The Train Show at The Domes

The Train Show at The Domes
January 23, 2010

Yesterday I posted about our visit to the Mitchell Park Conservatory (The Domes) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Train Show was the featured exhibit in the show dome. This exhibit is their most popular and it is easy to see why it delights children and adults alike. I took several short videos of the trains in action. The Train Show included a free copy of Beginning Garden Railroading, a supplement to Garden Railways Magazine and 21 Plant Portraits another supplement to Garden Railways Magazine. Both are quite informative resources for those interesting in setting up their own garden railway.

The Train Show

The Train Show is impressive to say the least. It fills the centre of the dome with a meandering path bordered by a large garden bed running along the perimeter of the dome. There is a wonderful little pond in the centre with bridges for the trains to pass over.

Surprisingly the show dome was quite cool the day we visited so we kept our coats on. The greenery mixed with flowering plants were total eye candy. Since this dome changes exhibits (garden themes) many of the plants in centre display area are planted in pots for easy dismantling but you have to look close to notice that. The attention to detail is incredible!

Attention to Detail

We have visited several train shows and we are always impressed at the incredible detain the railroader hobbyists build into their displays. This train show did not disappoint. Intricate to scale buildings complete with people, animals and vehicles highlighted the exhibit all landscaped with real plants. There are working street lights, traffic signs, hydro lines and just so much more! Pictured is four views of some of this detail just to give you an idea.

Constructing a garden railway combines two hobbies, gardening and railway. A lot of times it becomes one that both husband and wife can enjoy together. I'm not so sure a garden railway would work well in our zone as we get snow and freezing temperatures during the winter months. It is something I'm researching because it just looks like a fun garden theme to set up then watch as it evolves. The grandkids would find it quite delightful!

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
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