Garden Railway Forum

Sadly the quality of timber available nowadays leaves a great deal to be desired even after being treated with so called preservative. I have given up with using soft wood on my railway as it just does not last. However, suitably treated hardwood ramin, iroko etc. does seem to last. I sliced up some iroko from an old door on my bandsaw to use as fencing and I have been very pleased with it's longevity, true there has been some colour fading but no other deterioration over about five years and some of this has been outside permanently, probably going to see me out!

He wants this for an indoor layout only which is why I suggested strip wood. I would not even bother with wood sleepers outside although I live in the UK so in other climates they may fair better with appropriate maintenance.