Ride-on backyard railroad (1) - Switching

Switching operations on 7-7/8" gauge.
Coupling cars behind the locomotive, while pulling them out of storage shed.

The FCMA (Ferrocarril Modular Argentino) - Argentine Modular Railroad is a completely home made, narrow gauge (7-7/8 inches) short line, located at the house backyard.
It is a minimum gauge railroad, not a scaled down model, although it follows the 70`s argentine railroad painting scheme.
Tracks are modular (Decauville like). Each track panel is under 10 feet in length.
Hot rolled "T" steel was used for the rails. Which are screwed to wood sleepers (cross ties).
Main line length is about 135 feet (a very short line indeed!)
Ruling grade is 2.5%.
Minimum curve radius is just 10 feet (a bit too sharp!), imposed by property boundaries.
There are several sidings, to the workshop and the car barn.

Rolling stock:
-Locomotive: battery operated electric, 4 axles, all driven. Length about 4-1/2 feet, weighting over 800 lbs, top speed just less 1.5mph.
-Cars: 2 gondolas (4 axles), plus one tipping car (2 axles).
Equiped with "AAR" type couplers.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• +garden railway
• +back yard railroad
• +ride-on railroad
• +ride-on railway
• +feldbahn
• +narrow gauge
• +minimum gauge
• +live steam size
• +trains
• +railroad
• +Decauville
• +railway
• +locomotive
• +tracks

[bradhallsr]

Very nice!! I was thinking of building one around my yard but I don't know how or what to use for the track? Can you explain a little about how your setup was made and put together please?

[polvorillaho]

@bradhallsr

Gauge is 7-7/8 inches.

Track panels are under 10 feet in length, for ease of relocation (semi-portable track).

Hot rolled 3/4 inch "T" steel was used for the rails. Which are screwed to soft wood cross ties.

The Loco is battery powered, 4 axles, all driven.

Cars: 4 gondolas, plus one tipping car.

Equiped with "AAR" type couplers.

Please check the articles on discoverlivesteam, there is plenty of information there.

[bradhallsr]

@polvorillaho Thank you for the info. After I left you a message I found a few web sites with more information. I love your set!!

[polvorillaho]

@bradhallsr

Upload some videos of progress on your new railroad.

Model railroad is fun to build and fun to share that experience!

[loganplace]

Barbaro, increible, las tomas excelentes, muy profesionales.

Felicitaciones!!

[silvilili]

Excelente edición!!! Buenísimo. Felicitaciones.