Construction of a G Scale Garden Railroad

This is a video that documents a 33 month constuction period, by one person, of an outdoor railroad. The building began in Feb. 2018. The design is loosely patterned after the Idaho Northern Branch of the Union Pacific RR in central Idaho. (Later, I named my YouTube channel, "The Idaho Northern Garden Railroad".) I started with no G scale supplies. I had no experience other than I was an HO indoor modeler in the last century.

The first part was the design and construction of a removable bridge that would span the side yard lawn. If I could not design a bridge that I could easily take up and put down with the train not derailing, it would be the end of the project before it began....then I discovered SplitJaw rail clamps that saved the day. I purchased small quantities of used Aristocraft track, as needed from a local source, along with roadbed supplies mostly from Home Depot. I also made multiple small purchases of authentic narrow gauge railroad ties from a local nursery. Doing so spread out the cost over 2.5 years as this "passion" is not easy on the pocketbook. The last quarter of the video are scenes of three consists in the fall of 2020 after completion of phase one, that made my empire operational.

The latest video, that shows the layout as it is today in May, 2024 is titled, SCENES FROM THE G SCALE INGRR. Quite a lot has been added and changed from this original video. Enjoy both vids.

[kenmunozatmmrrailroad]

I’ve watched rail videos incessantly for years and this is without a doubt the best “how I got into model railroading” story ever… bar none. I salute your wife sir for letting you satisfy the desire once infected; for as we know- will never let us go! I’ve subscribed, looking forward to the continuing saga.

[crazy_ed]

thanks for sharing that footage. as a creative it feels good to know i'm not the only one stuff like that happens to

[rivergladesgardenrailroad]

This is the most brilliant garden railway video for a long time.

[jamespell]

The yard looks ok. There is good news. This is big news. That loco and passenger setup is really nice.

[simondalzell]

Fantastic job. Really enjoyed the video. Great camera angles and just a superb set up . Thanks and best wishes from North West England.

[nvskier]

I love it! I thought it was going to be boring but you did a terrific job on the video in addition to building of beautiful railroad system. As one of the people who’ve actually seen this or part of it I can attest that it’s a work of art and a labor of love.

[nicholasjohnson]

Great layout. I will admit I was admiring your Mikado through a lot of it, the sound is amazing on that engine!

[timbonjovi]

Very cool!! I guess the wife didn't set a dollar limit, LOL

[streetstylez]

Super cool. The sound on that engine is really good. Better than most ive heard on here

[josephreed]

Flat Car loads are cool. In G Scale, I would carry liquids in the tank cars also. Magnetically augmented attachment lift off tank with contents worth drinking.

[lukenutterz]

Beautiful work mate. Giving me inspiration to build another garden layout here in Australia. Pulled mine apart 5 years ago when I moved and sold a lot of my stuff. I think its time to get back to it.

Cheers mate

[taurigal]

That is wonderful! Love model trains, and yours is an amazing project. Well done! Hope to see updates as things progress. (Fascinations/hobbies always progress!)

[MGdriver]

Great layout and absolutely upgrading of your garden!
I know a lot of these discussions about track finding and plant removing....
Tank you for sharing this video - the continent is different but the situation is just similar!😉

[patrickmurphy]

Wonderful story! Wonderful video! Wonderful wife!!

[jamesparker]

I love model trains and I enjoyed your video. Great layout y'all have done. And it's merry Christmas not x-mas just saying. Taking out the most important part.

[ThomasJunction]

I just finished watching your video, amazing. I just posted my G scale ceiling layout to YouTube and I thought it was pretty cool, but yours puts it to shame. ThomasJunction

[rowdysgirlalways]

I love your story! And your wife has no room for complaint, she triggered this adventure! I wish I was your neighbor, though. I'd be helping you build the components. Your bridge is wonderful, but you need more buildings and some cars and trucks, a village, a fire station, police car, people, a church or temple, fire trucks... I hope you have a blast expanding the layout.

[wallywally]

The biggest commandment should have been ‘thou shall not get married’😂😂😂

[michaeldeckert]

Beautifully done! I'm in my late '60s now. My father was a executive officer with the Southern Pacific. Hard for me to love anything Union Pacific. But you have a great layout!!! I'll make an exception here.

[robertlucido]

In the scene where the Eztec engine was pulling a tender and a combine car, it's like some kind of version of the Hooterville Cannonball