Garden Railway Forum

I started to modify the layout and I did the new departure from the actual layout to the extension.

I used water resistant pine deck board assembled with galvanized pate:



I had to open the acutal delimitation of the layout :





Here is a quick video to validate the new added part :

The extension is now fully operational for test :


I need to adjust the support of the loop. And after there will be a lot of landscaping work to do.

That's really great. Not so Sam Small now ........

Rik

That really is lovely Sam. I can't believe the difference! Well done.

Yes that's much better. I have to find plants that can grow under the thuya now...

BTW, make sure you treat the cut ends of your boards with wood preservative. I didn't with my first raise timber section and paid the price a few years later.
Rik

Sam95 wrote: Tue May 13, 2025 8:05 pm I have to find plants that can grow under the thuya now...

I'm no horticultural expert, but Thuya's are conifers I believe. Finding plants to grow underneath them is going to be a major challenge please let us know how you get on.

This came from an AI bot when asked the question "underplantings of Thuya"
Hope it is of some help

Underplanting Thuja (Arborvitae) can enhance the garden's aesthetics and provide year-round interest. Consider ornamental grasses, flowering shrubs, or spring bulbs for varied texture and color. When choosing underplantings, consider the specific needs of Thuja, which can benefit from companion plants that repel pests or provide visual contrast.
Elaboration:
1. Thuja's Needs:

Thuja (Arborvitae) thrives in well-drained soil and full to partial shade, so choose underplantings that can tolerate similar conditions.

It's best to avoid dense planting that could compete with the Thuja for resources.
Consider the long-term growth of both the Thuja and underplantings to ensure they don't become overcrowded.

2. Companion Plant Ideas:

Ornamental Grasses: These add texture and movement, like Hakone Grass or Blue Fescue.

Flowering Shrubs: Hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and azaleas offer color and contrast.
Spring Bulbs: Crocus and grape hyacinths provide early-season color.
Shade-Tolerant Ground Covers: Ajuga, Vinca Minor (Periwinkle), and Lamium (Dead Nettle) can thrive in the shade under Thuja.
Perennials: Consider hardy perennials like Russian sage or anise-hyssop for late-season color.

3. Pest Control:

Some companion plants, like native lavender or bee balm, can deter pests and improve overall garden health.

4. Considerations:

Light: Thuja is relatively shade-tolerant, but some underplantings may need more light.

Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained and fertile.
Space: Allow sufficient space for both the Thuja and underplantings to grow.
Maintenance: Consider the maintenance requirements of the underplantings, such as pruning or deadheading.

Thuja (Arborvitae) - Gardenia.net
Companion Plants * Ornamental Grasses: Grasses like Hakone Grass or Blue Fescue can add texture and movement to the base of Arbor...
Gardenia.net

Thuja (Arborvitae) - Plant Combination Ideas - Gardenia.net
Pair Thuja with ornamental grasses, flowering shrubs like hydrangeas, rhododendrons, or underplant with spring bulbs for varied te...
Gardenia.net
How to Get Grass (And Other Plants) to Grow Under Your Evergreens
10 Jan 2019 — Tips for Growing Grass Beneath Evergreen Trees * Clearing the Ground. Begin by clearing the designated area of pine ne...
Arborist Now

Show all

AI responses may include mistakes.

I thought about low growing Juinpers and found these recomendations.

Several types of juniper ground covers can thrive beneath thuja trees in Europe.
Specifically,
Juniperus horizontalis 'Andorra Compact' and Juniperus squamata 'Holger' are good options, known for their low-maintenance, adaptability to various soil conditions, and ability to thrive in partial shade, according to Gardenia.net and Gardens4You.ie. Juniperus x Media 'Gold Coast' is another popular choice, noted for its yellowish-green foliage, according to Garden Plants Online.
Here's a more detailed look at these options:

Juniperus horizontalis 'Andorra Compact': This creeping juniper is compact, dense, and fine-textured, making it suitable for rockeries and small spaces.
Juniperus squamata 'Holger': Known for its winter hardiness and ability to thrive in all soil types, it provides year-round greenery and can tolerate partial shade.
Juniperus x Media 'Gold Coast': This ground cover conifer offers a unique yellowish-green foliage color.

Today we had good weather in Paris so I started landscaping on the extension around the first S.

Some old bricks to maintain the soil around the rails, and 3 plants are now installer.

I worked on the futur engine shed area :

First step was to print in PETG a turn table found on thingiverse :
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4540300



As the bridge is very tight for 45mm I glued directly the rails on it and I also added bearings under the bridge





I designed some supports for the outside rails and glued them on the outside of the bridge







Finally I installed the whole on the railway





The 2 lines will go to the engine shed (need to make the building now) and the bellow line will go to the futur water tank

And finally a quick video to show the first test run :

That all looks great, Sam. Well done.

Hello all,

WIth the good weather also back in France I decided to extend a little bit the layout to add a Inglenook shunting puzzle possibility to my railway. Indeed I have an area behind the thuyas where nothing can grow !

I made a wood strucutre covered with polycarbonate sheet coming from a removed carport

I also added a border made with aerated concrete.

Now I have to decorate all that area with an industrie or some warehouses

That is looking very good. You will have a lot of fun operating the trains.

I like the way you've made good use of a "forgotten" part of the garden.

Rik

Thanks

Now I have to figure how to cover the polycarbonate because it doesn't look very well.

Maybe some artificial grass, and some shingle.

For the shingle what color red, green, black ?

For the shingle:

I would go with something that is similar to either where you imagine your railway is based in reality, or the colour of your local stone.

Phil.P

I am working on a crossing keeper hut largely inspired by the one on the Bayfields Light Railway.

Designed around 1/20 scale on tinkercad, and printed in PETG.











I am wondering what I can put inside the hut ? Maybe a table, some chairs a stove.... Has someone got pictures of the inside of this type of hut ?

I found this 360 degree shot online

https://www.alamy.com/360-degree-panora ... 41524.html

Rik

Sam95 wrote: Thu Jun 18, 2026 8:42 am I am working on a crossing keeper hut largely inspired by the one on the Bayfields Light Railway. ...

I am wondering what I can put inside the hut ? Maybe a table, some chairs a stove.... Has someone got pictures of the inside of this type of hut ?

It is standard gauge but I thought of the signal cabin at Staverton on the South Devon railway. It is a similar size. My photographs are cached out of reach at the moment but there's a video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt0AV-l0xUk which starts off inside.

Inside, I would suggest whatever signal levers you need for the crossing, any block instruments, telephone and remote operating for the crossing gates. (That last may be too much for a narrow gauge line)! Also, yes, a desk/table for the train book/register, chair (maybe an easy chair?), a stove - and fuel coal/wood basket, kettle, water jug or tap and sink. Hook near the door for a coat, somewhere to put hand flags and lamps. Maybe a few books for the signalman to read in between trains?