classic33
Leg End Member
"O" gauge?
Try Hattons in Liverpool, The Signal Box or Olivia's.
And if it is for outdoor use, confirm before paying that the track is suitable for outdoor use.
Or consider On30 Gauge.
The model railway/railroad thread. European & North American HO.
- Thread starter Cycleops
- Start date
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Try Hattons in Liverpool, The Signal Box or Olivia's.
And if it is for outdoor use, confirm before paying that the track is suitable for outdoor use.
Or consider On30 Gauge.
OP
OP
Cycleops
Legendary Member
- Location
- Accra, Ghana
For Garden use LGB 'G' gauge might be more suitable than O. Always been a favourite with outdoor model rail fans. A bit larger than O.
https://www.lgb.com/products/product-information/catalogs/complete-catalog
View: https://youtu.be/Bd3FfLxjT00
All European outline though. Can be DC or DCC operation.
https://www.lgb.com/products/product-information/catalogs/complete-catalog
View: https://youtu.be/Bd3FfLxjT00
All European outline though. Can be DC or DCC operation.
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OP
OP
Cycleops
Legendary Member
- Location
- Accra, Ghana
TT (table top) has been around for years and previously offered by Triang but seems to be coming in for a revival. Peco are supporting it with track and turnouts as well as buildings.
https://www.keymodelworld.com/article/peco-launches-tt-scale-range-track-buildings
It's funny you should say that as I once thought of building a garden railway that went past the built in BBQ so that it could send burgers to the patio. 😂
Outdoor stuff can get expensive though, do they have a budget in mind?
Jameshow
Guru
Planning and building a garden layout can sometimes mirror the real thing depending on the complexity of it.
One thing I've just thought of is do they have a local model railway society?
If they were to go and ask them for advice they might find that some of the more enthusiastic members with time on their hands offer a bit more. 😉
One thing I've just thought of is do they have a local model railway society?
If they were to go and ask them for advice they might find that some of the more enthusiastic members with time on their hands offer a bit more. 😉
Vapin' Joe
Formerly known as Smokin Joe
- Location
- Bare headed cyclist, Smoker
One of the things I believe with model railways is that simplicity is often best. A branch line with maybe two trains and a few passing loops can give as much pleasure to operate as a complicated system with multiple lines, roads and buildings crammed onto the layout. Many modellers overdo it and the setup looks an illogical mess.
I've often thought of a garden railway, and as Cyclops suggests, G gauge would be my choice. Last time I researched it it was significantly cheaper than O gauge and a pretty little branch line running round the perimeter of the garden would be quite relaxing to own and operate.
I've often thought of a garden railway, and as Cyclops suggests, G gauge would be my choice. Last time I researched it it was significantly cheaper than O gauge and a pretty little branch line running round the perimeter of the garden would be quite relaxing to own and operate.
Cathryn
Squire
- Location
- Marlborough, Wiltshire
Just found this thread! My dad has a Gauge 1 track around his garden! It’s fabulous! I’ll try and get pics to share! I love model railways!
Really not sure where to post this but it's too good to miss IMHO 😂
BREAKING: Local heritage rail fanatic Barry “The Bribe” Wainwright, 62, of Number 14 Rosehip Close, has successfully launched the UK’s first fully negotiated multi garden miniature railway after allegedly “reaching mutually beneficial financial arrangements” with every neighbour on the line.
The ambitious rail project runs a full circuit through six adjoining back gardens on Acacia Row, briefly crossing Mrs Patel’s begonias, narrowly missing Dave’s barbecue, and passing directly behind Sharon’s ornamental gnome collection, all thanks to what Barry describes as “community spirit and a few well placed incentives.”
“I didn’t want any trouble,” Barry explained, polishing his tiny steam engine while his dog supervised from the wagon. “So I did the decent thing. I knocked on every door with a smile, a packet of biscuits, and a very flexible definition of the word ‘temporary.’”
Neighbour Alan, 58, reportedly agreed to remove two fence panels in exchange for unlimited rides on Sundays and first refusal on leftover Victoria sponge. “He said I could be Station Master,” Alan said proudly. “I’ve already made a hat out of a yoghurt pot.”
