Garden Railway Forum

Allu wrote: Fri Jul 24, 2026 12:18 pm Well, back to square one. After experimenting some time with the half finished switching layout on the narrow shelf I definitely can say it does not work satisfactory with a manual steam loco. So I dismantled the whole thing and have now decided to take another approach, I will setup a small oval on the balcony floor level with garden-like elements. Photos soon appearing here when I progress

For trees in scale size maybe consider bonsai. Can be done with most trees and would give another hobby for relaxation. Doesn't have to be in individual pots a small trough would work and it could even be shaped and painted to look like a cutting with trees on top.

Background done from willows. Decking made out of treated wood. Tracklaying did not take long

GAP wrote: Sat Jul 25, 2026 10:21 pm

Allu wrote: Fri Jul 24, 2026 12:18 pm Well, back to square one. After experimenting some time with the half finished switching layout on the narrow shelf I definitely can say it does not work satisfactory with a manual steam loco. So I dismantled the whole thing and have now decided to take another approach, I will setup a small oval on the balcony floor level with garden-like elements. Photos soon appearing here when I progress

For trees in scale size maybe consider bonsai. Can be done with most trees and would give another hobby for relaxation. Doesn't have to be in individual pots a small trough would work and it could even be shaped and painted to look like a cutting with trees on top.

That is a good idea! Especially, as to my knowledge, many fir bonsais need to get their winter "sleep" outside and therefore my semicold balcony could work well for them. The summer here in Finland ends soon so I probably just get some cheap summer flowers nowo for the last month we still get warm weather here and next spring I will do some more serious planting

You might want to try looking for "Chamaecyparis thyoides 'Top Point' " which is a naturally dwarf evergreen. Tesco sell them here in pots as table decorations at Christmas for about £7 each.
I've had some out in the garden for about 12 years and they are still less than 50cm tall, but they look exactly like the full size tree, although they are beginning to show their age and lose their lower branches.

I'd argue that looks better with the lower branches gone.

Speaking of which, those willow reed rolls look rather good.

Old Man Aaron wrote: Thu Aug 06, 2026 4:29 pm I'd argue that looks better with the lower branches gone.

Speaking of which, those willow reed rolls look rather good.

I also agree, definitely more life-like after aging some time and looking now very realistic.

Progress looks great Allu. Keep at it. Have you run any trains yet?

I like those pine tree. They look neat. I might have to see if I can find something similar round the nurseries.

DCooper wrote: Sat Aug 08, 2026 5:01 am Progress looks great Allu. Keep at it. Have you run any trains yet?

I like those pine tree. They look neat. I might have to see if I can find something similar round the nurseries.

I have tested it with my live steam GRS Hunslet and few wagons, works well as the track is of course 100% level. R1 curves are totally fine in my case with short wheelbase stock. I will investigate what kind of "bonsai like" fir trees are available in my local greenery shops

Finished building the platelayers hut by Brunel Models. Wonderful model. Very robust, the walls are like 1 cm thick. Used super epoxy for the assembly, paints and little weathering with Vallejo products. This is a model which will last outdoors (well, in mycase the balcony but still) surely forever!