Index

Introduction

Interested in large-scale model railways and perhaps exploring the possibility of constructing a layout in the garden? Welcome to what is claimed to be the fastest growing sector of the model railway hobby.

Module 2

History of Garden Railways

Gain some insight into the history of garden railways as a popular pastime.

Module 3

Prototype Railways

A little background information regarding real life railways and railroads to assist you in making the right choice when it comes to choosing the type of model trains you want to run.

Module 4

A Question of Gauge or Scale?

The concept of scale versus gauge can sometimes prove hard to grasp for beginners. This clarification may help (or possibly confuse you even further?)

Module 5

Theme

Which type of railway do you want to create? What is it that appeals to you about railways the most? How do you plan to operate your railway? If you have not given that much consideration to this important question this may help you fine tune your vision.

Module 6

Site Survey & Planning

Before you start building your layout you need to undertake a degree of planning. This module outlines the various approacheds one might adopt to this key phase.

Module 7

Layout Design

It has been said that planning a model railway can become a hobby in itself. There is nothing at all wrong with this but if you are ever to achieve your dream of a fully operational outdoor model railway you will need to finalise a layout plan at some stage if construction is ever to start - although you can always make some changes as you go along.

Module 8

Track Design

Essentially this is an important facet of designing your layout. Will it be simple branch line operations, a main-line terminus with lots of platforms and inter-connecting tracks, complex multi-train operations (possibly computer controlled?) . Are you planning mainly for visual appeal, operational flexibility or high reliability. Proper consideration of these elements is essential in realising your concept.

Module 9

Layout Planning Design Considerations / Prototype Operations

Also linked to layout design are the basic building blocks for designing a layout from scratch or modifying an existing layout plan of which there are literally thousands in print and on the world wide web. This module helps you avoid some of the big "no-no's" or possibly challenge them with fresh inspiration?

Module 10

Firm Foundations & Construction Work

At last the chance to get out into the garden and convert your ideas into practice. This module deals with the practical issues of groundwork, raised track beds, tunnels, and just about everything else that is faced by the gangs who create the real permanent way. Unlike indoor model railways an outdoor layout obliges you to face up to the topography, elements, natural hazards, obstructions, ground-heave, etc.

Module 11

Choosing the Right Track

lt goes without saying that good quality trackwork is of paramount importance if your layout is to perform to its optimum. Investment in a robust and durable track system (the cost of which is likely to absorb a significant part of your budget) will not be wasted provided it is laid correctly and can be expected to produce excellent running characteristics in the long run.

Module 12

Track Suppliers

Sources of 32mm and 45mm Gauge Track & Components.

Module 12A Track Suppliers A - B

Module 12B: Track Suppliers C - K

Module 12C: Track Suppliers L - R

Module 12D: Track Suppliers Q - Z

Module 13

Laying the Track

Track laying methods for reliable results.

Module 14

Track Maintenance

Regular & Annual Maintenance Tips.

Module 15

Shopping For Large-Scale Trains

Sourcing advice for acquiring all the items you are likely to need on your railway.

Module 16

Major Manufacturers

Brief run-down on major World Suppliers of Large Scale Model Trains and

some of the lesser well-know ones.

Module 17

Train Sets

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Module 17A: LGB Train Sets

Module 17B: Bachmann Train Sets

Module 17C: Piko Train Sets

Module 17D: Marklin Train Sets

Module 17E: US TrainsTrain Sets

Module 18

Locomotives - Steam

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Module 18A: LGB Steam Locomotives

Module 18B: Bachmann Steam Locomotives

Module 18C: Piko Steam Locomotives

Module 18D: Aristo-craft Steam Locomotives

Module 18E: Marklin Train Sets

Module 19

Locomotives - Diesel

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Module 20

Locomotives - Electric

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Module 21

Passenger Cars

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Module 21A: Aristo-craft Passenger Cars

Module 21B: Accucraft Passenger Cars

Module 21C: Bachmann Passenger Cars

Module 21D: LGB Passenger Cars

Module 21F: Newqida Passenger Cars

Module 21E: MTH Passenger Cars

Module 21G: US Trains Passenger Cars

Module 21H: Other Passenger Cars

Module 22

Freight Cars
Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Module 22A: Aristo-craft Freight Cars

Module 22B: Accucraft Freight Cars

Module 22C: Bachmann Freight Cars

Module 22D: LGB Freight Cars

Module 22E: MTH Freight Cars

Module 22F: Newqida Freight Cars

Module 22G: US Trains Freight Cars

Module 23

Garden Landscaping

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Module: 12

G SCALE ONLINE

Free to Use

Visits

Index

Track Design

Layout Planning Design Considerations / Prototype Operations

Firm Foundations & Construction Work

Choosing the Right Track

Track Suppliers

Laying the Track

Track Maintenance

Regular & Annual Maintenance Tips.

Shopping For Large-Scale Trains

Sourcing advice for acquiring all the items you are likely to need on your railway.

Major Manufacturers

Brief run-down on major World Suppliers of Large Scale Model Trains and

some of the lesser well-know ones.

Train Sets

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Locomotives - Steam

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Locomotives - Diesel

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Locomotives - Electric

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Passenger Cars

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Freight Cars
Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Garden Landscaping

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Index

Track Design

Layout Planning Design Considerations / Prototype Operations

Firm Foundations & Construction Work

Choosing the Right Track

Track Suppliers

Laying the Track

Track Maintenance

Regular & Annual Maintenance Tips.

Shopping For Large-Scale Trains

Sourcing advice for acquiring all the items you are likely to need on your railway.

Major Manufacturers

Brief run-down on major World Suppliers of Large Scale Model Trains and

some of the lesser well-know ones.

Train Sets

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Locomotives - Steam

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Locomotives - Diesel

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Locomotives - Electric

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Passenger Cars

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Freight Cars Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Garden Landscaping

​

Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).

Freight Cars
Starter train sets put together by major manufacturers can be an ideal introduction to the world of large-scale garden railways. This module covers current production (and a few historic ones).