Are
you a gardening enthusiast fascinated with toy trains? A garden
railway, or train garden, cleverly combines these favorite pastimes
into amazing sites with which everyone can enjoy. These gardens
will actually come to life as the model trains gracefully move about
the miniature landscape filled with low-growing plants and realistic
buildings.
You
don't have to be an expert to design a garden railway of your own;
however, you may want to do some research beforehand to make the
task a little easier. There are numerous resources, such as books
and magazines, available on the subject. Your local extension office
can provide this information as well. You might also consider visiting
some garden railways that are located in your area.
Before
planning your garden railway design, perform a quick inspection
of the designated site to ensure that it is suitable. Since outdoor
model trains require a fairly level area, this will be something
to bear in mind as you examine your property. Determine whether
or not the track will be added to an existing garden or if both
will be designed at the same time. Finally, decide just how elaborate
you want your garden railway to be. For beginners, less may be more;
however, leave yourself enough room in the event you want to add
onto it later.
Since
your railway will be accommodating a host of plant life, choose
an area easily accessible to a water source. Additionally, interesting
water features within the design can enhance its appeal. If you
have rocks or a slope in your yard, incorporate these into your
design for a more natural effect. Since most model locomotives and
cars are waterproof, they can be run even when it is raining. The
track, too, is made materials such as brass, stainless steel, or
aluminum to prevent any rusting. You may, however, want to create
a place to store your train.
Some
people design their railways to run into their home or outbuilding
through a small tunnel. A pet door would be another option. There
are many ways to install the track; however, one of the easiest
is to float the track in stones or gravel. Dig a shallow trench,
about 2 or 3 inches deep, and fill it with crushed stone. Set the
track in place, making sure it is level. Backfill with additional
stones until flush with ground. By floating the track, it can move
freely as summer heat causes the rails to expand and winter cold
makes them contract. Another method for installing track is to simply
select a material, such as hardwood, to use as the track base. Measure
the lengths, including both straight and curved, according to the
track's design and cut the pieces as you lay it. Attach the track
to the wooden base with brass nails.
Generally,
a single locomotive with three or four pieces of rolling stock (freight
or passenger cars) is adequate. G-scale trains are the most popular.
Scale is the proportion of the model to the full-size train (1:24
scale). Gauge is the distance between the rails. A G-scale runs
on 1-gauge (G-gauge) track. When choosing a train, decide on the
type of railroad. For instance, will it accommodate freight or passengers?
A small industrial line, with little engines and short cars is ideal
for areas with limited space, while a modern mainline requires more
room.
There
is a variety of ready-to-install track available to choose from
and can be purchased in many hobby shops. You can even choose to
construct your own; however, this is best left for those who are
more knowledgeable in this area. Commercial track comes in sections
with set lengths and curves, available in short or longer sections
to suit your needs. Sectional track can be easily picked up and
put down; however, if you want a more permanent railway, you should
consider using flexible track. This type of track can be easily
bent to fit nearly any design.
Once
you have determined the scale and gauge for your track, decide how
your train will be powered. Trains usually operate on a 12V-18V
DC power supply, the same as with most garden lighting. The power
pack should be located in a dry area and easily accessible to an
electrical outlet. Other options for powering your train include
those that are battery-powered, radio-controlled, or even real steam
locomotives.
After
you have finished designing and laying your track, it's time to
place your vegetation and realistic features. Try sticking with
natural materials when constructing your miniature landscape. For
instance, create mountains made of dirt, rivers made of water, rocks
made of stone, etc.
With
the use of small annuals and dwarf or low-growing varieties of plants,
you can create a realistic train garden. Use plants no more than
2-3 feet tall. Numerous rock garden plants are suitable. Annuals
to consider include sweet alyssum, dwarf marigold, thyme, marjoram,
creeping rosemary, and creeping zinnia. Low-growing varieties of
trees and shrubs that are commonly used include bearberry, creeping
juniper, boxwood, and dwarf pines and spruces. The cone and round
shapes of dwarf evergreens will also provide winter interest and
structure.
Perennials
and groundcovers are important elements in this type of garden.
They are often used to create miniature prairies as well as for
covering slopes and tracksides. Use small-leaved sedum to imitate
shrubs. Moss and short perennial grasses are good choices for mimicking
grass. Other low-growing perennials can offer interesting foliage
and color. For instance, try creeping phlox, baby tears, or hens
and chicks. If you are incorporating any houses or other miniature
buildings into your scene, keep them weather-resistant by adding
a coat of polyurethane.- Nikki
Phipps
