another summer. After that is uncertain, but may well result in lifting the current line, in order to facilitate either a house move or rebuilding. Either way, a new railway will emerge, incorporating all the lessons learned building this one - it might just take a little time.
I'm sorry that the SVLR is no more, Andrew. I enjoyed watching it evolve, and the thought and imagination you put into it all. I hope you find a way to resurrect it. You're right though - that old cliche about getting something running is key to maintaining enthusiasm, I think. I'm contemplating an oval of Peco set track on the patio if the current line does indeed cease operating.
All the best,
Andrew.
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
Normal (???) service has resumed!
I finally found the missing fishplates, relaid the track that had been lifted, repaired some of the other bits, undertook the necessary clearance and... ran a train! Nothing fancy, a battery loco and the first wagons that came to hand, but it was the first train for nearly six months, and it felt good - even if the trackbed is falling apart beneath the rails in places!
Hopefully, I'll raise steam in the coming weeks...
Cheers all,
Andrew.
I finally found the missing fishplates, relaid the track that had been lifted, repaired some of the other bits, undertook the necessary clearance and... ran a train! Nothing fancy, a battery loco and the first wagons that came to hand, but it was the first train for nearly six months, and it felt good - even if the trackbed is falling apart beneath the rails in places!
Hopefully, I'll raise steam in the coming weeks...
Cheers all,
Andrew.
- Peter Butler
- Driver
- Posts: 5304
- Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2012 10:33 pm
- Location: West Wales
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
Well done Andrew, you're way ahead of me. I'm still searching for my track underneath blanket coverage of Buttercups.... nasty things!
The best things in life are free.... so why am I doing this?
- Old Man Aaron
- Trainee Driver
- Posts: 841
- Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2016 11:08 am
- Location: Sunshine Coast QLD, Australia
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
Run 'em while ya got 'em!
Regards,
Aaron - Scum Class Works
Aaron - Scum Class Works
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
Rampant campanula was my problem this year.
Rik
Rik
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
Its great being able to get to run something isn't Andrew after all the flipping rain we have had. I have a problem with my bridge at the moment so a full run around the line isn't possible for now, but I will do a short video of a battery soon hopefully.
ROD
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
Re: The (Windmill Hill) Welsh Highland Railway
Rampant moss is mine... I'm thinking of starting an export business - using rail transport of course, if I can clear enough of it to allow the trains to run!
Philip
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