Jim’s been in touch with his big new project. He’s added to the collection of HO scale mountain layouts on the blog.
“Hello from Buffalo New York, from across the GREAT BIG POND.
I thought I would give an update on the new layout currently under construction.
However, before I get to the update I want to share something. In October I lost a friend of over 30 years.
His name was George Schewnk. George was a good friend and a model railroader. He had “O” gauge Lionel trains and accessories. He really enjoyed playing with his trains, and what a collection he had. I will miss my friend very much. He leaves behind his wife Darlene and a son Garret.
Garret is also involved with model railroading in “N” gauge. I can remember one night George called me with a problem with Garrets Peco switches. So over I went and between my experience with them and George being frustrated they worked perfectly. What a good time for both of us. Rest in Peace my friend.
And now on to the update! I have included some pictures regarding the Construction of this massive layout. Now keep in mind this layout is a backward “7” of sorts. The total layout in size is a little over 105 square feet total. Not impressive by some layouts but keep in mind the drawing that I sent originally. Here is what the layout will look like:
There have been some upgrades to the layout not shown on the drawing above. There has been a small yard added to the area of the container terminal, a lake added to where the mountain is located and have added several extra turnouts for a total of 21, all controlled by Tortoise Machines. The DOUBLE CROSS OVER was not working correctly so it was replaced with a new turnout configuration.
The next few pictures show the table completed, the track laid in the first stage minus the road bed.
And now for the bridge. This bridge is 5 feet in length which leads to the reverse loop that is in the rear of the layout.
The next pictures show the Transfer Table deck is in place and the 3 Maintenance Buildings are now set in place. The actual moving table needs some repairs to it, so it is presently on my work bench.
HO scale mountain layouts:
The mountain is starting to take shape. I have installed the cardboard webbing so far and in a couple of days I will place the screen material before I place the plaster cloth
As you can see the Mountain is quite large. I added an access portal that is not shown here on the inside of the mountain from underneath just in case there a train mishap. I am crossing my fingers that will not happen, but as we all know from Newtons Law, “what can go wrong will go wrong” or something like that. There are three entrance/exit portals for the mountain and two of them are visible here the third one is on the other side. I marked them all with arrows on the picture.
So far the following have been completed: TRACK AND ROADBED (minus the ballast) TRANSFER TABLE, CONTAINER TERMINAL, most of the switch machines have been installed and the MOUTAIN is starting to take shape.
It is taking much longer to complete this layout than I wanted. With the old layout I had numerous issues with trains not running correctly, jumping the track, stuck in the tunnel of the old mountain so with the miserable experience from the past, I did decide to take my time, test the engines on the layout to make sure there is no issues ( and knock on wood so far so good ).
I will post more in the coming weeks leading up to my summer away from the house at my summer house and NO I am not taking the layout with me.
Until then HAPPY RAILROADING
Jim
Starr Point Railroad”
“Hi Alistair,
Having been a follower of your site for some time and enjoyed and appreciated the content and comment, I feel obliged to make a contribution.
The pictorial content is somewhat, significantly different from that which you normally publish.
Please note that I will not feel in the slightest offended if you feel that you cannot use the attached material.
The attached photographs depict the external views of my shed, called the Railroad Tavern.
It is a retreat in which I can quietly indulge in my three ‘S’ pastimes. Steam engines(the North American variety), Springsteen (Bruce of that ilk) and Single Malt Whisky (in moderation of course).
Regards the station name plates, some artistic license and some tongue in cheek improvisation has been applied. Humour, colour and places actually visited being the criteria.
It is not a hobby if there is no degree of fun associated. I have even had T-shirts printed with the Railroad Tavern logo for family members.
As explained to any visitor to the premises, the KGB are still looking for the one purloined in St Petersburg.
And of course, Castletown never actually existed but was part of a film set. However being a life long John Wayne affectionado, it was essential that it be included.
The other station name plates are self explanatory.
If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me. Perhaps one day, once I have tidied it up, I can send photos of the interior.
Hoping that your response is favourable
Someday
Tom”
That’s all for today. Please keep ’em coming.
A big thanks to Jim for adding to the HO scale mountain layouts. Keep your eye’s peeled for his updates – can’t wait to see them. Just goes to show all railroads are ugly ducklings.
And if you want to start yours, you can take the plunge here. Remember it’s just a one time payment of $9 for the next few days only.
