Month: June 2015

The Denver Garden Railway Association Will Host the National Garden Railway Convention being held July 6 – 11, 2015

Denver, CO

The Denver Garden Railway Association will host the National Garden Railway Convention
on July 6 – 11, 2015
at Denver’s Crowne Plaza Hotel.  The Convention website contains a preview video and more details.

A garden railway is a model railroad placed in an outdoor garden setting.  Trains can operate with either electricity or live steam and come in several sizes or “scales” with layouts being small or large, elaborate or simple.  Plants of all types are an integral part of a garden railway, and dwarf varieties along with pruning are often used to keep them in proper proportion. Other geographic features are used, such as water features to represent a lake or river, rocks for boulders, or tunnels through “mountains”.

This is a very fast growing hobby with the entire family being able to participate. There are more than 21,000 garden railway enthusiasts and 110 clubs in the just United States.

While the convention is open to all, the public is specifically invited to visit the Convention on Saturday July 11. Visitors will be able to see two operating display layouts including one operating miniature live steam miniature locomotives. In addition, they can talk with members of the Garden Railway community as well see many products and services for the hobby.  There will be an admission charge of $5.00 per family so Dad, Mom and the kids can inexpensively enjoy a unique opportunity.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Over 1,000 attendees have registered for the Convention with 42 states represented including Alaska and Hawaii, 4 Canadian provinces, Australia, Germany, England, Switzerland, Scotland and Austria. During the 6 days of the Convention, there will be 63 Garden Railroads to visit as well as trips to several Colorado Railroads and Attractions. There will be a buffet dinner and banquet, both with Entertainment. Over 59 firms that sell goods and services to garden railroaders will be attending as well.

Founded in 1979, the Denver Garden Railway Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education, promotion and enjoyment of all aspects of garden railroading.