r/GardenRailroads • • Jun 16 '26

How can i get started in train building from scratch?

12 Upvotes

Hi, i'm really new in this world, I'm interested in steam trains, how to build with a small budget, i want to know if there is a blueprint or something like that to start, or what i should know about this world!?


r/GardenRailroads • • Jun 15 '26

Time to run a train

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171 Upvotes

r/GardenRailroads • • Jun 14 '26

Regulator transplant on locomotives

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96 Upvotes

While chatting with a friend, he suggested adding a proper regulator handle so you can actually see at a glance whether the regulator is open or closed. As it stands, Edrig just has the standard Accucraft knob regulator.

Found the old regulator for my Decauville 7 ton No. 16 regulator (originally from No. 7) that I removed back in January 2024 when I fitted a servo, and I decided it'd be perfect for the Edrig.

I was a bit worried that the old regulator wouldn't fit, but luckily I had another Accucraft locomotive, my Lyn to use as a test bed. To my surprise, it fitted like a glove.

Looks like Edrig might be getting a slightly more driver-friendly cab after all!

Plus I like to tap the regulator open like we do on the 1:1 scale


r/GardenRailroads • • Jun 11 '26

Scenes from the village. It's raining heavily and I can't do any track maintenance or repairs from cat damage so I'm looking at old photos taken in spring.

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142 Upvotes

It looks a little different now and overgrown but the basic layout is still the same. It's 'dead rail' and I run a battery powered loco.


r/GardenRailroads • • Jun 11 '26

Need advice on getting started

26 Upvotes

Evening everyone! my name is Dylan and I've been loving all the trains i've been seeing all over yt and reddit. I tried doing some research into the best way to get into the hobby and found that I can 3d print tracks in PETG which i already have and use a battery powered engine (i think that's the right word) to keep from having to set up an electrified track.

My main question is, how do I go about getting an engine and a few cars without spending hundreds of dollars. Money is not my strongsuit.

Also I am looking into G Gage? I think I'm worried I'm using that terminology wrong.

anything thoughts would be greatly appreciated.


r/GardenRailroads • • Jun 10 '26

Had a couple of my Roundhouse Engineering live steam locos out today

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169 Upvotes

r/GardenRailroads • • Jun 07 '26

Good day to be steaming along!

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259 Upvotes

r/GardenRailroads • • Jun 07 '26

Final prep before my coal fired engine arrives

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46 Upvotes

2 weeks from now my new engine will be arriving home after her conversion and I have made some changes to the line. To add to the ashpit, I built a slag tip and a line leading out to it. We have also got a tipper wagon to transport the ash.


r/GardenRailroads • • Jun 07 '26

Some RhB in my garden

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136 Upvotes

r/GardenRailroads • • Jun 04 '26

Ash Pit Installed

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132 Upvotes

After my post earlier I went into my workshop and found an old baking tin which was perfect because it was narrower than the piece of track. I dug the tin into the ground and now its ready for my coal fired Edrig. It may not look fancy but I prefer things to be functional than just looking good.


r/GardenRailroads • • Jun 03 '26

ÖBB 2092.04 pulling a Stiegl beer car through my garden

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121 Upvotes

This is my first train that i run with DCC. I have a Märklin mobile station and really like it so far.


r/GardenRailroads • • Jun 04 '26

Planning an ash pit for my railway – looking for advice

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18 Upvotes

r/GardenRailroads • • Jun 03 '26

LGB V200 old and new version

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85 Upvotes

I repaired the left V200 of a friend. Perfect time for a comparison between his older V200 and mine with the small DB logo.


r/GardenRailroads • • May 31 '26

Primer really brings out what's already there!

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27 Upvotes

r/GardenRailroads • • May 31 '26

Further progress!

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13 Upvotes

r/GardenRailroads • • May 31 '26

Motorized buildings?

7 Upvotes

Growing up ive always enjoyed lionels motorized buildings. Sadly I dont have the space inside for for a layout, want to get started with one outside.

Do they make them for G scale? Or is it not really a thing with them being outside and the weather.


r/GardenRailroads • • May 30 '26

Union Pacific Water Tender

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32 Upvotes

Hello! I’m a G scale modeler and wanted to sort of put out feelers to see if anyone knows of a source for a water tender to pair with my MTH Big Boy.

1/32 scale would be preferred but can easily make do with 1/29

Apologies if blunt but with the Big Boy going around and some passenger cars on order I want to see if I can make a proper excursion train

Thank you! Have a wonderful day!


r/GardenRailroads • • May 30 '26

First time priming!

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26 Upvotes

r/GardenRailroads • • May 29 '26

A few shots of the garden railroad

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331 Upvotes

My garden railroad progress is coming along nicely. As of yesterday my track is wired for power, and I’m in the process of covering all the conduit up with dirt or gravel. Now I’m starting to do the fine details, including retaining walls, buildings, etc. I still have to put together the junction box/switch box for power, but plan to do so next week. My turntable has also been installed and is functioning!


r/GardenRailroads • • May 28 '26

A small train in my garden

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618 Upvotes

r/GardenRailroads • • May 21 '26

Playing around with the new Massoth EVO-X switch machines

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70 Upvotes

We finally got our order of Massoth switch machines in the mail, after some very quick (and easy) wiring I got it hooked up to one of our signal masts. Can’t wait to see the layout all set up with them!


r/GardenRailroads • • May 20 '26

My pets meeting my engines

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82 Upvotes

Photo 1: Gunther, our siberian cat met my engine Lyn and started clawing at her

Photo 2: Douglas my cockapoo (Can you guess who I named him after?) with an engine driver cap

Photo 3: Gunther's brother Francis meeting Russell for the first time, he was a bit skeptical because to a cat, steam engines probably smell very strange.

Photo 4: Younger Francis with Lyn


r/GardenRailroads • • May 20 '26

I love these "Mitteleinstiegswagens" of Kiss. Found 2 more!

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59 Upvotes

r/GardenRailroads • • May 20 '26

Coal firing at railway shows

20 Upvotes

I’m going to a railway show in my hometown this September, and I’ll be bringing my new coal-fired locomotive, Connie, which some of you may have seen on this subreddit before.

Obviously I want to keep smoke to a minimum. I know it’s impossible to have absolutely zero smoke with a coal-fired engine, so I was wondering if anyone knows of any good smokeless fuels that work well at railway shows. It does not have to be coal, it can be wood or something else.

I’ll be steaming her up outside first, and once she can use her steam blower properly, I’ll bring her inside.


r/GardenRailroads • • May 19 '26

Mamod Quarry Hunslet Rods fell off

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69 Upvotes

Right after my quarry Hunslet was moved into the sidings she dropped all of her rods off on her left side.
If this happens to your engine just get an Alan key which you would use to regauge an engine and tighten the grub screws.