HOBBIES Index
Beading
Bird Watching
Cigars
Collections
Antiques
Displays
Trains
Other

Folk Dancing
Hunting
Indoor Sports
Magic
Musical Instruments
Outdoor Sports & Activities
Photography
Puppetry
Radio-Control Models
Robotics
Travel
Wine

BEST OF HOBBIES
Boat Race
Radio Control Hobbies

SPONSOR LINKS

  • Building the Water Feature
    		•
    Chris and his crew create the water feature for the garden railroad.
    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) create the beautiful water feature for the Oak Ridge Children's Museum railroad layout.

    advertisement


    PHOTO

    Figure A
    PHOTO

    Figure B
    PHOTO

    Figure C
    PHOTO

    Figure D
    PHOTO

    Figure E
    Building the Water Feature

  • If building a water feature, shape the earth according to the plan.

  • Once the topography is determined, tamp down the soil firmly. Use common-grade construction sand and soil with a layer of approximately two inches.

  • Line the complete area of the water (stream) bed with sand to protect the rubber liner.

  • A pondless water feature requires a tank reservoir (figure A).

    Note: Water tanks can be purchased at most agricultural supply stores.

  • Cut the top of the tank off using a saw. (Mark used a cordless reciprocating saw.)

  • Place concrete blocks in the bottom of tank and build up so they can support the grate.

  • Run the water pipe to top of water feature--before the actual shaping begins.

  • To connect the pump use PVC pipe and PVC glue.

  • Clean the pipe with PVC primer and connect the adapter to the pump (figure B).

  • Place the pump in the bottom of the tank and connect the pipe that runs to the top of feature.

  • Place the grate onto the blocks to cover the tank opening (figure C).

  • Use Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM--45mm) pone liner, which is waterproof. Spread out the liner to get all the creases out.

    Note: Spread an even layer of contractor-grade sand over the ground before placing the pond liner.

  • Place the felt liner (figure D) on top of the rubber liner for protection.

  • Place rocks/stones on top of the felt to help form the river bed.

  • Use a premix mortar to help hold the rocks into place.

  • Use river gravel to help hide the mortar (figure E). The rocks will settle into the mortar and stay in place--and add a natural look to the water feature.

  • To conceal the water pipes select some flat rocks and stones and dry stack them on top of the pipes--letting the edges overhang a few inches.

  • Miles places the bridge over the streaming water. The bridge, which is made of brass for outdoor usage, is leveled--and the water feature is complete.

    Photo

    Chris, Mark and Miles (from left to right) complete water-feature piping, plug it in and watch the water flow!
    		Photo

    Chris enjoys the Oak Ridge Children's Museum railroad water-feature bridge that Mark added.


    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

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  		• Making Sure the Track Is Level
  		• Building the Water Feature
    		•