| Garden Trains are G Scale models that are installed | | | | The best way to make layouts for Garden Trains is to |
| outside, because of their weatherproof qualities. Even | | | | start with a theme. The type of model may suggest |
| the track, which is made of brass or stainless steel, | | | | what kind of landscape you will create. Do the |
| can remain outdoors year round. Many people do not | | | | boxcars haul ore during the Gold Rush era, or is it a |
| realize that the G does not actually stand for "garden," | | | | passenger model fashioned after the Orient Express? |
| but comes from the German word for "big." That's | | | | Another way to get started is to make a drawing of |
| because the gauge of the G Scale or G Gauge track | | | | the features in your yard, such as location of trees, |
| is about 1.75 inches wide, which is a larger gauge than | | | | flowerbeds, garage and driveway. The layout can be |
| the track for indoor models. Since the track is larger, | | | | as simple as a circular track, or may require bringing in |
| the trains are larger, too, which makes them better | | | | a load of dirt and gravel to fabricate an artificial |
| proportioned to the natural scenery. | | | | mountain. |
| Many model railroading enthusiasts are perfectly happy | | | | Many Garden Trains use rechargeable batteries as |
| to spend hours indoors playing with their railway sets, | | | | the power source. Well-built and properly supported |
| but Garden Trains offer the opportunity of spending | | | | track made of durable material may last upwards of |
| time outdoors with the whole family -- while catching a | | | | 15 years. Stainless steel is the most expensive outdoor |
| tan at the same time. | | | | G Gauge track, but it is also the most durable and the |
| Model railroading has always been a popular hobby, | | | | easiest to clean. Outdoor railroad track needs to be |
| but with the increase in interest in do-it-yourself | | | | cleaned before use so that the power can get to the |
| landscaping, Garden Trains have become a fast | | | | engine, but it is accomplished by simply passing over |
| growing sector among railroading hobbyists who see a | | | | the length of the track with a Handy Wipe. |
| way to combine their passions. It is a good use of | | | | Outdoor track must be maintained because the |
| space to dedicate a portion of the yard to such a | | | | elements will impact it. Rain will wash away portions of |
| creative endeavor since the miniature railroad | | | | roadbed, just as it would for life-size railroads. One |
| becomes an attractive focal point. | | | | important consideration when designing your Garden |
| Garden Trains are fun to create layouts for, since the | | | | Train track is that the longer the track, the more of it |
| outdoor location means that real plants may be used | | | | there is to require upkeep. |
| for landscaping. Fast growing plants such as vines | | | | Once the theme has been chosen, it is time to select |
| may take over the track and require constant pruning. | | | | the accessories for your outdoor railroad. This is the |
| Slow growing varieties of evergreen are a good, low | | | | part of the project where every family member will |
| maintenance option. Keeping them in their pots allows | | | | have an opinion, as you decide whether the train will |
| for easy replacement when they grow too large. | | | | run past villages or deserted country roads; |
| Indoor layouts must often rely on rippled glass, resin or | | | | workplaces or warehouses and of course, through |
| plastic to simulate water, but outdoors, it is possible to | | | | plenty of tunnels. Soon, your whole family will be |
| have a real stream passing through your layout, or | | | | hooked on Garden Trains. |
| even a waterfall! | | | | |