Next door, Brenda, 71, allegedly accepted payment in the form of three hanging baskets, a promise to repaint her shed “at some point this decade,” and naming rights for the slow corner behind her compost heap. It will now officially be known as Brenda Bend.
One household demanded stronger terms. “I told him I wanted a written contract, a bottle of prosecco, and the guarantee that the train would toot its whistle every time it passed my kitchen window,” said Martin, 46. “He agreed immediately. I’ve never felt so powerful.”
Barry admits negotiations became tense when the track required the removal of a particularly stubborn fence panel behind Number 19. “We nearly lost the deal,” he said. “But once I offered my spare lawnmower and a lifetime supply of leftover railway magazines from 1987 onwards, peace was restored.”
The project has already drawn local attention, with residents stopping to watch the tiny locomotive puff heroically through tomato plants, paddling pools, and one suspiciously placed fake garden flamingo. Barry insists it’s all in the name of preserving railway heritage.
“It’s history,” he said proudly. “Some men collect stamps. I collect neighbours’ goodwill and small structural compromises.”
The neighbours say they’re mostly delighted, although one resident has asked for ear defenders, another has demanded a buffet carriage upgrade, and one is allegedly negotiating a tunnel toll.
Barry confirmed phase two of the project will involve a tea carriage, proper platform benches, and talks with the council about installing a level crossing to avoids Mrs Jenkins’ washing line.
“No bribes this time,” Barry added confidently. “Probably.” 🚂
BREAKING: Local heritage rail fanatic Barry “The Bribe” Wainwright, 62, of Number 14 Rosehip Close, has successfully launched the UK’s first fully negotiated multi garden miniature railway after allegedly “reaching mutually beneficial financial arrangements” with every neighbour on the line.
The ambitious rail project runs a full circuit through six adjoining back gardens on Acacia Row, briefly crossing Mrs Patel’s begonias, narrowly missing Dave’s barbecue, and passing directly behind Sharon’s ornamental gnome collection, all thanks to what Barry describes as “community spirit and a few well placed incentives.”
“I didn’t want any trouble,” Barry explained, polishing his tiny steam engine while his dog supervised from the wagon. “So I did the decent thing. I knocked on every door with a smile, a packet of biscuits, and a very flexible definition of the word ‘temporary.’”
Neighbour Alan, 58, reportedly agreed to remove two fence panels in exchange for unlimited rides on Sundays and first refusal on leftover Victoria sponge. “He said I could be Station Master,” Alan said proudly. “I’ve already made a hat out of a yoghurt pot.”
Next door, Brenda, 71, allegedly accepted payment in the form of three hanging baskets, a promise to repaint her shed “at some point this decade,” and naming rights for the slow corner behind her compost heap. It will now officially be known as Brenda Bend.
One household demanded stronger terms. “I told him I wanted a written contract, a bottle of prosecco, and the guarantee that the train would toot its whistle every time it passed my kitchen window,” said Martin, 46. “He agreed immediately. I’ve never felt so powerful.”
Barry admits negotiations became tense when the track required the removal of a particularly stubborn fence panel behind Number 19. “We nearly lost the deal,” he said. “But once I offered my spare lawnmower and a lifetime supply of leftover railway magazines from 1987 onwards, peace was restored.”
The project has already drawn local attention, with residents stopping to watch the tiny locomotive puff heroically through tomato plants, paddling pools, and one suspiciously placed fake garden flamingo. Barry insists it’s all in the name of preserving railway heritage.
“It’s history,” he said proudly. “Some men collect stamps. I collect neighbours’ goodwill and small structural compromises.”
The neighbours say they’re mostly delighted, although one resident has asked for ear defenders, another has demanded a buffet carriage upgrade, and one is allegedly negotiating a tunnel toll.
Barry confirmed phase two of the project will involve a tea carriage, proper platform benches, and talks with the council about installing a level crossing to avoids Mrs Jenkins’ washing line.
“No bribes this time,” Barry added confidently. “Probably.” 🚂
Vapin' Joe
Formerly known as Smokin Joe
- Location
- Bare headed cyclist, Smoker
