Scale Model Railroad Trains

Planning Your Outdoor Garden Railroad - Part 15 - Rocks

Outdoor garden railroads usually have rocks. Rocks for mountains, rocks for the edges of water features, rocks under bridge supports, rocks for mine entrances, decorative rocks, and many more.

In addition to natural rocks you can use cast cement to make your own rocks. Portland Cement is works under and around water. You have to be wary of using cenment in direct contact with water if you are going to have plants r fish in the water. Cement will give off certain chemical elements into the water. It is possible to kill or damage your plants or fish with new cement. it is better if you can give a year or so without water fish and plants. This allows the cement to fully cure and reduces the leaching of chemicals. It is also to speed up the process by allowing the cement to cure for a few weeks and then using a sealant on the cement. Wait for the sealant to cure (usually a few days) before adding water. Let the water cycle for a few days and do chemical tests for pH, etc. for trace elements that are harmful to fish or plants. It usually works out just fine. Add fish or plants one at a time. If they are affected by the chemicals (you may have not detected with your tests) only one or two will be harmed.

Gravel and crushed rock is another key component of garden railroads. Gravel and crushed rock provide coarse drainage under your soil or dirt. Drainage is critical to controlling water on or near the railroad.

Pea-sized gravel can be very useful in creating a bed for drainage pipes. Pea-sized gravel can also be used in the bottom of your water features. It provides a place with lots of surface area for bacteria that help to clean the water to grow. It’s also easy to scoop out and clean every few years.

Have fun!

Trainguy