Dyfrdwy Tramway: on to the quarry...

The Dyfrdwy Tramway has, since I finished phase 1, ended in a pile of rocks at the edge of the lawn...

My Model-earth slab wagon seen here posed during the start of phase 2, yes we're good to go for the quarry... First step was to modify the path onto the lawn and build a low rubble/boulder wall, so this was done in fairly quick measure and track ordered for the big push.

I started mocking up using the last 3 lengths of flex-track I had - the plan was to install a point a the current limit of operation for the mill siding, the slab mill being used to cut up the slate from the quarry, which has no appropriate water supply (readers may see a parallel with the real Deeside tramway here). From here the line will continue uphill across the garden to finish in a quarry. Track ordered from Hattons it was delivered in 24 hours and cutting of turf could commence...

Unfortunately it coincide with a heat wave so I've only been able to work first thing in the morning and in the evening but even so in less than 24 hours we've made it across the lawn. The line here is on a slight uphill gradient, but weaves a little to try and minimise the climb. The bushes in the corner need to be pruned before work on the quarry can commence. Above you can see the coach (itself nearing completion) at the end of the current tramway as track is laid... and below the extent of track as of this morning...

The plan is to cut the quarry in, build up the ground for the Mill, and use some rock to build a few retaining walls in places, before then adding a foundation of sand and cement, laying the track for good, and then using Rowlands Mix again to bury up to the sleeper tops. More soon...