An Introduction To Garden Railroads
Bill Murphy
Model railroading has a new trend that involves using sturdy supplies and equipment that will withstand the outside elements. These outside layouts are called "garden railroads" as they are often worked into a garden setting with the garden becoming part of the scenery.
The basic structure and design of the railroad is very similar to what you would use indoors, but there are some differences worth noting.
First, garden railroads must be rugged enough to stand up to the weather and stay in use over the long term. Depending on the climate, these trains may be run for much of the year and they need to be able to withstand that kind of use.
It also needs to be easy to maintain. Merging it into you garden area is a lot of work but if you have to take it out for maintenance, that could be even more work.
Garden railroads originate from Europe where they started with G-scale models but they are popular all over the world. Because of this, G-scale trains and accessories are much easier to find than they were in the past.
There are events and conventions dedicated to Garden Railways, such as the Garden Railway Convention held each year in Denver. A calendar of these events can be found on
www.gardentrains.org or in the events section of
www.trains.com. Garden railroads can make a great addition to your backyard, strictly for your own enjoyment, or they can be added to more public places where everyone can enjoy them.
Just remember if you set up your display somewhere that is more public, you'll be sure to attract more onlookers!
Looking for information on building a train table? You'll find plenty of helpful information at The Model Railroader. Visit (
http://www.themodelrailroader.com/ )
www.TheModelRailroader.com to get your free copy of my report "Model Train Design Secrets"
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