two legged varmits

Garden Railroading
1

I’ve seen a lot of discussions of “critters” on railroad right of way, that’s nature and part of “garden” railroading, but how much of problem have you all experienced with “two legged varmits”-either just wandering thru or doing mischief ie larceny…I am building a layout that will not be within the fenced confines of my “backyard” and am wondering what to expect–I’ve had them dig/pull up my plants from the mail box planters (Common sense dictates securing locos/cars and I plan limited structures but some stuff of value has to stay out-I’m not in a high crime area but it would not surprise me to someday see “nature/hiking trails” where my track used to be).

2

Hi Markn,
It’s something we all have to put up with, enclosed or otherwise. The only thing I leave out is the track and with using Aristo every piece is bolted to the next one, so whilst they could do a lot of damage they would have a job taking it apart, unless they have an alum key! I know the heads of the bolts would pull through the fish plate but it would still be damaged. There are relatively few garden RR’s around here so if something got nicked I think they would have a job getting rid of it, our local shop would act as a collators office on this and they would get next to nothing at a scrap yard for the brass. The only way to really secure track is to set it in concrete, same for buildings as well, fill them with concrete. Good luck.
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]

3

Unless you have a really rotten one, I don’t think your RR would be a target. I find people are more interested in it, of course I do have Paws and Jaws Mobile Alarm System (little do they know that those two would rather lick and be petted than bite the intruder).

4

I face this problem being that many neighborhood children and other…individuals cut across the section where my line will eventually run. I had planned to build a fence, however, it was finding myself going stir crazy. Here are some of my tips…

  1. Enlist the neighborhood kids as security. By being emotionally invested in the railroad they will drive off non-neighboorhood ruffians. All one has to do is invest in one or two of those “Scientific, Toys” locomotives (via the internet) and offer it up as a sacrifice. They will take good care of it. These things can be found on e-bay. I call them “Sow’s ears”

  2. Plan some garden plants (i.e. tomatoes, et al) around the outside of the layout. The growth will cover up the line from casual passers by. In winter the plants may die, but one can use gardening to camoflauge the line.

  3. Aristo track is a plus, it is too cumbersome to steal all at once.

  4. I bring in all my structures. A small toolshed for storage of my structures may become my choice for best protection.

Well, that’s all for now!!!

5

So far the neighborhood kids seem more interested in WHEN I’m going to play choo-choo than running off with anything. I leave the buildings out all summer, and the trains usually reside in a box on the porch