I’ve never seen a garden railroad up close and personal (though I’ve come across a few magazine articles with intriguing photographs). It seems only natural that I’d want to ask: what fascinates you most about outdoor railroads…in a garden setting? Further, given the location, is it not difficult (or overwhelming?) to keep everything in good repair? An inquiring mind really wants to know!
I love model railroading and have been interested in trains in general since I was a kid. I have always wanted a train layout but have never had the room. Being an adult now and a homeowner I still don’t have the room inside the house but have it outside. I have had the layout in the backyard and will be adding to it for the next few years. I also HAVE to landscape the yard so if I can kill two birds with one stone then I am going to take my best shot. It seems to have worked out. One of the things I like is the down time during the winter which gives you time to work on other parts of the hobby, for example, scratchbuilding structures, rolling stock etc. Also, purchasing track and equipment over the winter makes things alot easier on the budget.
I have only the track and a couple of bridges to really worry about falling into disrepair at this time. The key is to build structures which can be either quite weather proof or removeable from the garden.
What I guess really fascinates me the most about the garden railway is that during the summer, with the pool water crystal clear, the garden all weeded out and looking good the shiny rails running throughout the flora is something which you really don’t see very often, its special and that special thing is mine. I built it, maintain it and people who see it are totally blown away at the concept and look of it all. Even though the railway runs about the perimeter of my backyard, it really is the centerpiece and I am quite proud of it.
I suppose if I was unable to attend to the garden then I would have to scrap the garden railway. Lets hope my thumb stays green forever.
So, Super Chief, I hope I was able to answer some of your questions. I am sure that most other garden railroaders have there own reasons for doing what we do. None of them are wrong, alot of them must have an indoor layout too. I wish I had the space for one! I am thinking of getting involved with a friend of mine who belongs to a club an
Why do I enjoy Garden Railroading? Let me count the ways… 1) It gets me outdoors on a 4 season basis, 2) It is a challenge, something new . 3) Gives my backyard a reason to exist besides to be mowed. 4) Allows me to enjoy the exchange of ideas and information groups like this provide. 5) I have found that I am hooked on Steam, Live Steam, it’s the best in the garden. 6) Live Steam drives my squirrels nuts…eh, sorry 'bout that ![(-D]
It has made my back yard into my paradise instead of just boring grass.
It constantly changes by the act of nature.
I can keep adding to it to change it more
Maintaining it is part of the fun of it.
It is outside where I can make all the smoke, noise I want.
It is a garden, not just tracks.
Plenty of room to do what I want.
Bud
if fun, do what you want not hurting anyone not causing problems living your life!!
Drives the squirrels nuts…too funny. Thanks all for responding. I model HO scale indoors, yet I find your garden railroads quite fascinating. Enjoy![:D]
Hey Superchief,
My model railroading began at the tender age of five. By age 7 I wanted to take my HO scale trains outside to play with. Mom and Dad were quick to explain that this was not done and the train had to stay in the house. Nuts…Well now I’m 38…ooops did I say that? Anyways, and Mom and Dad no longer have a say in where I run my trains. Almost 3 years ago I was on ebay and clicked on a misplaced item which turned out to be Large Scale. Now what is this??? A lot of investigating later I knew I had to give this a try. I CAN TAKE MY TRAINS OUTSIDE!!! Now this was too good to be true. Real dirt, real rocks, real water, REAL GOOD! A local toy store was clearing out some Aristo Craft at 40% off so I bought just about everything they had. There went my year end bonus from work. Money well spent. HO will always have a place with me but Large Scale has me hooked now. My outdoor layout is 16’x35’ and will be connected to my indoor layout via the basement window. The indoor portion runs around the perimeter of the basement and is mounted to the wall. What do I like most? All the great people I have met on this forum. We are a rare breed, but growing! You really should check out a layout for yourself if you can. Words can’t hardly describe how really different running outdoors really is. Thanks for asking! Later eh…Brian.
That sounds really impressive! Got a question (or two): how will you configure the entry from outside to inside the basement? What will you use to keep out the elements and critters given the point of entry? [:)]
Superchief,
Hi again. The basement window in question is in the laundry room. It also houses a dryer vent so there really is not much window left. I plan to remove the remaining glass and install framework to house a doorway. The bottom of the door will be notched to fit the track. Weatherstripping will seal the opening and it will only be accessible from the laundryroom. Outside of the window is a patio area that will be bordered by a garden. The track will follow the edge of the garden to where the window is. At this point I plan to construct a tunnel from stone to hide the opening. Inside the basement will be a long length of track upon which I can “stage” or ready a train to go outside. The indoor line will not be directly attached unless I can figure out a way to build a “helix”. There is a difference of about 3 feet in height from the window to the mainline indoors. Quite a drop to overcome with Large Scale track. Hope to be able to post some pictures later on this year of what it turns out like. Thanks for asking. Later eh…Brian.
Well I guess a mix of what everyone else has said. Personally , Can i do this and do it well?? I want the feel of a heavy train with three large diesels pulling with all their might coming around a bend, through the trees and over the bridge. Loud sounds systems and the sound of steel wheels over the rail. Yet sitting in my law chair drinking a cold one and enjoing every minute of it. I work hard for that goal. Am i NUTs, you bet!!!
Not nuts; just enthusiastic! You painted a vivid picture of what I would imagine many of you enjoy about garden railroads. Thanks for replying.
I’m sorry, but I had to come back ,one more thought. After dark, full moon. still quiet night sitting on a bench and the end of a long run. You here the whistle, SUDDENLY around the bend the head light appears. The rails in front of you glow as lighted ribbons . The horn blows as the train aproaches Minersville crossing, loud rubble and it gets closer and closer. As she flies around the backed curve off to the west, its quiet again. HAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Welcome to "my " world, try it , you’ll love it.
Looking good, Marty!
Mind you those guys at Minerville really need a station light or the station master needs to get with the program and replace the burned-out bulbs.[;)][;)][:D]
Honestly–it’s like I was RIGHT THERE. Very cool. I could just barely sort out the images in the photo, too (time for new glasses).
HJ, now you know the RDC was so late the station master had already left. The conductor had to help the people and them dang neighbor kids shot out the porch lights again…The yard light (left of camera) is working just out of sight of the camera.
Marty, [;)]
Whoa, that’s a wild neighbourhood![:o)][:o)]