Completed in 2006, Carolyn's Creek Tie and Lumber Co. Garden Railway features inner and outer loops that allow for multiple trains to run at once. Creator Ron Schunk designed the railway as a logging company in the 1900s. Special features of the 275-foot long railway include two waterfalls, a pond, bridges, trestles, two single tunnels and one double tunnel. Miniature buildings like a railroad depot and mine round out the scene.
Created by Raymond and Charlotte Hughes, the Skyridge Railroad garden railway scene is based on an imaginary branch of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, set between 1940 and 1970. The railroad track consists of 268 feet of track and weaves throughout the Hughes' backyard and garden. Most of the track is built up off the ground using retaining walls and natural stones; several of the bridges, including a redwood-covered bridge, were hand-built. Other special features include tunnels, a pond, a waterfall, trestles over five feet tall and a concrete viaduct, all surrounded by landscaping, herbs and miniature trees. Scattered throughout the scene are miniature figurines, including women sunbathing and a fly-fisherman.
Based on the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad, the Cranberry and Linville River Railroad Company includes two loops for multiple trains. The railway scene is set in the 1920s to 1940s and features five tunnels, ponds, waterfalls, a stream and several bridges and trestles. Created and built by Dan and Pam Stenger, the Cranberry and Linville River Railroad turns festive for the Christmas season with lights, Christmas trees and decorations. Throughout the year, the Stengers also open up the railroad to the public for open house viewings.
Operated and built by Tom Matthews, the Calico Mountain Railway was started in 1990 and completed in 1995. Portions of the track run around the perimeter of the yard, and the track passes under the backyard deck in a 17-foot tunnel. The track weaves through landscaping and flower beds and features tunnels, trestles, bridges and water features.
