Meet Jerry Paladino How did you get started in the hobby? I was looking for a hobby that would help me relieve workplace stress. Two friends recommended that I build a model railroad. My Dad and grandfather both worked for Union Pacific in Council Bluffs, as well as in Omaha, so I was already interested […]
Want more photos? Diesel locomotives in the garden Garden railroading in Hawaii Garden railroading in the snow […]
Common name: Grape hyacinth Latin name: Muscari sp. Plant type: Perennial Plant size: 5-8″ high and spreading USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9 Cultural needs: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, full sun to part shade Late summer/early autumn is the time to pick up some bulbs to plant for spring blooming. Originating from the Mediterranean region, grape […]
The Greater Cincinnati Garden Railway Society announces the 2024 Midwest Region Large Scale Train Show, to be held at EnterTrainment Junction in West Chester, Ohio. This year’s event features expanded hours, a live-steam module set up, and clinics on both battery power and weathering basics. 2024 Midwest Region Large Scale Train Show Date: March 30, […]
After finishing “Rosy,” my sugar cane train saddle tank engine, I decided to kitbash large-scale sugar cane cars. I started with Hartland Locomotive Works (HLW, now out of business—Ed.) flatcars and added solid square posts (Evergreen Styrene #196) into the holes in the car. I also added a small piece .10” flat styrene into the […]
While we may no longer be printing Garden Railways magazine, we’re adding new content to Trains.com every week! Here’s a few recent items, and a preview of what’s coming in the next month. Become a Trains.com member so you don’t miss any of this great content! If you have a story suggestion, email editor@gardenrailways.com […]
When I take my granddaughter to the local neighborhood park, I usually envision seeing a large-scale garden railway running loops through the park. So, one day I contacted one of the people in charge and shared my vision of the garden-railway. In time, someone contacted me to let me know that it would be a […]
Five ways to make your plants thrive Whatever the emphasis you put on the garden part of your railroad, wouldn’t you like knowing the results of your work will be worth the effort? Understanding a few basics about plant needs and soil conditions is a good starting place toward achieving the results you want. 1. […]
A beginner’s guide to plants For many railway gardeners, the “garden” is the most challenging aspect of a garden railroad. Like all living things, outdoor plants have unpredictable habits; growing, changing, moving, and sometimes even dying on us for no apparent reason. Latin names, horticultural terms, and gardening techniques can be confusing to a beginner. […]
When developing the landscape for a garden railroad, one needs to consider the role of water in shaping the topography. Even in the flattest areas, streams and rivers carve their way across the land. Where there are hills and mountains, these waterways often gouge out ravines and rocky streambeds. It is these topographical features, giving […]
Soil is the foundation of the garden in more ways than one. As goes the soil, so goes the garden. Soil is much more than just dirt. It is a mix of fine rock particles, organic matter, water, air, and microorganisms. How plants perform in your garden and the things you do to encourage them […]
Latin name: Juniperus communis ‘Compressa’ Common name: Dwarf Irish juniper Category: dwarf conifer Needle color: blue green Growth rate: 1″-3″/yr. USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9 Cultural needs: sun and well-drained soil This upright and very narrow form of common juniper is a perfect complement to garden-railroad designs because of its distinctive form and small-scale features. Narrow, […]
