Test Train on Ramp

The first test train has carefully negotiated the track on the loading ramp! A remarkably fast proces got the track down in no time. Still some minor works remains to be done: fishplates have to be soldered in place and the rails need painting.

Loco no. 3 and a single skip are slowly moving along the new track. There is still no stop installed at the end of the track. Consequently the speed was kept to a minimum.

Apart from the remaining tasks on the track, the ramp is now being fitted with a walkway for the workers. It will be of all wood construction reusing planks from a demolished shed from one of the gravel pits. No need for unnecessary expenses.

Loading Ramp #5

 As I managed to get the better part of the grass and small plants fitted under the loading ramp, I could finally begin the last part of the ramp's construction. No new methods, so I'll let the pictures tell most of the story.

With the basic layer of grass and a few plants in place I began constructing the last section of the ramp. As usual I used cheap wood from fire works rocket sticks.

The main girders of the ramp had been prepared in advance, so I set out to cut out the sleepers, sand and distress them a bit and finally stain them in different tones of grey. As I had the staining fluid mixed I also prepared parts for the workers' walkway next to the track. The walkway was used by the workers when they tipped the skips into the waiting lorry.

The final part of the ramp was then test fitted on the ramp's lower structure and glued in place. I gave the top of the ramp's wooden structure a thin covering of dust with air brushed earth coloured paint.

The last part of the ramp test fitted in place.

While the glue dried, I air brushed some earth coloured paint on the lower parts of the retaining walls and around the edges where some of the underground plaster could still be seen.

The first rail for the track on the ramp is being spiked. The walkway for the workers will be fitted in the foreground.

Next stage is to complete the track. I can then test run the completed track layout of Nystrup Gravel. Then it's onto painting the ramp's rails and fit a buffer stop at the end of the ramp. We wouldn't want to have any catastrophic run aways, would we? 

Rhubarb Season in Denmark

Spring has arrived in Denmark. The first harvest of rhubarb from the garden has already been converted to a delicious dessert. A response from one of my railway modelling friends on Facebook challenged me to use my railway for bringing in the next harvest. Always keen to meet the challenges set for me, I quickly set out to construct a short, temporary line to transport rhubarb from field to kitchen.

Temporary Peco track panels laid out on the lawn for transport of rhubarb. Only short items fit in the GVT-wagon, so longer items had to be shortened on site before transport.

The most recent modelling sessions have been spent on applying static grass to the area under the loading ramp. Consequently I'm more or less ready to construct the final work on the loading ramp. With that done track laying can be finished.

In a workshop outside EU-borders work is also progressing on the next Nystrup Gravel locomotive. It will provide a much needed strengthening of the railway's performance.