Books about G-scale garden railways
- Thread starter Gerard
- Start date
David1226
Registered
Last edited:
Homo Habilis
Registered
An excellent source is Garden Railway Basics by Kevin Strong. I think it's out of print but available in the used market.
There is also the Mark Found series Garden Railway available on YouTube. Very basic but gives a reasonable overview of the process and he's kind of entertaining.
There is also the Mark Found series Garden Railway available on YouTube. Very basic but gives a reasonable overview of the process and he's kind of entertaining.
palmerston
trains
Champex-Linden has the book from Miba which i also own: German only 
10€ but he wont ship below 25€ there is also a second book from Miba or buy some additional spare parts
"MIBA Modellbahn Praxis: Die perfekte Gartenbahn"
84 Seiten im DIN-A4-Format, Klammerheftung, über 230 Abbildungen. Sommerzeit ist Gartenbahnzeit! Was gibt es Schöneres, als das Modellbahn-Hobby unter freiem Himmel, an frischer Luft und bei Sonnenschein zu genießen? Die neueste Ausgabe der Erfolgsreihe „MIBA-Modellbahn-Praxis“ behandelt am Beispiel einer der aufwendigsten Gartenbahnanlagen Deutschlands alle praktischen Fragen, die bei Planung, Bau und Betrieb einer „Freiluft-Modellbahnanlage“ entstehen. Denn hier wurde nicht die Landschaft um die Miniaturbahn herumgebaut, sondern die Bahn harmonisch in einen vorhandenen Garten integriert. Peter Wanke und Martin Graf, passionierte Gartenbahner seit Jahrzehnten, geben ihre Erfahrungen weiter. Im Unterschied zu Zimmeranlagen sind nämlich gänzlich andere Bautechniken, Materialien und Vorgehensweisen anzuwenden. Themen wie Wetterfestigkeit und Betriebssicherheit spielen eine ebenso wichtige Rolle wie die Vegetation und der Geländebau. Neben grundlegenden Informationen zum Freilandbetrieb sind dies nur einige der Themenschwerpunkte: Planung und Vorarbeiten Trassenbau und Gleisverlegung Brücken, Tunnel und Stützmauern Oberleitung, Installation und Wartung empfehlenswerte Pflanzen wetterfeste Gebäude Eigenbau von freilandtauglichen Fahrzeugen Elektrik und Digitalbetrieb Wartung und Pflege Dass der Betrieb auf der großartigen Gartenbahn-Anlage von Peter Wanke in vielen fantastischen Bildern vorgestellt wird, versteht sich von selbst. Lassen Sie sich verzaubern von der herrlichen Welt der kleinen Bahnen unter freiem Himmel!
10€ but he wont ship below 25€ there is also a second book from Miba or buy some additional spare parts
"MIBA Modellbahn Praxis: Die perfekte Gartenbahn"
84 Seiten im DIN-A4-Format, Klammerheftung, über 230 Abbildungen. Sommerzeit ist Gartenbahnzeit! Was gibt es Schöneres, als das Modellbahn-Hobby unter freiem Himmel, an frischer Luft und bei Sonnenschein zu genießen? Die neueste Ausgabe der Erfolgsreihe „MIBA-Modellbahn-Praxis“ behandelt am Beispiel einer der aufwendigsten Gartenbahnanlagen Deutschlands alle praktischen Fragen, die bei Planung, Bau und Betrieb einer „Freiluft-Modellbahnanlage“ entstehen. Denn hier wurde nicht die Landschaft um die Miniaturbahn herumgebaut, sondern die Bahn harmonisch in einen vorhandenen Garten integriert. Peter Wanke und Martin Graf, passionierte Gartenbahner seit Jahrzehnten, geben ihre Erfahrungen weiter. Im Unterschied zu Zimmeranlagen sind nämlich gänzlich andere Bautechniken, Materialien und Vorgehensweisen anzuwenden. Themen wie Wetterfestigkeit und Betriebssicherheit spielen eine ebenso wichtige Rolle wie die Vegetation und der Geländebau. Neben grundlegenden Informationen zum Freilandbetrieb sind dies nur einige der Themenschwerpunkte: Planung und Vorarbeiten Trassenbau und Gleisverlegung Brücken, Tunnel und Stützmauern Oberleitung, Installation und Wartung empfehlenswerte Pflanzen wetterfeste Gebäude Eigenbau von freilandtauglichen Fahrzeugen Elektrik und Digitalbetrieb Wartung und Pflege Dass der Betrieb auf der großartigen Gartenbahn-Anlage von Peter Wanke in vielen fantastischen Bildern vorgestellt wird, versteht sich von selbst. Lassen Sie sich verzaubern von der herrlichen Welt der kleinen Bahnen unter freiem Himmel!
stevedenver
Registered
Gerard
First, i admit i have a bias toward LGB.
