JigStones 2001

        A Peter Chandler Creation

A Complete Building System for the Garden Railway

This is a review of, what I think, is one of the most fun and imaginative products to come down the G gauge pike. It is a product that was developed in the UK some time ago.  It has been carried in the USA for about 4 years.  It was originally invented by Peter Chandler and the molds produced in the UK.  Since 1999, it has been produced in Germany.

It's the sort of thing that will involve the whole family in your Railroad. Even Granny if she likes to do jigsaw puzzles. And any kid that is worth his/her weight in leggos©!

The JigStone line is being carried in North America by Linda Spencer.


JigStones will build durn near everything! The molds include windows, doors, arch window surrounds, chimneypots, drainpipe fittings, stone arches, walls, coping, headstones, and even coach bodys to fit the LGB short chassis (#40450). And the one I like the best: Ironwork Canopy Supports! Which are the fancy support brackets used to holdup the eaves on the lacy Victorian stations, or the long platform roofs, or even Victorian street lamp brackets.

Most of the molds are multiples: the Ironwork is seven brackets, two fixing/mounting brackets, and a column. The basic wall mold gives 30 assorted pieces.

Materials for use in the molds either a casting plastic or concrete/cement. Obviously, these components are going to last in the Garden Railroad environment!

New Scales Added!

Since the line was introduced, new molds and new Scales have been added. So let me Un-Complicate things right now by saying this:

  • Besides the many selections in the 22.5 line there are now one set of molds each, in HO (1:87)  and  No.1 (1:32) Scales.
  • Because these are smaller, they are offered at the moment in ONLY the Squared Stone pattern.
  • Both HO and 1:32 have roof molds and door/window molds. As these are available seperately, scratch builders will definitely be interested in them!

The 1:22.5 Molds

The Wall sections come in five differing varieties of material:

  • Squared Stone
  • Random Stone
  • Welsch Slate
  • Scale Brick
  • Random Brick (which is noted, is 16mm scale)

Each of the wall molds will make a group of pieces which are very much like 3-dimentional jig-saw pieces. By fitting them together in an infinite number of ways, you are able to construct most any building you would like. The manual suggests that standard PVA (white) glues work. However, White glues are not water proof!  I would suggest that you use Aliphatic Resin Adhesives (yellow glue). The Aliphatic is stronger than PVA, sets up faster, will not clog up sandpaper, and will work better in poorly heated workshops. In either case, they clean up with water and are safe for children's use. More on this on the next page.

There are three double sets of doors:

  • Solid Panel Styles
  • Victorian & Cottage
  • Georgian & Wood plank
The catalog/manual is very comprehensive. It has pages of tips, hints, and drawings. There are also available sets of plans. These also offer more building information - both general and specific.

The prices are quite reasonable. Actually, very reasonable considering that for the price of one plastic kit you end up with a set of molds that will produce a great number of buildings. The real costs then being the bag of concrete and the bottle of glue.

There are 'sets' of molds which are offered at a 'package' price.

For more information, catalog, and prices contact:

Linda Spencer
Sticks & Stones
P.O.Box 211
Elbridge, NY 13060

lspen63616@aol.com

Or, in the SE, contact PD Supply, 1311 Crabapple Lane, Raleigh, NC  27607

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E-mail comments about these review pages to:

John C. Andrews

Last updated - April 2001