The "G & D Railroad" of Summerfield, Florida, is the third garden railway built by Gary Crile and his son Denis. "G" scale garden railroads are the fastest growing segment of model railroading, and a real passion of Gary's. His latest layout is based on the fictional mining town of Silverton, Colorado, at the turn of the 20th century. Constructed in his side yard, the "G&D" is a popular stop for neighborhood children and visiting model railroad enthusiasts.
Gary's garden railroad is the product of meticulous planning and resourceful execution. Before one inch of track was laid, Gary had sketched his project in detail and fabricated a three-dimensional scale model. Working from this plan, local nurseries helped Gary choose slow growing, heat-tolerant, dwarf shrubbery ideal for his theme and location. To keep his garden healthy during the long Florida summers and to conserve water usage, Gary built a drip irrigation system for his one hundred-plus plantings. The result of this careful planning is a very low-maintenance garden that captures the spirit and look of the Old West. Gary found working with his son, who built the bridges and many of the buildings, to be one of the joys of taking on such a large project. He also found unexpected help from a nearby builder who provided Gary with 35 cubic yards of fill as foundation for the garden. Over six tons of native rock, multiple streams and a waterfall give the layout a rugged and realistic appearance. From soaring trestles to intricate stone tunnels, the spectacular landscape is a reflection of Gary's vision and craftsmanship. Before taking on a project, Gary recommends seeking the advice of fellow hobbyists. Garden railroad clubs are active in most states, and many have informational web sites. There are a few of excellent publications on "G" scale railroading, and most model train stores will provide the necessary materials and guidance to get started in garden railroading.
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