Best
Al
PS If you missed Rob’s stunning HO cab ride video, it’s here.
PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.
7
if you keep any polystyrene blocks – as used in packing items like TVs, washing machines, etc. – and invest in a Polystyrene cutter, you can shape mountains and landscapes very easy and light-weighted, covering them with mod-rock to round things off.
Hi Tom,
Great Shed, I also have a large shed which houses my railroad and my Three ‘S’s.
Happily for me, it’s the first and the last of your three…..two times.
PS. Better not go back to St Petersburg.
I do not recall the problem as Newton’s Law but as the Peter Principal.
Ho Tom,
we all need a retreat, mine’s the garage. I love the British Railways
‘Totem’ signs. Cheers, mine’ a Guinness!!
Alan
Not Newton’s Law but Murrphy’s law !
Thanks Jim/Tom for sharing pics and humor.
The quote, to me, smacks of “Murphy’s Law”.
jm
I AM IMPRESSED WITH THE CONFIGURATION AND FINE WORK AS WELL, MODEL RAILROADERS LIKE YOUR SELF ARE WHAT MAKE THE HOBBY WHAT IT IS TODAY, AND IT IS GROWING IN SPITE OF COMPUTER GAMES AND CELL PHONES THAT HAVE SO MANY REALITY GAMES FOR KIDS TODAY, BUT SOME FOLKS LIKE YOU AND I AND MILLIONS MORE NEED THE REALITY OF WORKING IT WITH YOUR OWN HANDS TWO AND MIND. THE BEST PART OF THE HOBBY IS THE FRIENDS YOU WILL MAKE ALONG THE WAY, AND THE HELP YOU WILL GET SOLVING THAT ONE GLITCH THAT DRIVES YOU NUTS. HAPPY RAILROADING, AND ENJOY
DUANE HAMPTON
Jim, having recently retired I have a retreat (a little workshop attached to my garage not as good looking as Tom’s), over 40 years collection of rolling stock, plenty Peco flexible tracks, accessories, switches/points, even polystyrene blocks, practical experience of “Murphy’s Law”, etc. but no plan that I have been satisfied with or shall I say no plan that has been satisfied with me. Your plan seems to be something I could live with adding very few alterations. Do your square dimension blocks refer to 1′ sections? If so the 99 square foot plus peripheral area leaves a lot of space for future expansion of the railroad. Do you have a better detailed plan I can read and refer to? What you have constructed so far looks pretty impressive to me even in its early stages of development. The accompanying photos gives one a pretty good idea of what the final product will look like. My nemesis will be wiring but apparently DCC is for us dumb folks. Pity as when I started collecting locos DCC was not on the cards yet. Darn and now I have to trade or convert.
Is Jim’s layout HO or N? I can’t tell for sure from the photos. Any chance he has a clearer drawing of the layout, or perhaps a track plan to offer? I really like how much he has going on in a relatively small layout! Great food for thought for my N-scale plan that is taking shape.
Jim ;
My condolences on the loss of your friend George. Seems that we lose friends faster than we can make them.
Your off to good start with the layout.
Tom;
I have two sheds out back, They mysteriously keep filling up with “stuff”
In fact the whole yard keeps filling up.
I need to think about this over a bit of Tullamore Dew.
For those of us who also conduct our ‘ferroequinology’ in a SHED as Tom does – consider looking up John Williamson’s song “All Australian Boys Need a Shed”. It provides the ‘raison d’etre’ for many of us. I’m raising my grog to Tom’s layout, in his shed.
Hi Tom
Just thought u might like to know that there is a small town near Sunderland in the UK called Castletown as well as on the Isle of Man and one in Ireland.
Really like the station plaques and your retreat
Kevin
Hi Jim sorry to hear about the loss of your friend.
Hi
If you would put additional cross strips on your mountain, 2 layers of the plaster cloth will work fine. No need for screening.
Keep up the good work.
As a last note, I believe in O’Doules postulate, which states that Murphy was an optimist!
Do you or any of your friends have any pictures of the Western Maryland roundhouse and/or yard in its heyday? I am planning a diorama in the near future!
Thanks,
Mike Luhouse
Great photos – my condolences to the loss of your long-time friend! It’s always difficult to loose someone that you loved and respected, and someone that thought you were important!
A question for all you railroad hobbyists – how do you access the table surfaces over an area that is wider than your arm’s length?
