Love of trains sparks camaraderie among members

Like many other railroad hobbyists, Tom said a starter kit that ran around his Christmas tree when he was a young boy sparked his interest in trains.

Now, trains are an integral part of his life. Retired from work due to a disability, Tom said the trains keep him active and surrounded by friends.

"We share a love of trains. Friendships grow and the next thing you know, we're doing things together. We go to dinner, help each other with projects or just go to watch them work."

Tom said the hobbyists plan their vacations around railroads, taking trips to see other garden layouts or ride real trains such as the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado.

Although Tom admits garden railroading can be an extremely expensive hobby, he said it doesn't have to be. The club even has several members who don't have their own layouts, but come to monthly events at other people's houses to run their trains.

"You have to see everyone's railroad at least five times to see it all. There are so many details and there's always something new. I've been coming to Bob and Sharron's for five or six years and see something different every time," Tom said.

The layouts can be adapted to any size yard.

Tom recalls how, when he moved into his own home a few years ago, he was disappointed he wouldn't be able to have a garden layout because his back yard was small and featured a 27x13-foot pool. But, with some help from his fellow train enthusiasts, he was able to create a layout with 450 feet of track capable of running four trains at once.

"You still can have all of the same elements, just shorter runs," he said.

Tom said one of the biggest challenges is keeping the plants trimmed and off the tracks.

To help keep the greenery small, and make it easier to replace if necessary, the plants are put in the ground in their original pots. That also helps conserve water.

"Garden railroads are great desert landscapes," he said.

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