We starting with Jim today, who has been busy on his 6×3 N scale:

“Hi Alistair,

I’m so grateful for what you do and for all the other modelers who post their pictures and great ideas.

Here’s some of my progress on my n scale model.

Below are some pictures that I don’t think will need describing to your readers—almost all of them will have done similar steps in similar ways.

I built the hills with crumpled paper and plaster mesh — I like doing it that way.

My layout is about 74 X 41 inches.

Don’t ask why the measurements are so odd—that’s just the way it turned out!

Jim”

A big thanks to Jim for sharing his 6×3 N scale – I do love seeing a layout emerge from the chaos.

Now on to Barry with another N scale, but totally different:

“Hi Al,

Thought you might be interested in my modelling skills, I started on my latest layout after my Daughter left us to go and live in Australia.

I already had layout 6×2 in a small room upstairs so I moved into her room which was some 18’ longer and decided to add to it.

So I bought two 6×3 boards and started to build.

The layout of old was called Meadow Falls and is a small end of line station and surrounding countryside.

I decide to join it to the larger layout I was building so that it would run to a small station at the other end of the layout with a small station and turntable, the scale for both being N scale.

Then I when on to my main board which I am still working on but have at present got Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in my Right hand so it is making the job very difficult

The Mill is based on the one in Battlesbridge, Essex but the remainder of the layout is form my imagination and with the help of input from my Daughters, hence the riding stables.

I still have a lot of work to do as the far end at the left has scenery and a stone etc to build. But until I have had and operation on my wrist it will all have to wait a while.

I run mainly Graham Farish and Dapol on a DCC unit by GaugeMaster on the extension , but Meadow Falls is DC. The track and points are all Kato.

Hope you have enjoyed my pics if the want to see more please contact me.

Keep up the good work it really helps us to get so enthusiasm to continue with our work.

Yours Sincerely

Barry”

A big thanks to Barry.

And what are the chances – two 6×3 N scales coming along at the same time.

They remind me of Geoff’s N scale.

Here’s a pic and link of Geoff’s:

Now some soldering tips from Fred:

“Inevitably, you will have a need to solder. For first timers it is not to be feared. Here are a few of my observations to successful soldering.

1. A high quality, temperature controlled soldering station is a must. It will cost some $$$.

2. Use quality clad tips on the soldering iron.

3. One size tip does not fit all so two or three sizes will handle most modeling jobs.

4. Use heat sink devices where you want to avoid heat damage.

5. Practice first. Use scrap wire and tin from tin cans (magnet test). Watch YouTube videos. Soldering mechanically and electrically bond two metals together. You must heat both pieces simultaneously. Hint: apply solder to the tip when beginning to heat the metal. When both are heated sufficiently, solder will melt and flow when touched to the metal. You can master soldering in 30 minutes.

6. Rosin core solder is a must for electrical soldering. Use an appropriate gauge for the job. I have found rosin core is satisfactory for just about all modeling projects thus avoiding the need to have acid core soldering.

7. Protect your tips. They are not cheap but will last forever if protected. Protected? How? Shut off the soldering station. Wipe the tip clean. Apply fresh solder to the tip until it no longer melts. A blob of solder will form on the clad portion of the tip. This blob forms a barrier on the clad that prevents oxidation. Just wipe the blob off on the next use. Unless you want to buy new tips all the time, I cannot stress how important this step is. I have been using the same tips for over twenty years and they still look and work like new.

Fred”

---

“Another trick for joining solid wires is to put a loop at the end of each wire, hook them together and solder generously. This is also useful for those damn little Chinese wires for LED’s and signals etc. twist them tight and loop them together.

Ed”

A big thanks to Ed and Fred. The tips reminded me of Dan’s post: Soldering HO scale track.

Now on to Jim:

“Hi Al,

I am jim rhodes and this is my layout it is my first go at modeling and it has 1 year this far and still going hope you like it,

Jim”

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming because it’s awfully quiet this end.

In fact, if you have anything to share, now would be a great time. Just mail me.

And if today is the day you hit the fun button and get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.

Need buildings for your layout? Have a look at the Silly Discount bundle.