Ground breaking

The first step in site preparation is removal of the existing patio. Look at all that clear, flat space to work with -- that looks like prime railroad land to me! Up tomorrow: turf removal.

Construction of the new viewing platform has started utilizing the patio bricks. They're a little uneven right now but that will be fixed in time once I've decided on a final alignment and dimensions.

Initial site plan

Here's a sketch of the initial site plan for phases 1 and 2. This initial plan includes long tangents and the broadest curves that I can fit within the constraints of the environment. I'm sure this plan will change over time as I get a better idea of how I want the track to flow through the garden.

Building site

PE&A Easement

Here's a picture of the initial construction site. The existing patio will be removed and the bricks will be reused; many will be used in a new viewing area and path, while other bricks may be used to support earth embankments on trestle approaches.

Phase 1 of construction will include a simple loop plus a siding. All construction in this phase will be within the area shown in the photo, and as the area is relatively flat, minimal earth movement will be required.

Phase 1b will be a spur line on a gentle incline to a portal into the garage (to the right of the picture) where the train storage yard will be located.

Phase 2 will expand the initial loop into a folded dogbone variation and extends the railroad beyond the area shown in the photo. Construction will include three grade separated crossings, one at-grade crossing, two tunnels, two areas of trestle work plus a bridge. One area of trestle work will be curved and on an incline, which should be especially challenging and will likely need to be built on-site.

PE&A Backstory

As I've been looking around at other garden railroads, I've learned that a good garden railroad demands a good backstory. The PE&A shall be no different. See the backstory page for a brief history of the PE&A.

Welcome

Welcome to the Palouse, Elberton & Ainsworth Railroad! This blog will follow the development and eventual operation of my new garden railroad. This is my first attempt at a garden railroad, so it's what I'm considering my practice railroad to learn how it works. Follow along as I learn everything for the first time.

The railroad setting will be the early 1970's (post-BN merger) on a small branch line in Eastern Washington. It will be built using gauge 1 (45 mm) track and the target scale for buildings and rolling stock will be in the range of 1:29 to 1:32. I've got some track on hand and a few pieces of rolling stock, so it's time to get started!