Large Scale Central

Trains in the front yard?

General Discussion
#1

Howdy,

Last year I had my house repainted and a consequence of that was having to dismantle my small back yard layout (which ran along one side of the house side yard).

The next project was tearing out the front lawn (I was so tired of mowing and watering grass in the rather sever Fresno summers), and putting in a front yard patio, so I put the layout rebuild on a back burner.

Stepping over the pieces of the old layout cluttering up the garage I thought I’d stick some pieces out in the front yard by way of “yard art”. So I stuck a covered bridge over here:

And a water tower and familiar windmill over there:

All this got me thinking… maybe when I rebuild my layout I do so in the front yard rather in the back.

Anyone have any experience to share with layouts in the front yard. I imagine vandalism is a worry. Am I barking up the wrong tree here?

Best,

TJ Lee

#2

Tim, My New Mexico Northern Pike, runs right along the street for about 20 ft. I have a Jr. High School one block away, and I have only had very minor problems with vandalism. Most people come by and say thats cool, and watch the trains. You will be amazed at the neighbors that will just drop by when you’r running.

Just go for it and get some track down.

#3

My layout is also in the front yard. Im in a rural area so vandalism etc… is never a problem. I like having it in the front yard because I can sit on my deck and watch the trains go by. Its always fun when people stop over like the UPS guy or the meter reader. You have a nice front yard for one. Go for it.

#4

I seem to recall someone posting a pic with a front yard layout with a black wrought iron fence about 3 ft high. The fence would discourage people from walking on the layout but still allow people to see the layout and enjoy it.

#5

That sounds like Dave “the Rooster” Russell’s place…

Part of mine is in the front yard as well. I’m the last house on a dead end road in a private community so I don’t get much traffic.

#6

Our Tortoise & Lizard Bash is in our front yard. But it is ~100 feet from the street and you can’t really see it (except the tops of the miniature trees) and we live in the “high rent” district.

#7

Tim,

I built my layout on my front yard mainly because it was the most level spot of my property. I’m glad I did because I wish I had a dollar for every time someone either stopped to watch the trains running or even knocked on the door to ask questions. I’ve always tried to accommodate any visitor especially if they have kids with them.

I’m fortunate that I have excellent neighbors who keep an eye on things when I’m not around. Included are the many kids that live nearby. They treat it like its theirs, so any vandal would incur the wrath of many.

On school days, weather permitting, I try to have at least one train running around 3 pm when the school bus passes through the area. The driver usually slows down so all the kids can get a looksy.

Just wish the snow would melt, I have a snowplow train buried somewhere on my layout.

Pat

#8

I friend of mine has a layout out front. The only issue he had was a car crashed into part of it. He’s also on a very busy road and one loop comes very close to the road. Its separated by a bush. Of course that didn’t stop the car.

#9

A few years ago somebody’s front yard layout had an argument with a snow plow. “Don’t put it so close to the edge.”

#10

Wow, THANKS everyone for all the feedback.

I’ve not given any thought to a practical track plan yet. I’ll take measurements on widths, lengths, and elevations (the yard slopes down towards the street).

Once I have measurements I’ll post a pic of the area and possible track plans.

Thanks again everyone!

Best,

TJ Lee

#11

Nice, Getting nicer…:slight_smile:

![|756x567](http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/nicholas_savatgy/_forumfiles/2/Pat1 (3).jpg)

#12

[youtube]http://youtu.be/dAH49RUf32E[/youtube]

#13

Nick S.,

Great video! Thanks for posting it.

Best,

TJ

#14

My front yard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=kUFmrN3SQJ4

#15

Just got in from more snow removal.

Thanks to Nick for posting the pic and video of my layout. As of now the entire area is under about thirty inches of snow but temps are climbing so some melting should occur.

29 days till the ECLSTS !!!

Pat

#16

No problem Pat your welcome.

31 Days to the Great Kingston NY Model Train and RR Hobby Show.

http://kingstontrainshow.com/

#17

Todd,

Thanks for the video. Amazing layout.

Best,

TJ Lee

#18

Another thing to considred in areas that get snow. You have to watch for snowmobiles. We will get snowmobiles crossing through my front yard to get to the fields around my house. Luckliy they stay close to the road and they can see my fire tower.

#19

Todd Brody said:

My front yard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=kUFmrN3SQJ4

Came here to post the cover story from GRR an issue or so ago was a front-yard line…

#20

My railroad is in the front side yard. It sits about 6 feet from the street, but the line hugs my driveway. Now, my driveway is plenty wide enough and there is a tree on the RR side that I thought would be enough to keep people from encroaching. Just recently, my mother-in-law (a wonderful driver…cough cough) ran over the track and I had to replace a 5 foot section. Luckily, I was able to replace it with a 5 foot section from the train shed and bend the ran-over track back into good enough shape to use at the end of the the train shed storage track. That’s her car parked on the left side of the RR, she’s not allowed in the driveway anymore!

track