To Mike Luhouse,
Try the Fall 2012 edition of Classic Trains. There is an aerial photographs of the WM roundhouse at Hagerstown, Md. If you have any difficulty please leave a reply.
Hello! Nice photo of your layout. I have a question to this site’s manager. I have a vision problem and have requested several times to have the ability to enlarge photographs when selected. The enlargement capability was here for a while but has since disappeared. Is there anyway this capability be a standard procedure in the future of all photographs sent? Thank you for your assistance and keep up the good work of delivering these layouts!
Hi Jim, a very interesting and appealing track plan; very creative use of track under- and overpasses. It seems to provide a seemingly endless combination of train routing possibilities. I would love to see a larger view of the track plan. The small image makes it very difficult to discern points where tracks appear to meet/join or just pass near each other.
Arnie
Hi Tom,
Very nice idea of a shed/Railroad Tavern. The signs are creative and amusing. By the way, am I to understand this is a life-size shed? The image looks like a very fnely detailed model.
Arnie
WHEN YOU FINISH YOUR LAYOUT, ITS GOING TO LOOK NICE.
I wonder what the problem was with the ‘double crossover’? Very easy to get a short through a scissors arrangement like that, particularly with live frog points. I had to make a set last year, and had to treat the flat crossing in the middle as four separate sections electrically.
Rod
Tom,
I want to visit “The Railroad Tavern” and I don’t even like whisky! Well done, it’s excellent!
This looks so good I would love to see it for real I know it will not happen but one can always hope
brill
I am glad to see that we have given credit to Mr. Murphy and his law. There is a corollary called Mrs. Murphy’s law which states that “It always breaks when he is out of town!”
As for the Peter Principal, it states that “A worker is promoted until he reaches his level of incompetency!” Anyone who has ever worked for the owner’s son knows it well.
Barry
Castletown does exist as I live in a town with that name
Tom & Jim: Keep up the good work! I have a layout I am working on. Hopefully, I will save some energy to draw a track plan. This is my fifth layout. I have been in the hobby for about 60 years. It is a great way to relax and enjoy (most of the time!). Be good and keep busy. It is a super hobby!!!!!!!!
Will be happy to try and answer any questions.
Ted
Jim’s layout – impressive but how do you reach anything on this layout. I will be having my grandson working with me and just need some tips as to wall clearances if using 4 x 8 sheets.
What a great layout it does offer questions about mine but it’s going to look great keep me posted on al your jobs and I Wil let know when he build will start
This is a great site to keep in touch with some very clever railway modelers,,but all have experienced frustration giving rise to a few LAWS but in Liverpool the law that if it can happen it will happen is called ` SOD`s LAW“ and is it true??
Very nice layout
awesome layout thanks for sharing it with us!
Chris Minor
Sacramento
Al, am working on an n scale layout with my -8 year old grandson, what a way to bond. i have found that using pine bark nuggets as slate rock banks looks very realistic, you can square the edges with a bandsaw or equivilant to make
them fit together, and you can spray paint them with red oxide primer or leave them natural, either way looks great. also they can be used on any scale. hope this helps others who are wondering about cuts through mountains. Bob
Al , I currently have an 8 by 6 foot HO scale layout with a mountain covering 1/5 of the layout. Its still a work in progress. I find that just old around the house materials like old water bottles make great grain elevators and silos plus i use glue, sand, and brown/gray spray paint to make a rather old and rundown/rustic look to my branch lines. And i just wanted to say thanks for keeping use all updated on all the latest stuff thanks.
I am new to trains. I am working on an 8×10 table. To get to the middle I left a 2 ft, by 4 ft space open. I can crawl up to the middle of the layout. I also have 2 ft or more on all 4 sides. thanks for the info and pictures
I love your photos! I really like model trains but I am very lousy at building them. Love watching everyone’s layouts. Keep up the great work and postings!
Greetings, Very nice layout. Thanks for sharing same. I am currently in the attic of my house adding a sub floor above the air conditioning duct work. Plan on an L shaped layout with mountains,etc. in “N” gauge. I am also involved in Civil War activities of which I plan on incorporating into my system. Keep up the good work and hope to be more inter active in the future as a new member.
(Mike Fuzzy) Sitton
looks good, post more pix when you can
It isn’t Newtons Law (gravity) or the Peter principle (you only rise to the level of your incompetence). It is Murphy’s law (whatever can go wrong will go wrong). I haven’t started with the hobby yet although I did buy my daughter her first train set. I will give it to her over the holidays. You guys are terrific. I only hope my stuff comes out half as good as yours. Keep this stuff coming, I need the inspiration. Thanks.
