But in 2005, the first year their display was part of the annual Columbus Garden Railway Society tour, they learned that one feature of their layout is indispensable. Thomas the Tank Engine.

This year, over 40 of the UK’s leading retailers will showcase an array of large-scale model railway layouts, representing various periods and countries.

Enthusiasts who spent £4,000 converting their shed and garden into railway station in tribute to the ‘golden age’ of British train travel will feature on new Freeview TV show.

Open weekends, this charming hidden railway delights kids with its Thomas the Tank Engine model (Image: Instagram/perthshiregardenrailway__) ...

The railway holds two hour sessions for 14 groups, of up to six people each. There is also a large garden railway layout where model trains can also be seen running.

Tucson Garden Railway Society members say John Fennema has one of the best layouts on the nonprofit’s March tour.

Train fans and garden appreciators can crisscross the greater Portland area to see compact engines chugging through tunnels, across bridges and on trestles at 14 different model railroad layouts ...