<p><strong><em>Practical Garden Railways</em> by Peter Jones (The Crowood Press), 2006, £19.95</strong></p><p>The late Peter Jones is probably the most well known garden railway modeller in the UK. His idiosyncratic industrial Compton Down Railway has been featured in books, articles, TV programmes and films for many years. His own written contributions to magazines have inspired many a newcomer to the hobby, myself included. This volume does what it says on the cover - it provides clearly written practical hands-on guidance on planning, constructing and operating a garden railway.</p><p>The introduction describes a brief history of garden railway modelling and provides background information on what is attractive about owning and running a garden railway. The chapter on planning contains information about possible locations and layouts, and other considerations such as security and planning permission. Chapter 3 - 'Foundations' covers an aspect of garden railway modelling which generates considerable debate and discussion. Peter discusses the virtues of ground-level lines and those mounted above ground level. He outlines approaches to 'terraforming' and landscaping and draws on his own extensive experience of construction with a range of materials. The next chapter on trackwork gives an overview of the various types of track and techniques for tracklaying and ballasting (another area of great debate). For me, Chapter 5 is of particular interest as a distinctive feature of Peter's Compton Down Railway is his use of structures and detailing. In this chapter is a wealth of useful information on construction techniques for tunnels, bridges, turntables and traversers, signals, lineside details (including a Victorian gents' urinal made from a plastic fruit tray) and figures. Chapter 6 looks in detail at locos, from off the shelf electric models and steamers through to kit-made and scratch-built - including radio-controlled battery-operated models. He even bestows the virtues of modelling in card over brass and plastic - Peter suggests dropping one of each from the top of a multi-storey car park to see which one comes off best! In Chapter 7, Peter draws on his experience of constructing rolling stock to provide a highly practical outline of a range of techniques for constructing, bashing and detailing. Similarly, the next chapter on 'Buildings' covers a wide range of materials and construction methods and shows off Peter's talents to their best advantage. An area of modelling which I find particularly challenging is painting. Chapter 9 provides plenty of highly useful information on how to finish off a model, including painting backscenes and figures to an impressive level of realism. The next chapter on tools would be particularly useful for someone new to the hobby as it lists a range of tools, implements and larger equipment (including the computer) needed for achieving a quality finish. Gardening is not neglected in this comprehensive volume. Peter's own garden railway was not noted for its flora but despite this, Chapter 11 provides useful information for a novice gardener on filling some of those empty spaces with foliage. Chapter 12 looks at 'Operation'. This includes preparing the line for a running session, arranging for a group visit, creating a timetable and dealing with adverse weather conditions. Chapter 13 is simply entitled 'Options' and discusses issues such as gauge and scale, trains and trams. In Chapter 14, Peter examines large scale passenger-carrying garden railways; comparing elevated with ground-level trackwork and battery vs steam power. The penultimate chapter takes us through the garden railway year, from January through to December. Interestingly, Peter explains that he celebrates the coming of the new year by running a train, regardless of the weather! As a fair-weather modeller I must admit that since reading this chapter I have come to realise that I could be gaining a lot more from my railway by running it throughout the year. The final chapter comprises a set of annotated photos showing a range of garden railway contexts. Five appendices include information about suppliers, groups and associations, sources of further information, photography and lollipops (which is a plea for originality and whimsy in your own modelling).</p><p>This is a lavishly illustrated and well produced book to which a garden railway modeller will refer for many years to come. The practical information is presented in Peter's highly engaging and readable style. He has shared with us many of his secrets and also his love of the hobby. It is a fitting testament to his contribution to the world of garden railway modelling. He will be sorely missed.</p><p> </p>
Soon as I saw this book, I got it out from the library, and yes, read it from cover to cover. I was fortunate to exchange a few Gnatterbox postings with Peter before he passed away.