Second, i am a luddite and run DC track power. Very limited digital.
Third, i tend to prioritize simplicity and ease of execution, labor and maintenance. ie I am a lazy lout.
Ive been running a garden layout, of some type, since 1995. I started with an LGB starter set and some extras track and cars. soon , grew to larger US style 4 axel equipment as well.
I recommend 2 books by LGB , "Track planning and Technical Guide", or, "Explore the World of LGB" .
These two are very similar, the second being an update and edited version of the First.
I also like "Garden Railroading: Getting Started in the Hobby". very useful and more focused on construction
Why do i like the old LGB books?
i make the assumption that it is likely you may use LGB/Marklin products as a beginner. They are still most widely available, new and used, and, imho, despite shortcoming in scale and fidelity, are highly reliable and top quality. This is the one product I recommend to anyone who has little or no model train background or modeling skills, because they are simply, truly, ready to run. They are also far from artful in many cases, compared to fine scale. Otoh, they will not frustrate the owner by temperamental operation or tracking. They are robust, and weatherproof.
The books i mention are designed to explain simple electronics (analog), layouts, building roadbeds, simple garden plantings, and are an easy to digest and comprehensive overview. IMHO, they are immensely fun to read and peruse.
They focus entirely on LGB products, and the track plans are ....a bit antiquated, as they are very much oriented to sectional track construction, electro mechanical automated train operation and somewhat crowded layout designs in many cases. OTOH, they are very well done and reliable should you find what you like. I find, that your layout will be dictated by your space and its unique factors, thus, many suggested layouts wont quite be right for you. It's still a source to learn about possibilities.
That being said, i have used these for years, and i find the methods still reliable, whether laying track on lawn, in a shallow trench with ballast, or a raised roadbed. I think they are a good place to start for the basics. I have found with re-reading each, there are subtle details and technical information which are superb.
They do not offer any info on digital operations.
FIWI, Explore is newer, and last time i looked, less costly than the earlier Track Plaining edition. OTOH, i find both worthwhile, the Track Planning version has some great prototype information and photos omitted from Explore. I believe both were printed in English and German editions.
I recommend these as , i believe these are as basic and introduction friendly as i have seen. Lots of photos and diagrams. I have many other garden railroad books. These are still my most read.
i would also recommend internet sites, such as Elmassian.com, sidestreetbannerworks (find and read Mark Horovitzs philosophy on garden trains and aesthetics) and others. Many of these have excellent, straightforward tips and methodology for building.
I would part saying, simply buy a starter set, some extra track and 2-3 switches and play with it, indoors or in the garden. You will learn a lot by simply "doing" a railroad. I am not a "master plan" type usually, as can be overwhelmed by possibilities.
By dipping in with a modest investment in a starter set, some extra track, you can immediately enjoy a railroad, learn as you set things up and wire switches, etc., and see how it performs, i.e. grades, outdoors, train lengths,etc.
Most here, me included, do not use the 4ft diameter curves, as they are tight, unrealistic, and will not favor longer engines and stock.
IMHo, it can have its place and be useful, notwithstanding its limitations.
I did use this small radius curve for several years before i had a permanent layout, and, unequivocally, i was delighted to have trains to run, even if toy like.
Otoh, it does work best with short, toy like cars, short trains, and the stainz type 0-4-0 locos, and doesn't take up much room. IMHO, it's a convenient way to start, even if you abandon it entirely in a year or so.
Or, like a patient, thoughtful and prudent adult, you can plan your right of way, and buy only the needed appropriate track...........LOL.
First, i admit i have a bias toward LGB.
Second, i am a luddite and run DC track power. Very limited digital.
Third, i tend to prioritize simplicity and ease of execution, labor and maintenance. ie I am a lazy lout.
Ive been running a garden layout, of some type, since 1995. I started with an LGB starter set and some extras track and cars. soon , grew to larger US style 4 axel equipment as well.
I recommend 2 books by LGB , "Track planning and Technical Guide", or, "Explore the World of LGB" .
These two are very similar, the second being an update and edited version of the First.
