SOUTHPORT MODEL ENGINEERING CLUB
• Proposal for a garden railway
THE WHY ●
It will add another dimension to the club's running facilities
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It will provide another garden railway line
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It may attract more people to the hobby
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It may encourage more visitors
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It's an interesting challenge
THE WHAT ●
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A 32mm running line in a garden setting A 45m single-track circle with sidings & passing loops
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Built on 16in high grass embankment
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Landscaped with plants and buildings
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Built with boards of recycled plastic
THE WHERE • In the central area, between the sidings and the
Gauge 1 track • Allows large-radius curves • Visible and accessible • Maintain Gauge 1 access and circulation areas • Gives options for further development
THE HOW ●
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Built in phases, to stagger costs and build times Minimum build to start with, get something running to show it works and demonstrate benefits New members will contribute to finance and labour (other contributions welcome!) A garden railway is never finished....
PHASES ●
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1) Build trackbed and embankment, lay track circle and one steam-up siding Then run trains for a period, to demonstrate operation & generate interest 2) Add some landscaping 3) Build second siding & two passing loops (trackbed, embankment and track) 4) Add buildings, platforms & more landscaping
FILCRIS PROS AND CONS • Quick, easy build • No mess or heavy lifting • Strong, rot proof structure • Easy to modify • More expensive than other methods • Remote supplier
COST ESTIMATES
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Phase 1 – initial trackbed and track £1630
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Phase 2 - initial landscaping £0-200
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Phase 3 – remaining trackbed & track £830
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Phase 4 – further landscaping £0-300
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£1630 to get trains running
FUNDING - 1 • Phase 1 split between six new members and club • Club allocates first year’s subs to project
(6 x £37) • New members each contribute extra £100 • Club contributes £830 • Landscaping and extensions as funds permit
FUNDING - 2
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New members have a financial interest in completing the railway Club gets initial railway at half of cost Railway becomes a club asset, maintained and developed by club as resources allow All encouraged to use/admire/work on it
TIMETABLE ●
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Depends on manpower input! With minimum manpower, complete trackbed by Easter 2014
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Lay initial track April/May 2014
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Operate during the summer
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Landscaping August onwards
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Consider loops, etc. late 2014/early 2015
THAT’S ALL FOLKS
• What do you think of it so far?