How to grow a Train in a Garden
Explore how the tracks are laid, structures built and installed, and how a vast expanse of green metamorphosises into a delightful canvas of miniatures.
By Neverenuf Garden Railway
The making of NeverEnuf Garden Railway
All that grows on an acre of greenNeverenuf Garden Railway
A detailed road map of the garden to guide the visitors.
Sowing tracks of brass
The first tracks of NeverEnuf Garden Railway (NEGR) were laid in the year 2010 in what hitherto was the creator's country-side retreat. Having always had a "train-room" in his city dwelling, this was supposedly a fling with the larger scale trains, or the G-scale trains as they are called. However, it was not long before the making of the NEGR evolved into an all consummating passion - to much more than just a source of personal gratification. The noble intention was to take the hobby to the common man, to showcase the joys of rail-modelling and to drive home the importance of a hobby in today's stress-filled lives.
The making of the stationNeverenuf Garden Railway
The making of a garden railway is a composite exercise of creating structures, laying tracks, creating landscapes and electrification.
The making of the StationNeverenuf Garden Railway
Populating a scene takes several years, which requires more structures, road networks, street lamps, signages, figures, signal gantry and ballast. Adding details to the miniature world is an endless exercise.
Arch Bridge
The eight feet span 'arched via duct', modelled from cement, is indeed an outstanding feature of the NEGR.
[Garden Railway]Neverenuf Garden Railway
This is how the world grew around the arched bridge. The pond is the site for the ever-popular RC boats.
[Garden Railway]Neverenuf Garden Railway
A caravan of hand-made carts passing through the viaduct
The HamletNeverenuf Garden Railway
The arch bridge provides a unique backdrop to the Hamlet, which has aged-buildings with stuccato effect created by the use of epoxy resin.
The making of the HarbourNeverenuf Garden Railway
Wharf highNeverenuf Garden Railway
With passage of time many fisheries grew on the shore.
[Garden Railway]Neverenuf Garden Railway
The siege of the wharf.
[Garden Railway]Neverenuf Garden Railway
The Mallard is truly out of scale.
Making of the hill with the mill
Track plans can, and most certainly will, undergo a change during making. Here is a loop which was born to extend one of the mainlines. Foundation is laid as per track geometry.
The Hill with the MillNeverenuf Garden Railway
Putting together the rocks to grow a mountain. The loop takes the train through a tunnel in a small mountain which has a watermill on an edge under a waterfall.
The making of the millNeverenuf Garden Railway
The watermill is a completely scratchbuilt structure with foam and sunboard.
Construction of the Hill with the MillNeverenuf Garden Railway
The progress.
The MallardsNeverenuf Garden Railway
[Garden Railway]Neverenuf Garden Railway
Haunted villageNeverenuf Garden Railway
Along the way came some timber houses, lending a haunted look to the "hill with the mill". To extend this feel that had quite inadvertently crept in, a grave yard has been added.
Animated cemetryNeverenuf Garden Railway
Moving coffins and tombstones combine with sound and light to create the effect.
Life cycle of timber houseNeverenuf Garden Railway
The time-line of a timber house.
The structure is made from sun-board and then layered with a two part resin. The texture of bricks and peeling cement is inscribed before the resin sets hard.
The candy station
A train full of candy required the foundation to be raised. More brick work and more rocks. All the effort is well rewarded when children's faces beam with delight on the arrival of the train.
Making of the candy stationNeverenuf Garden Railway
The Candy StationNeverenuf Garden Railway
A kid poses as he grabs the candy.
The construction zone
This section is reflective of today's India - growing network of roads lined by tall buildings.
Construction siteNeverenuf Garden Railway
Early days when the first couple of buildings reached the site.
Tall buildingNeverenuf Garden Railway
The structures have been made with 5mm sun-board sections. This scraper has its own parking lot.
Construction site 2Neverenuf Garden Railway
On site work involves planning and laying roads & footpaths and grouting of the structures. This is the stage to lay wire routes.
Construction site 4Neverenuf Garden Railway
Tower cranes, excavators, dumpers, concrete mixers and road-rollers - this place is teeming with activity. Notice that the tall scraper has its own glass cleaning lift - and it works!
[Garden Railway]Neverenuf Garden Railway
[Garden Railway]Neverenuf Garden Railway
It's all in the details.
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