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Post by arch1947 on Apr 15, 2015 6:05:54 GMT
Hi Everyone, We have finally been able to trim the treated pine posts to the right heights that will support the track. Height above ground ranges from about 390mm to 700mm and there is a school of thought that says a driver must be able to touch ground at all times in case of emergency, in my case 700mm is a bit high for my legs. I would be interested to know what the situation is at other tracks before we start hacking more off the taller post, can be done but I would rather not. As usual any feedback will be appreciated.
Cheers,
Arch
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Post by Shawki Shlemon on Apr 15, 2015 6:22:51 GMT
I am not in the club to measure it but I think ours is somewhere around 400 mm , you must be quite tall to consider 700mm , you must accommodate the short people / women and children .
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smallbrother
Elder Statesman
Errors aplenty, progress slow, but progress nonetheless!
Posts: 2,269
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Post by smallbrother on Apr 15, 2015 7:22:39 GMT
I have been to some tracks where on some sections my legs were dangling in space and I am over 6 feet tall.
I agree it would be sensible to reduce the height - minimise risks if you can't eliminate them!
In fairness, the highest one I experienced was a track where there was no intention of public riding.
Pete.
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Post by alanstepney on Apr 15, 2015 7:37:38 GMT
I always thought that somewhere betwen 15 and 17 inches was a de-facto standard.
I certainly wouldnt like a track tht was too high, although LBSC used to run on one that was about 5 or 6 ft above ground, and, I think I am right in saying that Los Angeles Live Steamers has some very high sections.
I like to be able to reach the ground if / when needed, and that might add to safety.
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Post by ejparrott on Apr 15, 2015 8:07:33 GMT
I think ours is about 15", and I'd certainly be recoomending you lower the height of yours.
Don't however assume you have to shorten the posts, there's no reason you couldn't build up the ground alongside it.
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Post by steamcoal on Apr 15, 2015 8:58:54 GMT
These are some progress photos of our private track in New Zealand showing our track tester demonstrating the heights. He is sitting on a box to indicate the trolley and track rail height which is 30mm. Average height from top of rail to ground is approx 350mm - 380mm. At one point we have to cross a depression and it will become 800mm but it is just 15 metres long and on a straight. It is ok for a non passenger carrying private track. Posts are 100mm x 150mm @ 1200 centres. Spacer in between and all bolted through. Total length ( eventually ) 680m.     Any question, happy to help. By the way, our club track is 320mm from ground to rail top and the trolley scrapes the ground in places. |
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Midland
Elder Statesman
Posts: 1,875
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Post by Midland on Apr 15, 2015 9:09:25 GMT
The Malden track has a sort of flyover where one is about 6 feet up in the air. A bit scary first time around!!
David
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Post by doubletop on Apr 15, 2015 9:27:49 GMT
Our track and its novel construction using a kerb laying machine       Not cheap but built to last. The track it replaced was 50 years old. This one is intended to last as long I'd say its about 350mm but the track is pretty much flat. I could see issues with a track with high level sections. What would happen if you had to halt for any reason and had little kids on board? Pete |
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Post by steamcoal on Apr 15, 2015 10:00:56 GMT
Is that a Manor? It was sold last year?
We have a similar track bed down at our club but it was hand laid. Must be 15 years old now. and still OK.
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Post by arch1947 on Apr 15, 2015 22:46:30 GMT
Thanks Folks, Most of the track is around the 600 mm mark and it is not intended to be used for public running. If we trim the posts it means a bit of up/down hill but not too severe. We are considering the building up as well but haven't decided if we need to and if so how much.
Thanks for the input.
Regards,
Arch
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Post by steamcoal on Apr 15, 2015 23:54:11 GMT
Arch.
Any photos to date? Is it scenic. Much like NZ maybe as we cannot go much further south can we?
Hayden
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steam4ian
Elder Statesman
One good turn deserves another
Posts: 2,069
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Post by steam4ian on Apr 16, 2015 0:48:12 GMT
Arch
I think keeping grades in check is more important.
You can always build up the soil either side or of necessary have an elevated platform either side of the track.
Tasmania used to have lots of timber available until certain state governments locked over 40% of it away.
Regards
Ian
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Post by doubletop on Apr 16, 2015 6:27:26 GMT
Is that a Manor? It was sold last year? The very same.. Pete |
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Post by steamcoal on Apr 16, 2015 8:57:01 GMT
Was on trade me for $ 9500. Was it sold you know?
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Post by arch1947 on Apr 16, 2015 23:25:21 GMT
Hi Ian, I agree building up is preferable. The mounting point if that is the right term (station area I guess)is at a very good height it is only one relatively small part of the track that hits the 700mm height so I am not overly concerned but was keen to get input from others. The new government has unlocked much of the forest so no-one is quite sure what is going on.
Thanks,
Arch
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Post by doubletop on Apr 17, 2015 9:15:29 GMT
Was on trade me for $ 9500. Was it sold you know? It was sold but I'm unaware of the details (apologies to all for the topic diversion..................)Pete |
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