First of all. I am retired and not an expert in building trains. Can someone tell me what and where are the insulated track connectors used. I am fixing to start putting the switches in and just don’t know much about wiring a railroad. I already have plenty books on the subject. My railroad is a project I started. 25 years ago. 5’x9′. I now have found the time to try to complete it. Have not finished the mountain which covers 20%.
Very nice and highly detailed layout Jim! I am in the process of introducing my 13-year old grandson Micah to the joy of model railroading.
I had a fairly large 3-set of HO trains that was built on a 8′ X 12′ “L” back in ’78 when my kids were young. So I’m passing them on to Micah.
I started with a slightly smaller 8×8 “L” The layout will be fairly basic to start and we’ll build on it each year. After the initial construction, we rolled out olive green paint leaving patches of the particle board material showing through for a more realistic ground appearance.
Then as we develop the layout and scenery, we’ll paint in roads and add landscaping. If I can figure out how to post pics here, I’ll add updates as we go.
Happy railroading and Happy New Year!
It’s tough losing a friend, especially one who shares your interest. Sorry for your loss.
I’m getting older and into G gauge now. I have a single garage wash bay full of around the wall layout just about finished. It is a coal and logging road called the Yellow Pine Railroad. I have a saw mill and pond along with a coal tipple loading site. I have many construction pictures and will try to get some posted. My main problem is my garage is not heated so limits my train running in the winter here in Berlin, Pennsylvania, so just started a layout G gauge switching yard and repair shop in our partially empty basement.
Larry
Been following for several years, D&WRR has been in mothballs,a 4X8 . I love to see all the contributions, but as of now I am still planning. Want to get my RR back in running order, and I am intimidated by all the wonderful layouts, but we enjoyed the Danville & Western,and that’s all that matters. We rent a cottage in North Conway ,NH that has a mainline right in our back yard from the Conway Senic RR. We can walk over to the main train station, and yard,and often do, I do drag the Mrs. Over there, she enjoys the walks also, where you can hobnob with
Working Locos, all Diesel up close,and nobody seems to mind. Well keep the great layouts coming,May when I get the D&W RR up and running again I will be able to submit some photos. Till then,” Happy Railroading ”
Dan
nice layouts keep up the good work.
nice layouts keep up the good work. Gator.
Seeing some of these wonderful layouts. It gives a idiot like me some hope.
What perfect timing for me. I’m finishing up construction of my “downsized” 3/2 home in SC. I’ve toyed with several idea’s for a train shed and this really gives me some excellent points to work with. The shed is a prefab 12×20 foot 2 story structure. The 1st floor will include my existing L shaped 9′ by 6′ long by 3′-4′ deep sections. I’ll add to this over time. Upstairs will be some workrooms for assembly, painting, detailing, etc. This area will be for use of myself and for friends and fellow club members. They can work on projects and then store entire projects in “personal” cabinets. Hopefully this will complete in about 6 months
Nice layout coming on there ,sorry about the loss of your friend.
Nice layout! I am very sorry about your friend!!! I will pray that you will get over this sad time in your life.
Zach
an addition to Murphy’s law .. : Its easier to get forgiveness than it is to get permission” . So just do what it is you think needs doing and if its wrong , then get forgiveness. At work 2 weeks ago the boss was gone and I saw something that I wanted to do . As he wasn’t there to get his permission I just went ahead and did it . Later I told him what I had done and why . He said “OK it needed done and you took care of a problem before it became a bigger one . “
Really enjoying the e-mails you send to me.
Sorry about your friend but as we get older it is something we must expect. I have lost my 3 closest best friends in the last 48 months. I just have to suck it up. I am a walking basket case as I nearly got killed twice as a Police Officer in Metro Toronto.
Keep up with your tips and stuff.
Thanks
Rick
EXCELLENT.
I have and still do, live in the Buffalo, NY area so this post caught my attention immediately. I have always liked the Transfer Table method of space utilization on train layouts. This layout looks like it will be a good use of available space when completed.
here in California we do not have basements -so space is limited – but I LOVE your layout. there is plenty of operational options
Good luck with your project
I spent my first 33 years in Buffalo, NY.
Spent a lot of time at the ERIE RR Treminal and the NY Central
Just thought I would share this info with you.
