Switching operations on 7-7/8" gauge.
Coupling cars behind the locomotive, while pulling them out of storage shed.
The FCMA (Ferrocarril Modular Argentino) - Argentine Modular Railroad is a completely home made, narrow gauge (7-7/8 inches) short line, located at the house backyard.
It is a minimum gauge railroad, not a scaled down model, although it follows the 70`s argentine railroad painting scheme.
Tracks are modular (Decauville like). Each track panel is under 10 feet in length.
Hot rolled "T" steel was used for the rails. Which are screwed to wood sleepers (cross ties).
Main line length is about 135 feet (a very short line indeed!)
Ruling grade is 2.5%.
Minimum curve radius is just 10 feet (a bit too sharp!), imposed by property boundaries.
There are several sidings, to the workshop and the car barn.
Rolling stock:
-Locomotive: battery operated electric, 4 axles, all driven. Length about 4-1/2 feet, weighting over 800 lbs, top speed just less 1.5mph.
-Cars: 2 gondolas (4 axles), plus one tipping car (2 axles).
Equiped with "AAR" type couplers.
26 ноя 2010
