Chris has been in touch with his HO scale 5×9 layout:
“Hello Mr. Al
Been receiving your e-mails for sometime now and have they been a help. Thank you.
Here’s my first layout since 1963 and am using the cars and most of the lock’s.
I started in Oct and is a real challenge. I fully recommend do your homework before even starting. You give some great points in this area Mr. Al.
The gauge is HO on a 5 x 9 ft. Flat 3-4 thick plywood. (Scrap.)
Almost all fixtures are hand made from photographs and a little help from the City Secretary of a small town in Aubrey, Texas.
She helped over the inner-net with the pictures and building compositions.
The rest is from around Herkermer, Kansas. (Pop. 150)..
I used Peck flex and Atlas track and switches tacking on a cork beading.
The tunnel complex is cardboard strips from old boxes, wire mess for screens and plaster of Paris.
Pictures are of the up and running phase. Still have the yard to do. Anyone with suggestions? Sure can use some advice and ideas.
Have about 37 inches by 28 inches in a try-angle shape to work in.
Thanks everyone for your blogs and comments. Took many to heart.
Blessing and happy railroading.
Chris”
Now on to Dean.
“Al, here’s a new video which shows the construction and installation of two industries for my Piedra Blanca and Pacific RR
–a coal and gravel dealer (built from an N Scale Architect Kit) and
–a scratch-built bulk oil dealer
I’ve included a lot of information on my scenery techniques. Because of that it’s about twice as long as I had planned, but I hope you can use it.
Dean”
Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
A big thanks to Dean and to Chris for sharing his HO scale 5×9 layout. I never get tired of seeing what appears in my inbox, and I hope you’re the same too.
The Beginner’s Guide is here if you want to join the ranks.
And that’s all today, folks. Please do keep ’em coming.
Best
Al
Hey Dean… a most excellent video! Very informative & helpful… you’re brave to work in N scale (a bit too tiny for my liking)… your results speak for themselves… went over to YouTube & liked/subscribed… keep up the great work! -Bob W, NH, USA
Hi Chris… your layout looks like it’ll be quite awesome when completed… will look forward to seeing it as you get more done… -Bob W, NH, USA
It’s always well to view other people’s projects as you can gain a bit of inspiration from their ideas and efforts. Thank you Dean and Chris for taking the time to share with us folks.
Regards, Tom (USA)
What scale are these buildings……… are they for “O” layouts?
How can I see the complete set of structures?
In answer to the question as to the scale. They are HO and I can send individual photo’s as being built. Hope this will help.
Chris
Hey Dean, I really enjoyed your video. I got a lot of ideas on how to do some things. I like the coal station and tank stand. Great job
Yes a big thanks to Chris and Dean.
Dean, your how to video is really great, like some of the others don’t know if I have the dexterity or eye sight for N scale, looks like you’ve developed some great skills.
Chris looks like your off to a great start. Funny how this hobby draws people back after so many years. Hope you both are having fun. Cary in KY
Fantastic little video…
Lots of good ideas and techniques.
Chris,
I live in Plano Texas, which is not very far from Aubrey. Great work on that portion of your layout. I am gathering photos of Plano from when I was young and Plano was a small rural community (a far cry from what it is today) . It was great to see your ideas.
Hi
Enjoy the email’s gives me plenty of ideas for my own layout.
Question:- does anyone know of a better power supply track/system other than the 2 Hornby versions the older one of pushing the connector between the plastic sleepers and the metal track above, and the rather flimsy power supply track neither are very good. I want something a little more robust.
Regards
Bryan
So Chris looks to me you’re stymied with that engine shed entrance and exit
Just change local’s.
The Critic
Wonderful how-to video Dean! I especially liked the part during the painting phase when Mickey Mouse did the narration. 🙂
That’s a good start on your layout Chris. I couldn’t quite figure out where the triangular area is that you want to add a yard. It looks pretty full already. You might consider adding an extension to the table off one end with a dedicated yard area.
Great looking layout. One little thing you may what to invest in is EZ line by Burkshire. Bought it from birshure direct. Sent them a check since they don’t use credit cards. They are no on Amazon. Here is the address to get it. https://www.amazon.com/Line-Simulating-Wires-Charcoal-Black/dp/B00P2QVMJ0
It works great for power lines and rigging for sailing ships. It can be moved up or down and still come back to its original possition. No more worring about lines sagging. It is much easier to install as well.
Happy Modeling!!
Jim Beal
Pretty Neat.!!!!!!
Gary Manganiello: check out Mr. Lee’s printout buildings. They can be enlarged or reduced to any scale. Also check out Mad Genius John’s videos to see what can be done with them. James Beal: do believe if you check, you will find that transmission lines are not taut. They are strung that way to allow for expansion and contraction.
Informative video and proof how good the medium is to showcase projects like this. Lots of work for a small area and well worth the effort.