Harvey King
By the way I’m a Bills fan
Jim…an impressive layout…am sure it will provide great fun and I look forward to pics of finished product. Maybe instead of Murphy’s Law more of us should think of “Nike’s Law”…JUST DO IT! when it comes to model trains. Seems to me that too many of us are absolutely intimidated by various aspects of the hobby and become immobilized instead of just forging ahead (and yes, this includes me!)…it’s supposed to be fun. Does it really matter if it’s not perfect ? Am about to start on my first railroad, and the closer I get to actually sawing wood, the more I need to keep reminding myself to JUST DO IT !! Sorry about your friend … I will soon lose my best pal to prostate cancer that is all through him…please, guys have regular checkups with doctor and DO NOT ignore any symptoms.
I have a question…does anyone out there know if double-sided tape (aka carpet tape) would be a reliable way to fasten track directly to foam layout surface ?
To whoever asked about the use of insulated track joiners (“fishplates”).
I don’t know about DCC (“digital” control, where the locos all have chips in them and cost rather a lot). DCC is supposed to be simpler in many ways, but here is how I have always approached insulating joins when wiring up with the old-fashioned “analogue” control.
If you are using live frog points, you *must* have insulating joiners wherever two points join up (e.g. on a crossover, you should insulate the rails where the curved bits of the points are joined). Each main line needs a feed at the single track end of the point. If you have a single or double slip, the entire slip should be insulated from the tracks which join it (i.e. you need 8 insulated joiners). You then wire feeds to the outside rails of the slip.
Using dead frogs, you don’t strictly need so many insulated joints, but it is actually quite sensible to wire up as though you had live frogs. In most cases, this makes sense in terms of the track sections you will need for running trains in a logical manner – also you might want to replace dead frog points with live frog points as time and money permit, and that way you don’t have to rewire.
So on your track plan, first of all mark a break on all the crossovers between the main running lines. Then mark a wiring feed on the single track end of the point. Do not position the feed to a section at the other end of the point – it will not work if the point is switched to the unwired route!
Next, decide if there are any other parts of the layout where you may want one loco to move while another one further down the same length of track. An example would be a loco road in large engine shed. Say you want to allow 3 locos to be parked on the same single stretch of rail. You would need 2 breaks in one of the rails, with a feed to each of the three sections of rail created by that. Make sure the position of the breaks allows you to isolate the size of locos you have – a “Big Boy” is a fair bit longer than an LNER Y7!
If you have a very large circuit, you might want to break up the main track runs so it’s possible to have more than one train running on the same length of track. Typically your insulated breaks will then be by your stop signals (what we would call “home” signals in the UK).
The feeds on one side of the rails are taken to a bank of simple “on/off” switches fed from one terminal of your controller. The feeds from the other can all be joined into a “common return” wire which goes to the other terminal of your controller. It’s all low-voltage stuff so quite safe. If you have multiple controllers it can get a bit more complicated as you will need to have a way of deciding which controller is wired to which on/off switch. With two controllers for example, you can use switches with three positions and wire them so one position connects to controller 1’s outputs, the next is “off” and the final position connects to controller 2’s outputs.
As I said, DCC is a lot simpler, but a lot more expensive.
Sorry for the lengthy post, but hope that has helped!
Steve
very good layout in a shed I also have a larg shed and trying now to get started again after a long break hope mine looks anything like yours or any that are displayed on here well done everyone
Another way to make landscaping easier than plaster is to use Dense Styrofoam and layer it then shape it with a serrated knife . Make sure to use Styrofoam friendly glue to hold each pieces together let it dry then shape it with the serrated knife. If you need a visual of this method look on you tube model railroad scenery with Styrofoam.
I am old,but want to make a layout.Have never done one before,My plan involves a table that looks like a giant letter ‘E” with the long side being against a wall.I should be able to reach most parts of the layout if I have to.So what is the consensus on track to use? Steel or brass? Someone should make track that is silver on top(due to train traffic polishing the rails) and “rusted” on the edges for a more realistic appearance.I believe based on appearance this would be the only track to have.I do not understand DCC,so mine will be a jurasic analong layout.I am picking up alot of tips on here!! I biuld models so I will fool around with weathering techniques.Nice to meet all of you from desloate growing zone 10(SW Florida)
seeing all these layouts is wonderful. i am becoming more excited everyday getting back to my old 10 train sets of 32 yrs plus. i am inspired by the diligent detailed work many put into this hobby! i checked all my trains and are in very good shape after being boxed away for so long. i am a ham radio operator w4aet tn and trains are filling in time and fun blanks for me. i am 72 yrs old. hey guys keep up the good work !
