I know that there was some discussion a while ago on the G Scale Mad Forum about garden visits. I would like to say that over the past few years I have hosted several open days for the Thames Valley Group and have also encouraged private visits. It seems to me that many people do not understand what a garden railway actually looks like. They see them at large scale shows and exhibitions; they see them in large public places like Bekonscot and Hidden Valley etc. What they do not see is how many of us manage to juggle the operational needs of a railway and still try to retain some form of garden for children and pets. I think it is important to promote one’s hobby to create new interest and not hide it away. I can now get off my soapbox and relay my experience of open days.

When I first started visiting other garden railways I was struck by how big they were or how much rolling stock they had. At this time I had little more to offer than a Stainz and a LCE going round a loop. But it gave me the urge to have a go, even in my small, sloped garden. I did fall into the trap of making it too complicated with isolating sections here there and everywhere and miles of electric cable. You then find after several running sessions there are some sections that you do not use or cause derailments.  However after many a frustrating hour, the temptation to rip everything up and bin the lot, it seemed to work. The trains actually seemed to run round without derailing or leaving rolling stock behind at various points of the circuit.

I was ready to have a go hosting an open day. It seemed only fair to return the hospitality others had given me. Confidence slowly ebbed away as the day got nearer. What would others think of my railway, when I had seen so many better than mine? On top of this there were the worries of the weather, parking etc. and of course would the railway perform perfectly with other enthusiasts’ rolling stock.

On the day weather was perfect, railway seemed to work and comments were positive. Although someone did suggest with inclines like mine I should have built a rack railway! (Only a joke I think). What I got from the day were plenty of ideas for improvement.

Since that first day I have hosted several more and have always produced a little surprise for regular visitors, including a complete rebuild on one occasion. This year I was more modest a homemade viaduct and a small model of Stonehenge.

 I do like to keep adding or changing my railway and I have found that using the LGB MTS system has made life a lot simpler. The lesson I have learnt is that if you want a garden railway make sure you choose a house that comes with a relatively flat garden. Working on a sloped garden is a nightmare unless you have earth moving equipment better than my trusty old spade.

The real bonus of open days and garden visits is the friends you make along the way and the valuable advice freely given. You can show pictures and videos but there is nothing to beat the live thing. Smelling that steam, watching other peoples stock running round your track and of course running yours on theirs. A friendly chat and a cup of tea make it all worthwhile. Ours is not an armchair hobby, except in the midst of winter. Even then with the first snowfall we are out with our engines and cameras. Oh dear my wife is bringing the soapbox.

ROGER PALMER 2005.