Phil’s RGS

About Us.

Phil’s RGS is a garden Railroad in Gloucestershire.  Started in 2005, it is nearly a quarter of a mile long.     The line is very much part of the garden landscaping and has involved the creation of ponds, cuttings, a tunnel, railroad yards, and the movement of around 300 tons of limestone.  As far as possible, planting near the railroad itself is low-growing plants such as Thymes and Saxifrages.   The railroad is based on the original Rio Grande Southern Railroad in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, a 3-foot gauge line built in the 1890’s, serving the silver mining towns of Rico and Telluride.  Noted for its extraordinary trestle bridges and steep gradients, it was finally abandoned in 1951.  Phil’s RGS incorporates models of many bridges and stations, and railway equipment such as boxcars and gondolas, from the days of the  19^th and early 20^th Century, all built from detailed plans of the originals.   Like its prototype, the line is operated occasionally in good weather, using a mixture of live steam and battery powered locomotives.  It is also open on local Garden Open Days, when up to 200 people may visit.  Help in keeping the track in good condition and clear of encroaching vegetation, and running the trains, is always welcome!