I also like "Garden Railroading: Getting Started in the Hobby". very useful and more focused on construction
Why do i like the old LGB books?
i make the assumption that it is likely you may use LGB/Marklin products as a beginner. They are still most widely available, new and used, and, imho, despite shortcoming in scale and fidelity, are highly reliable and top quality. This is the one product I recommend to anyone who has little or no model train background or modeling skills, because they are simply, truly, ready to run. They are also far from artful in many cases, compared to fine scale. Otoh, they will not frustrate the owner by temperamental operation or tracking. They are robust, and weatherproof.
The books i mention are designed to explain simple electronics (analog), layouts, building roadbeds, simple garden plantings, and are an easy to digest and comprehensive overview. IMHO, they are immensely fun to read and peruse.
They focus entirely on LGB products, and the track plans are ....a bit antiquated, as they are very much oriented to sectional track construction, electro mechanical automated train operation and somewhat crowded layout designs in many cases. OTOH, they are very well done and reliable should you find what you like. I find, that your layout will be dictated by your space and its unique factors, thus, many suggested layouts wont quite be right for you. It's still a source to learn about possibilities.
That being said, i have used these for years, and i find the methods still reliable, whether laying track on lawn, in a shallow trench with ballast, or a raised roadbed. I think they are a good place to start for the basics. I have found with re-reading each, there are subtle details and technical information which are superb.
They do not offer any info on digital operations.
FIWI, Explore is newer, and last time i looked, less costly than the earlier Track Plaining edition. OTOH, i find both worthwhile, the Track Planning version has some great prototype information and photos omitted from Explore. I believe both were printed in English and German editions.
I recommend these as , i believe these are as basic and introduction friendly as i have seen. Lots of photos and diagrams. I have many other garden railroad books. These are still my most read.
i would also recommend internet sites, such as Elmassian.com, sidestreetbannerworks (find and read Mark Horovitzs philosophy on garden trains and aesthetics) and others. Many of these have excellent, straightforward tips and methodology for building.
I would part saying, simply buy a starter set, some extra track and 2-3 switches and play with it, indoors or in the garden. You will learn a lot by simply "doing" a railroad. I am not a "master plan" type usually, as can be overwhelmed by possibilities.
By dipping in with a modest investment in a starter set, some extra track, you can immediately enjoy a railroad, learn as you set things up and wire switches, etc., and see how it performs, i.e. grades, outdoors, train lengths,etc.
Most here, me included, do not use the 4ft diameter curves, as they are tight, unrealistic, and will not favor longer engines and stock.
IMHo, it can have its place and be useful, notwithstanding its limitations.
I did use this small radius curve for several years before i had a permanent layout, and, unequivocally, i was delighted to have trains to run, even if toy like.
Otoh, it does work best with short, toy like cars, short trains, and the stainz type 0-4-0 locos, and doesn't take up much room. IMHO, it's a convenient way to start, even if you abandon it entirely in a year or so.
Or, like a patient, thoughtful and prudent adult, you can plan your right of way, and buy only the needed appropriate track...........LOL.
Last edited:
Gerard
Registered
Hello to all of you,
Thanks for your responses and especially thanks to Steve's contribution.
You made me aware of a lot of interesting books.
In fact i did already order a few second hand books on Amazon to get started with learning new track ideas.
I am playing with my garden rail now for about 5 years and so far i build about 150m of simple straight forward LGB track with three passing double tracks.
My in house shadow station is in a garden room next to my working room so even in winter i can play with it.
What i like most of it is the technical side of the trains, track and viaducts, not so much the scenery like scaled people, houses and stations.
Most of my track is at ground level simply following the edge between the grass field and the flower boarders with one exception being my last project:
That was a 20m long 3% inclining single track viaduct ending in a turning loop at about 0,5m height.
I build it from 3m long steel u-shape beams each based on 2 vertical grey 80mm PVC pipes using blind-nailing technique.
I am thinking now of an expansion to another back corner of my garden, trying to build there a viaduct of 2m high which I can walk under.
To reach that height in a limited area i probably have to use two about 3m diameter circular track structures , one that winds up about 5 to 6 times and then crosses a walking path and a similar second structure for the circling way down.
Any examples or structural ideas on how to accomplish such a kind of track layout are most welcome!
Greatings,
Gerard
Thanks for your responses and especially thanks to Steve's contribution.
You made me aware of a lot of interesting books.
In fact i did already order a few second hand books on Amazon to get started with learning new track ideas.
