Biltmore Gardens Railway: A Structural Comparison
Written By Amy Dangelico
Posted 07/07/19
Updated 03/05/24
Estate History
Twice a year, the Conservatory is transformed into a wonderland of creativity. Discover Biltmore Gardens Railway, featuring miniature estate landmark replicas made of all-natural materials gathered from Biltmore’s grounds.
Biltmore Gardens Railway brings an elaborate G-scale railway with locomotives, rail cars, and handmade buildings to life by connecting them to Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Working from original plans, drawings, and photographs of the estate, a team from Applied Imagination constructs the replicas in a stunningly accurate reimagining of Biltmore.
Let’s take an up-close look at the attention to detail paid to the recreations of these historic structures.
Image 2: Applied Imagination’s recreation, on display in the Conservatory’s Exhibition Room
About the Lodge Gate Recreation
- Materials collected from the estate: horse chestnut, magnolia leaves, pine bark, hickory nuts, lotus pods, contorted Filbert, bamboo, winged bean, pine cone scales, and acorn caps
- Dimensions: 28”x22”x15”
- Time to complete: 275+ hours
Image 2: Applied Imagination’s recreation, on display in the Conservatory’s Orchid Room
About the Conservatory Recreation
- Materials collected from the estate: horse chestnut, pine bark, anise, honeysuckle, ash, winged euonymus, contorted Filbert, and oak bark
- Dimensions: 21”x52”x14”
- Time to complete: 350+ hours
Image 2: Applied Imagination’s recreation, on display in the Conservatory’s Palm House
About the Biltmore House Recreation
- Materials collected from the estate: baby acorns, acorn caps, star anise, pine cone, contorted Filbert, grapevine, honeysuckle, eucalyptus leaves, bamboo, ash bark, oak bark, and elm bark
- Dimensions: 66”x122”x55”
- Time to complete: 1700+ hours
Visit Biltmore Gardens Railway
The enchantment of Biltmore Gardens Railway is a semi-annual event at Biltmore. Check our event listing for upcoming dates and plan your visit today!
