I have been modeling trains for nearly 25 years.  I have built various layouts in N, HO, O and G scale throughout the years. It was not until 2010, I decided to look at the option of an outdoor layout.  Doing research and purchasing my first G scale locomotive and a few rolling stock, I begun the adventure of watching videos on building a garden railroad.  At the time I had a limited area to build the layout.  A 5 foot wide by 30 foot planter. Using the techniques I learned from websites and videos I built a small dog-bone loop for the G scale.  The lack a stable roadbed proved to be a big obstacle in the construction of the G scale layout. The constant derailments, and continuous maintenance of the roadbed was enough for me to abandon the “Goofy Scale” garden layout.

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Forward three years, in early spring of 2013, the rain is almost over and the days are warming up.  Inside the house I had a Hi-Rail O scale layout running just below the ceiling of our family room and kitchen area.  The layout was fine, just a simple double track loop, running two opposite direction trains for ambiance. It was kind of boring.  My wife said “Wouldn’t it be a good idea to move the train outside where we all can enjoy the train? I’m sure you could figure something out that looks nice.” I heard the words “looks nice”. That means if my wife does not like the way it will look, it’s not going to happen. I thought what a excellent idea and challenge. Moving the three rail O Scale train layout to the outside where I could incorporate the train into our backyard landscape as a conversation piece and have switching and train operation sessions. I’m glad I thought of it….

 

I started my research and video searching to see ways to build an  three rail O scale garden layout.  I found a few methods, but not as much as I thought I would.  I found designs using blanks of wood or HDPE decking and 4” by 4” posts as the supports, lining the roadbed with cinder blocks. In my opinion the layout examples were cumbersome to build, not very appealing to look at and frankly did not blend into the backyard environment. I had to think of something easier, cheaper, and more appealing to look at.

 

There was a lot to think about.  Other factors also came into play; What kind of track to use, does the track have UV protection? Is it safe to operate with 18 volts AC in an outdoor environment, were just some of my questions.  Not finding much information, I began to experiment with roadbed system materials that could endure the hot and cold elements of the seasons.

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During this whole process, I also wanted to share what I’ve learned with others.  Why keep what I’ve learned in this journey to myself, when we all learn from others. I wanted to use material that is readily available everywhere and constructed with everyday tools that most of us all have.  While in my local big box hardware store (Lowes), I looked for materials that can that was easy to work with and could handle the outside elements.  I came across PVC door trim and interior molding material in the lumber section.  As I inspect this flimsy thin material, bending the door trim to simulate a curved section of roadbed.  I thought PERFECT!  PVC is a hardy material if under ground or painted to guard from the UV.  Now what to use to elevate the track?

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Exploring the other departments, I wandered over to the plumbing department, I find PVC pipe.  Both durable and easy to work with, the two PVC components together was the beginning of a great combination of easy to use material to build the elevated solid roadbed for the outdoor O Scale layout.  Securing the horizontal ladder line and the vertical stanchion, the PVC Tee was the answer.  Now I have the basic materials to build the ladder line roadbed.

 

My journey really starts here.  Follow me as I show and describe my building techniques of this layout in detail, with videos clips, pictures and detailed description of the construction process. Explore the "Building a Railroad Tab" to see how this layout came to be.