DIY Network

Making Sure the Track Is Level Chris and his crew show you how to level a garden-railroad track. From "Workin' On the Railroad" episode DWRR-202L

Host Chris Chianelli and his DIY crew (including Miles Hale, a master railroader and Mark Fuhrman, a landscaper and garden railroad enthusiast) demonstrate how to create a level garden-railroad track.

This unique water feature is created for the...

Oak Ridge Children's Museum model railroad.

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Figure A

Leveling the Track

1. Be sure track is perfectly level--when crossing a ravine it must be level to the other side.

2. Use a tripod level (figure A) to establish the track's elevation.

   Note: A Philadelphia Rod was used along with a level to measure elevation. A water level or string level will also work when measuring elevation.

3. Once level, the tops of the stakes will become the sub road-bed for the track.

4. Continue to add stakes every four feet.

	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Installing Lights

FYI: Chris says the most impressive garden railroads are the ones that are rigged for "night" running (figure B).

1. If you decide to utilize lights for your garden railroad, be sure to use low-voltage lights.

2. Dig a small trench a couple of inches deep and lay the wire in.

3. Try to pre-determine where the buildings are going to be placed.

4. Mark the area and then run the line (figure C) from the main line to each marking.

   Note: If you want to add anything later, it's easy because the wires are only a couple of inches underground. You can "tap in" at any time.

5. Bury the light fixtures until two inches of the fixture is sticking up. Then cut a hole in the bottom of the building and set into place over the light fixture.

6. Take the building off and put the protective covering (figure D) that comes with the light package to protect the electrical components.

7. Now fill in the trench.

RESOURCES :

Aristo-Craft (TM) Trains
Aristo-Craft Trains
Website: www.aristocraft.com

Magazines and Books on Railroading
Kalmbach Publishing Co.
Website: www.modelrailroaderbooks.com

Model Train Control Systems (All Scales)
Model Rectifier Corp.
Website: www.modelrectifier.com

Sterling Models (Scenery Supplies)
Website: www.sterlingmodels.com

GUESTS :

Miles Hale
Master Model Railroader
Model Railroading University
5608 N. Mercier Dr.
Kansas City, MO 64118
Phone: 816-746-1567
Website: www.modelrailroadinguniversity.com