Building a 5 inch Gauge Garden Railway in Rural France with PNP Track

Starting the Miniature Garden Railway Journey

In May, I embarked on an exciting new project—building my own garden railway. With a rough plan in place, I carefully measured the layout and began sourcing materials. For the track, I turned to PNP Railways. Their team was incredibly helpful in guiding me through the process and arranging delivery to my rural location in France. When the packages arrived safely, the real fun began!

Laying the 5 Inch Gauge Track

With the track in hand, I began preparing the ground. I leveled and dug where necessary to create a stable base. The clip-fit track system from PNP made assembly straightforward and efficient. To manage the numerous curves in my design, I also invested in a rail bender from PNP. This tool was a game-changer that made bending the track much easier.

Before long, I had 120 meters of track running smoothly around the garden. The results? An attractive railway with excellent running conditions!

First Trains on the Line

In August, the moment of truth arrived. My long-awaited rolling stock came in—a Class 67 loco from AME, along with two trucks. I was thrilled to see my trains gliding effortlessly along the new 5-inch gauge track. This setup has since become a source of enjoyment for me, my family, and friends. It brings people together to experience the joy of live steam and miniature railway operations.

Enhancing the Experience

To make the experience even more enjoyable, I decided to add a few features to my railway system. For instance, I included stations and decorative elements throughout the layout. A well-placed station not only allows for important loading and unloading but also acts as a beautiful focal point for the railway.

I also experimented with landscaping. Adding plants and other natural elements alongside the track made the whole setup visually appealing. It turned my garden railway into a lush, vibrant scene that attracts not only train enthusiasts but also nature lovers.

The Joy of Sharing

One of the greatest joys of my garden railway experience is sharing it with others. Friends often visit to enjoy a ride and explore the miniature landscape. It is always a pleasure to watch their faces light up when they see the trains in action.

Family gatherings have become extra special, with everyone coming together to admire and ride the railway. This project has undoubtedly strengthened our bonds.

Looking Ahead to Future Expansions

The railway is off to a fantastic start. I’m already brainstorming ideas for future expansions. This is just the beginning of what I hope will be an even larger and more exciting setup in the years to come.

More track is on my wishlist, along with additional rolling stock. I dream of integrating themed sections to tell stories through this unique landscape. Whether it’s a scenic mountain pass or a bustling town, the possibilities are endless!

I want to extend a huge thank you to PNP Railways and AME for their support and amazing products—I couldn’t have done it without them!

If you have a unique railway project or experiences with PNP track, we’d love to hear from you! Share your story with us, and you might be featured in a future blog post.