One night I was lying in bed and a thought occurred to me, why not put a loop of #1 gauge track around the edge of the garden area my wife and I were putting in the back yard of our new home? After all, it would be a while before we would be able to finish the basement for my HO scale layout, and I was dying to do something with trains. Of course, then I started thinking that there should be a tunnel and a bridge or two. Of course, a bridge needs to have a reason for existing, so why not put in a waterfall and small pond. My wife seemed quite excited about the idea too, so the rest is history.
I think the three things I enjoy most about the garden railroad are the size of the freight cars, finding the plants, and the never ending battle with erosion. The Bachmann Big Hauler cars have good heft to them and are pretty durable. Searching the local nurseries with my wife for various plants with small leaf structures and slow grow such as dwarf Alberta Spruce was a thrill. The never ending battle with erosion really makes you feel like a real railroad civil engineer. It is fun making sure there is proper drainage so the grade does not get washed away in a heavy rain storm. I've already added a couple of culverts just for that reason.
It really is a good way to enjoy your hobby in the great outdoors. Also, since we live on a corner lot, our entire yard is quite visible. The railroad is quite a conversation starter and many neighborhood children and parents have stopped by for a while. It is a great way to meet the neighbors.
