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More Layouts for Small Garden Railways


All of these layouts are based on the first layout on this page.  They will fit a small garden nicely, and all afford you more creativity in your selection of plants and general landscaping.  As with the first set, they are based on a 4' diameter curve.  You can easily "up" that to 5', if you have just a little more room.

Layout size: 5' by 12'

The Semi-Dogbone is a simple but effective track plan for the garden.

( 7) AC #11000 12in straight 2.50 17.50

(20) AC #11100 4ft curve 2.50 50.00

Total of 27 pieces costing $ 67.50 of AristoCraft G-gauge track

As you can see, the Semi Dogbone accommodates trees and shrubs nicely.  It makes a very appealing garden within a layout that is itself visually interesting.

Layout size: 7' by 12'  

A pair of switches and some curves are all it takes to make the Semi Dogbone more interesting.  In our example, we've added a station and water tower.

(26) AC #11100 4ft curve 2.50 65.00

( 1) AC #11215 lefthand remote turnout 35.95 35.95

( 1) AC #11205 righthand remote turnout 35.95 35.95

( 5) AC #11000 12in straight 2.50 12.50

Total of 33 pieces costing $149.40 of AristoCraft G-gauge track

Layout size: 7' by 12'

Without the switches, we've replaces the straightaway with curves.  It gives your train a nice, continuous path through a well-planned garden.

(28) AC #11100 4ft curve 2.50 70.00

Total of 28 pieces costing $ 70.00 of AristoCraft G-gauge track

Layout size: 12' by 12'

This L has a "dip" in the middle.  It is fine for those with a flair for landscaping.  As you can see, it was formed by turning the Semi Dogbone on its side and adding a horizontal loop.

(15) AC #11000 12in straight 2.50 37.50

(27) AC #11100 4ft curve 2.50 67.50

( 1) AC #11205 righthand remote turnout 35.95 35.95

( 1) AC #11215 lefthand remote turnout 35.95 35.95

( 1) AC #11001 6in straight 2.10 2.10

Total of 45 pieces costing $179.00 of AristoCraft G-gauge track

Layout size: 12' by 12'

Even if we remove the switches and extra arc, the layout offers the gardener a pleasant blend of landscaping and good train action.

(17) AC #11000 12in straight 2.50 42.50

(24) AC #11100 4ft curve 2.50 60.00

( 1) AC #11001 6in straight 2.10 2.10

Total of 42 pieces costing $104.60 of AristoCraft G-gauge track

Layout size: 12' by 12'

Adding a loop means more action.  You can run two trains unattended.  In this example, we added a small pond.

(13) AC #11000 12in straight 2.50 32.50

(30) AC #11100 4ft curve 2.50 75.00

( 2) AC #11205 righthand remote turnout 35.95 71.90

( 2) AC #11215 lefthand remote turnout 35.95 71.90

( 2) AC #11001 6in straight 2.10 4.20

Total of 49 pieces costing $255.50 of AristoCraft G-gauge track

One again, moving up to 5' curves is easy.  The Semi-Dogbone layouts would all be extended only 1' horizontally.  The first two basic Dogbones would also be extended 1' vertically.  The second pair of "revised' Dogbone layouts would be extended 1' 6 inches to 2' vertically.  2' would be better, since it affords more room for landscaping and plants.

Click here for more Small Garden Railway Layouts

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