Ride On Garden Railroad

(7.5 inch or "live steam" scale)

Main Content

introduction

In the past, ride on trains were cost prohibitive for most budgets.  However,  I have 4 innovations listed below that make ride on garden railroading both affordable and easy to construct.  My ride on garden railroad is much less expensive than traditional  “live steam” scale, or G scale.   Typical costs for track are $1 per foot;  for engines  $350; and for rolling stock cars $60 per car.  

So if you are inspired to build a garden railroad, why not make it a “ride on” backyard railroad for your children, grandchildren or yourself.  Only basic woodworking skills are required. Click on links above to see detailed instructions and PARTS LISTS.

The construction innovations are:

TRACK MATERIALS

Making rails from electrical pvc conduit instead of aluminum or steel. (optional: Filling track with play sand makes pvc track rigid enough to support
200 pound adults).

POWERTRAIN

Powering engines with 24 volt 250 to 500 watt scooter motors with chain and belt drive to the wheels. 

TRAIN WHEELS

Using low friction roller skate wheels with polypropylene flanges for rolling stock cars, and lawn mover replacement wheels for engine drive wheels


WOODEN FRAMES AND CARS

Using wood is used instead of steel frame for trucks, engine frames, and car bodies.  The roof detaches so a child can sit inside the car.

BONUS: ABLE TO MAKE SWITCH TRACKS USING PVC

CLICK ON LINK https://youtu.be/co5ktboxzqA and https://youtu.be/-fFisSLP3BRc to see a video demonstration of my railroad