Garden Railway Forum

Hi, looking at putting my small layout, literally an oval, couple of siding's and passing loop on my patio at waist height. Pillars in the ground or fixed to fence are not viable options. So what potential alternatives are there?

Initial thought is to raise the track with stacked hollow breeze blocks, placed on their sides, two on two as pillar's, with planks, or an alternative flat surface between them. With some sort of side walls attached to the planks to stop stock falling off.

Suggestions, recommendations, or links to YouTube clips greatly appreciated. Thanks

Breeze blocks sound like a good option. Relatively cheap if you get them from a builders merchant.
Are you wanting the structure to be temporary and removable rather than permanent?

Rik

How about a folding table? Available in a variety of sizes and materials, some suitable to be left outdoors for a while. Easier and cheaper than piles of blocks and less of an eyesore when not in use. Takes up little space for storage. Also available for alternative uses if required.

ge_rik wrote: ↑Mon May 11, 2026 7:23 am Breeze blocks sound like a good option. Relatively cheap if you get them from a builders merchant.
Are you wanting the structure to be temporary and removable rather than permanent?

Rik

I want it permanent but there's a good chance it could expand and change over time, hence not looking at drilling through or removing stones.

Peter Butler wrote: ↑Mon May 11, 2026 10:27 am How about a folding table? Available in a variety of sizes and materials, some suitable to be left outdoors for a while. Easier and cheaper than piles of blocks and less of an eyesore when not in use. Takes up little space for storage. Also available for alternative uses if required.

Thought about something similar to this, local builders shop does folding trestles, concern was ensuring can't be kicked shut, but thinking there maybe something I could use like sandbags, I could put on the cross legs.