Retired engineer builds functional 50-foot railway in English garden

Adrian Backshall, who spent his career overseeing railway infrastructure at Network Rail, has channelled his professional expertise into an unusual domestic venture. His East Sussex garden now hosts a fully operational 50-foot railway line, a project that began as a lockdown-era hobby but has evolved into an impressive feat of engineering and nostalgia.

The garden railway incorporates a solar-powered trolley system that allows visitors to traverse the miniature line while experiencing authentic railway travel. Backshall's background in rail engineering has enabled him to apply professional standards to the project, ensuring both safety and operational authenticity.

The installation includes a Victorian-style carriage that Backshall uses to entertain guests, allowing them to experience a slice of railway heritage from the comfort of his garden. The project reflects Backshall's commitment to preserving railway history while integrating sustainable technology, with the solar power system serving as a nod to contemporary environmental concerns.

What began as a pandemic-era pastime has now become a showcase of railway memorabilia and functional transport design. The garden railway represents a unique intersection of personal interest, professional expertise, and creative entrepreneurship, demonstrating how retirement hobbies can flourish when grounded in genuine knowledge and passion.