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Model railroading has a new trend that involves using sturdy supplies and equipment that will withstand the outside elements. These outside layouts are called "garden railroads" as they are often worked into a garden setting with the garden becoming part of the scenery.

The basic structure and design of the railroad is very similar to what you would use indoors, but there are some differences worth noting.

First of all, they must be rigorous enough to endure the weather and withstand long term use. If you are lucky enough to have a favorable climate, your railroad could run for most of the year. In harsher climates, you may only be able to run it for a few months, storing it the rest of the time.

Along those lines, you also need to be sure that the equipment and railroad is built in a way that is easy to maintain. Integrating it into your garden can be a lot of work, but having to take it back out to repair it can be even more.

Europe introduced the garden railroad but they are popular worldwide now. That makes finding G-scale trains and extras a little easier than it used to be.

There are events and conventions dedicated to Garden Railways, such as the Garden Railway Convention held each year in Denver. A calendar of these events can be found on www.gardentrains.org or in the events section of www.trains.com.

Garden railroads are a great option for you to enjoy in your own back yard but they can also be somewhere a little more public for others to enjoy as well.

Just be prepared for the crowds of onlookers if you set it up somewhere that anyone can see!