The 2021 National Narrow Gauge Convention was held in Hickory, North Carolina. Afternoons during the convention are spent touring private model railroads in the area.
Most small scale railroad engines are powered by electric motors, but some in the hobby use steam power, just like the full scale engines. These live steam engines are typically used out of doors.
This first layout has equipment that is 1/22 full size. That means 1" on a scale locomotive is 22 inches on a full size one.
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| A nice brick path leads you to a back yard full of track running through the landscape |
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| Chairs are strategically placed to allow you to sit back and enjoy watching the trains run |
The second layout also runs steam engines, but they are much larger. The tracks are 7.5" apart and this size is such these can be ridden by adults
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| There are seats to view the railroad operation |
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| I suspect this tunnel is where the trains are stored when not operating |
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| Yard art is found around the railroad |
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| This device is a ballast tamper and is used to align and level rail |
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| These engines and rolling stock were all machined and assembled by the owner |
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| More yard art |
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| A track inspection car |
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| Special build trailers take the steam engines into the service building for upkeep and repair |
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| This ramp allows engines and rolling stock to be loaded onto trailers |
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| The weather was wonderful for our outing |