I am playing with my garden rail now for about 5 years and so far i build about 150m of simple straight forward LGB track with three passing double tracks.
My in house shadow station is in a garden room next to my working room so even in winter i can play with it.
What i like most of it is the technical side of the trains, track and viaducts, not so much the scenery like scaled people, houses and stations.
Most of my track is at ground level simply following the edge between the grass field and the flower boarders with one exception being my last project:
That was a 20m long 3% inclining single track viaduct ending in a turning loop at about 0,5m height.
I build it from 3m long steel u-shape beams each based on 2 vertical grey 80mm PVC pipes using blind-nailing technique.
I am thinking now of an expansion to another back corner of my garden, trying to build there a viaduct of 2m high which I can walk under.
To reach that height in a limited area i probably have to use two about 3m diameter circular track structures , one that winds up about 5 to 6 times and then crosses a walking path and a similar second structure for the circling way down.
Any examples or structural ideas on how to accomplish such a kind of track layout are most welcome!
Greatings,
Gerard
Greg Elmassian
Guest
In my opinion, I have not found a book that really gives all options without bias.
I developed over the years, 10 pages for beginners, and I definitely do not recommend just buying something first. Can't tell you the number of people who bought a huge modern diesel but only have room for tight curves and steep grades.
I think you are much better in the long run taking more time, resisting the "buy" impulse, and really reflect on what your goals are first.
My Beginners FAQs are not perfect, but they have helped a lot of people on making the better decisions early on.
Now, Gerard, I know you are not a beginner, but I do address various power systems, construction techniques, long term maintenance, and other goals from the express viewpoint of having the most fun and being on a path to achieve your vision.
Try starting here, there are 10 pages following... skip the stuff you already know.
elmassian.com
I hope this helps!
Comments ALWAYS welcome and help me improve the site.
Greg
I developed over the years, 10 pages for beginners, and I definitely do not recommend just buying something first. Can't tell you the number of people who bought a huge modern diesel but only have room for tight curves and steep grades.
I think you are much better in the long run taking more time, resisting the "buy" impulse, and really reflect on what your goals are first.
- Too many people start with R1 curves when they don't need to.
- Too many people start out in the wrong scale
- Too many people start out in (take your pick) battery / track power / dcc when there was a more appropriate solution.
My Beginners FAQs are not perfect, but they have helped a lot of people on making the better decisions early on.
Now, Gerard, I know you are not a beginner, but I do address various power systems, construction techniques, long term maintenance, and other goals from the express viewpoint of having the most fun and being on a path to achieve your vision.
Try starting here, there are 10 pages following... skip the stuff you already know.
Beginner's FAQs
Greg Elmassian web site on large scale trains and garden railroads, cigars, and computers
I hope this helps!
Comments ALWAYS welcome and help me improve the site.
Greg
Have a search for these, but from what you asked the two on the left would be my first choice but all are worth having.
I would certainly not recommend the one below.
JimmyB
Now retired - trains and fishing
Greg, though I don't disagree with the theory, I think until you have tried a particular aspect, you cannot fully dismiss it, I started with track DC, as I have with all other gauges, but time proved this to be not to my liking in the garden and moved to battery. I would never have chosen battery initially, until I had my own experiences with track DC, mainly cleaning, but sectoring. DCC could have been an alternative, however I was put off by all the "CV" comments.
Each to their own, and every day is a learning day
Oh somewhere along the line I missed your rising height query in a later post. There have been some pictures in here from a guy who in fact built what the Americans call a Helix (I call them a Spiral) in his garden using somewhat similar principles to the smaller scales. Someone may be able to link that post.
Greg Elmassian
Guest
We call the circular track structure a helix:
the easiest way is lateral supports under the track, which allows overhang to the outside and inside of the curve with no clearance problems: (I know this is really small radius, but notice the supports)
normally you want a larger radius, and not so steep: (more conventional construction)
the easiest way is lateral supports under the track, which allows overhang to the outside and inside of the curve with no clearance problems: (I know this is really small radius, but notice the supports)
normally you want a larger radius, and not so steep: (more conventional construction)
stevedenver
Registered
Fwiw, i have a 2-3% grade, 20” wide radius helix with some straight sections on my n scale layout.
be advised, helixs are deceiving in the amount of drag they create, even if gentle, and will affect train length.
otoh, they are a great way to gain height using less space.
be advised, helixs are deceiving in the amount of drag they create, even if gentle, and will affect train length.
otoh, they are a great way to gain height using less space.
dutchelm
Registered
I would not recomend the top left one to anyone. Someone I know bought it & serviced his locos following the instructions. Three of them finished up on my workbench for rectification work, i.e. make them go again.
