Construction of the H&DLR

The railway is constructed round the garden. The garden slopes quite sharply, and so different techniques have been used in different parts of the garden. Along one side, the line is cut into a raised earth bank; most of the more scenic photos are taken here. The rack railway runs up and over this part of the garden. The rack line is constructed on a base of decking boards, set into the earth (as far as tree roots would allow!) and edged with hardboard. Although this will rot, it provides an adequate channel to hold the ballast.

The main line is mostly on decking boards, either set into the ground (where the line is at ground level) or up on fence posts. The railway is up to 2' above ground level. The raised sections are gradually getting to be hidden behind plant growth or otherwise disguised.

Track is mostly Tenmille G Scale flexi track, with LGB point work and some LGB track on curves to hold a consistent radius. Aristocraft track has now made an appearance, since LGB track was all but unavailable at the time of construction. The points are all manually operated, and LGB third radius – around 4 feet – is the rule on the main line, although there are some space saving first radius points in the shed. The rack line uses LGB track throughout and is equipped with LGB rack insert sections.