After much consideration, and the great words from you guys, I have decided to abandon any wall attachment and proceed with trestle/PVC combinations.  Living in the desert will be a plus... Even though my soil is a bit gravely, it is porous.  I've asked Russ to give me/us any caveats as he progresses in the construction.  Mine will not be nearly as high, averaging only 6 to 12 inches above the ground.

Brilliant ideas all.

Dave 

Wow....

Your guys are brilliant.  The idea of a full trestle is very enticing.  I already have some ideas on how to do that and mix things up a little.  It is possible to put an anchor post in the ground every 6 feet or so, then run a road bed from post to post.  that way I can assure it is level, or, even with the mortar lines of the wall. 

Good call on not drilling into the joints.... real bad idea.  As for even drilling the block, "after further review".... even a worse idea. 

Having read your comments, perhaps a viaduct arrangement set out from the wall about 3-6 inches might work.  The road itself will actually be going "through" some vegetation.... bougainvillea, sage and so on.  (This is in the desert near Tucson.) 

Once again.  Thanks tons for the inputs and if you think of anything else, please let me know.
I'll take pictures as things progress.

Dave

It looks like the best way to put the new Royal Oak Railroad in the back yard is to fix it to the block wall across the back.  I have a small yard, with just enough room for a "turning basin" at each end, and some exotic plantings in the middle.  I plan on one track, with a 4 or 5 foot diameter circle at each end.  The turns will be on top of posts/trestle like structures.  A dog bone. 

So.  It is a block wall with about 1/2 inch of mortar between each course of blocks.  The wall itself is about 6 feet, and shared from behind with another house.  I would like the rails about 2 feet above ground level.  I have seen many G scales in rooms near the ceiling, some hung, some using L braces. 

Does anyone have any recent/antique/direct experience with this type of installation?  Types of screws/bolts, braces, suspended road bed and so on.  And any real tricks!!!

Much appreciated, Dave

Wow....

That was a pretty good deal, even with the shipping from New York.  Is that a typical Ebay type sale?  I have never bought or sold anything on Ebay. 

How much does the buyer have to beware?  You folks obviously have some experience at this and I would love your take on it.

Dave

Thanks Bruce, very much appreciated.   I could have made a serious mistake.  I suppose I should purchase things separately unless I can find a set with suitable outdoor track. 

For on30gn15.... thanks.  Hmmmm, living in an isolated area, chances of finding the last two issues of "anything" are doubtful.  I will go on a quest today.... I suspect you are speaking of June and July, or perhaps July and August.

Dave ROR

Dynamite pictures of your D&S in the forum.

I hope to have a set in the near future.  Can you tell me what kind of track is included in the Durango set?  Your location?  Corrosion problems?  Do you run it with batteries or power pack? 

Tonnes of thanks

Royal Oak Railroad - ROR

Dave

 

I have my eye on a Durango and Silverton "starter set"  for the back yard near Tucson.  The questions arise.... what kind of track is included with the set ( I have looked all over every website known to engineer.) 

And, is it possible to radio control the locomotive.... Not DCC, but buy a radio controlled loco or modify the existing. 

If you have had experience with one or both I would REALLY like to hear from you.

Thanks,  ROR

Dave