Model Railroading > Big trains need big tracks

Putting the finishing touches on a new loop of 7.5" gauge track.

Pic 1 - track was laid here, not ballasted yet, but we decided
to add a switch where the trees stop so we pulled out some track to
add more base for the switch. We put down crushed concrete as a base
and run a tamper across it to pack it down good. The track will sink in
the red clay if a good base is not in place.

Pic 2 - rock ballast dumped on track panels. Front end loaded straddles
the track panels as we prison laborers shovel it out of the bucket on to
the track.

Pic 3 - Ballast is smoothed out and swept, making for a nice smooth ride
on the speeder.

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Great stuff there Shane.You folks have put in a lot of work over the past few months.Looks like vegetation removal may have been a bigger job in places than track laying. Regards,DK

The crushed concrete sub-roadbed is truly impressive. I have found a source of crushed concrete less than 2 miles from where I live--it is actually a new business recycling concrete from the runways on Whiteman AFB. I plan to use about 50-60 yards of crushed concrete for the return loop on my railroad.

Marty Harrison
Knob Noster, MO

That track speeder sure has a fancy paint scheme!

Nice job on a nice looking track.

Out here in Southern California the ballast of choice is typically half-minus DG (decomposed granite) or something similar.

On some private railroads who can't afford it, we just use dirt. It works in the dry climate. The 9" gauge Mesa Grande Western Railroad in the desert that I help operate is entirely dirt ballasted. We could never afford to ballast our long track, and it gives it that very 'back woods' narrow gauge feel.

Mike Massee
Tehachapi, CA
Photography, Railroading and more..



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/12/14 09:14 by Harlock.

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Very cool looking railroad

Marty Harrison
Knob Noster, MO

We tried some of that d granite here in Texas. When it rains it turns into mud. Not so good.