2 sections are missing.
If it aint broke, don't mend it & don't start unless you have a test meter to check it.
Greg Elmassian
Guest
Reading my post, the one on the tree was to show the support system...
The second was to show a more robust support system
As was asked:
"Any examples or structural ideas on how to accomplish such a kind of track layout are most welcome!"
The second was to show a more robust support system
As was asked:
"Any examples or structural ideas on how to accomplish such a kind of track layout are most welcome!"
Zerogee
Clencher's Bogleman
I thought very much the same when I read that book, Mike (and the various articles in GR by the same chap, which I think are all collected in the book) - it seemed to be a lot of work being suggested on LGB locos which, as we all know, are pretty much bullet-proof, mostly just for the sake of doing it.... unless an LGB loco has been badly mistreated and/or is already exhibiting problems, then aside from a few tiny bits of lubrication here and there as per the manuals, they are best left alone!
On the original subject of books, there are a couple of other old LGB publications that are worth searching for (took me a while to find my copies at non-ludicrous prices): two hardback compilations of stuff from old LGB Depesche issues, all in German but very well illustrated: "AUSSENANLAGEN" (Outdoor Layouts) and "INNENANLAGEN" (Indoor Layouts).
Jon.
Whilst I would agree don't fix it if it ain't broke, there was a lot of good stuff in the book for if trouble is encountered. How many times do we read in here advice about some sort of servicing being required? One mans meat is anothers poison.
Fred2179G
Registered
I like this one, which Alan Miller wrote years ago. We all contributed photos at his request. It is out of print but can be read in Google Books
Getting Started in Garden Railroading
Getting Started in Garden Railroading
There is a download book from LGB that contains a lot of information about LGB of old and addresses the EPL system and connections of LGB equipment. This download has the info that was in the hard cover version except for the MTS system chapter. Do a search on the web for: LGB 559 pdf
Gavin Sowry
Garden Railroader and Raconteur
That is a statement with which I totally agree. My pet peeve, are the '5 minute wonders' that think they have solved all the issues, and rush into print. In my opinion, it takes probably 10 years to get a railway into shape suitable for bragging about. I know, I certainly cringe when looking back at some of the work I posted, in haste, on some of the on line forums (not this one).
Anglian
Registered
I certainly cringe when looking back at some of the work I posted, in haste, on some of the on line forums (not this one)
As a relative newbie, (4th year only), I do not have anywhere near the experience possessed by the regular contributors to these forums. When I started with a second hand Stainz, a couple of LGB four wheel coaches and an R1 circle, I looked on the internet, bought some books and made a start. Although I enjoyed looking at the books, it wasn't until I found this site that I had something I could relate to as all aspects were covered. Even though most of the layouts on display were obviously years ahead of what I was doing, the seeds of what could be achievable were there. Threads covered each nuance of the subject, especially the ones outlining the development of a layout over the years. One thing however stood out and was something that no book could do - you could ask if help was needed. It took me a long time before I actually made myself known because of my lack of knowledge but joining was the best thing that I could have done. I have been patiently guided and inspired by what I have read, seen and been told. No library of books could have done that. I am still at the stage Chris was alluding to at the start of this post but I will get there.
I will continue to take out magazine subscriptions and buying books that I like the sound of but being part of a garden railway family takes some beating.
Trevor
As a relative newbie, (4th year only), I do not have anywhere near the experience possessed by the regular contributors to these forums. When I started with a second hand Stainz, a couple of LGB four wheel coaches and an R1 circle, I looked on the internet, bought some books and made a start. Although I enjoyed looking at the books, it wasn't until I found this site that I had something I could relate to as all aspects were covered. Even though most of the layouts on display were obviously years ahead of what I was doing, the seeds of what could be achievable were there. Threads covered each nuance of the subject, especially the ones outlining the development of a layout over the years. One thing however stood out and was something that no book could do - you could ask if help was needed. It took me a long time before I actually made myself known because of my lack of knowledge but joining was the best thing that I could have done. I have been patiently guided and inspired by what I have read, seen and been told. No library of books could have done that. I am still at the stage Chris was alluding to at the start of this post but I will get there.
I will continue to take out magazine subscriptions and buying books that I like the sound of but being part of a garden railway family takes some beating.
Trevor