Hello there, I'm currently looking to build an elevated G scale railroad in my backyard. Something that I wanted to do since I was 7 years old. However, I don't know what to do first as far as building the elevated platforms where the track will be mounted. I have plenty of room in my backyard and I have a pretty good idea about the track plan and what I can do is actually make a brief video of what my future right of way will look like. I also need recommendations for track brands and materials etc. I never built anything like this before and I mostly model HO and N scale trains and I'm a member of 2 model railroad clubs in Northern New Jersey. The New York Society of Model Engineers NYSME and the Garden State Model Railway Club (GSN). Any advice and tips and pointers would be greatly appreciated for me to get started with this project. Thanks so much!
Hi Anthony, I assume you are located near South Jersey? I have done a terraced back yard railroad and a raised platform railroad in the front yard. A lot of what you build depends on your age (I'm 72) and how good your knees are? LOL. The video you watched on Azek decking for a raised railroad is a good example, however Robby of RLD hobbies in Illinois has built a wonderful multi track raised railroad with just treated lumber. The way to start is to lay track on the ground where you want you layout and outline it with spray paint of chalk to get the general shape. Then start setting posts and running stringers. Remember that, just like building a house, you do not want your stringers too long as they will sag. I do a max of four feet between setting posts. I would love to see some photos or a little video of your work.
Hi again, thanks so much for your reply! I'm actually in North Jersey but I'm a fan of south Jersey railroads. I'm 33 years old and I will be doing 99% of the work of building this railroad. I just uploaded a video of my yard where the future line will be. Do you have an email address so I can send you the video? Thanks again!
We would love to, when we can travel again. Right now we are caregivers for Marie's Mom (Dorothy). She is 92 with about stage 6 dementia. We think another year as she also has cancer too. Actually we have a lot on our bucket list and I am not sure how close one of them is to you? Renfro Valley, Kentucky.