Jim. Thanks for the info that you have provided for all of Train folks. An impressive layout, I have injoy what I have seen, I keep on learning. I have O gage & HO gage. I am going to have both as my train layout. But I have one draw back, my wife and I have just moved in to our new old house. I have been kicking out little things that I can do and believe me, there are a lot. But I have been drawing layouts, a lot of them. But coming soon, S.D.G. Train Line will cut the ribbon for new ground and plant a shovelful of dirt. Lol, again, Jim, thank you again for your info and inspiring train lay out. Happy railroading. Steve G. St.Petersburg Fl
What a awesome task yo got there I bet that when it’s finished it will look spectacular
Michael
I have Lionel O-gauge tubular tracks. So far the pictures you sent me all have two rails, not three.
From n scale person. good job on the layout
jim, sorry about your loss. it was murphy who made known his famous (or notorious) law, personally, i always liked o’too’l;e’s commentary on murphy’s law; ” murphy was an optimist:”
have a real blast building and ioperating your layout,
enjoyed this information thanks Richard
Was glad to see the Rapid City sign. I’m originally from there. When I was a kid, my dad ran a machine shop there. They did a lot of machine work for the “Crouch Line”, and Warren-Lamb Lumber which was a narrow gauge line. That was in the 1940’s. Used to ride the Crouch Line up Rapid Creek to fish. When the train came back from Mystic they’d stop and pick us up in the late afternoon. Think I had a great childhood. Jack Slawik
Unbelievable they are awesome love looking
Us beginners that love railroading from boyhood with Lionel and American Flyer today still love the same. I am in the process of creating a simple o guage layout using Lionel fast track.
I also have planned more detailed o guage, G gauge, ho guage, n gauge an z guage layouts… all detailed.
Everything looks absolutely fantastic. but please inform Jim. It’s Murphy’s Law not Newton’s.Seems as luck has it, I seem to be quoting Murphy’s Law on a regular basses.
Thanks
Hello Jim & Tom,
It’s always amazing to see a hobbyist talent displayed. It livens my inquisitive mind trying to decide what inspired you with your conquest. Thank you guys for sharing your photos with us.
To Mike Fuzzy Sitton:
Eager to see future postings from you re incorporating American C.W with your lay out! I’ve been gathering items for many years to do that very thing. Finally joined a fantastic group for ideas — the ACW Military RR Historical Society.
Lou C.
i believe there are two additional items that should be considered for the
there are two things that must be considered for the best layout……..roadways, streets and highways
#2 rolling stock should be weathered, unlike the new out of the box look.
i like your layout video….well done !jerry czajkowski
First of all, I acknowledge the loss of your friend. I too have lost many friends in the last year. So now I am preparing a layout with a turntable, a round house and an overhead. The major problem is the energy to execute. I am tired of crying. For friends that are lost. And recognize that i must forge ahead. No children want my work. They only desire their smartphones. What have we become?
paul
Its awesome.As a novice to this hobby or more correctly, a returnee, its amazing. Istherea printable version for sale w/parts list? I want to copy it and then donate it to my local “Make a Wish Foundation”. I did this years ago and want to get back into making kids lives just a bit happier, even if only for a short while. I don’t know what has happened to previous donations, but I guess that’s not the point. Anyway please let me know.
I went to the show in Springfield, Ma. this past weekend and got re-ignited. What a show !
Please let me know.
cold and buried in snow Vermont
Steve
Absolutely GREAT to see a new layout with not only a roundhouse and Turntable, BUT a transfer table as well! In what looks to be a relatively small space!!!!!!
Thats WHAT railroading is all about in the yards right there!
KEEP UP THE G-R-E-A-T WORK!!!! ~Hemi
fantastic layout going to be something….. also need to order your book please tell me how to get it. bill
great job!!!!
Looking really good! Look forward to seeing the finished (well, if a railroad is ever fiished 🙂 ) product.
Love your signs JIm, what connection do you have with North Platte Nebraska?
I was stationed in Nebraska with the Royal Air Force in the early ’70s. Americans can’t understand why but I loved it and it was real railway country. I have an “N” gauge layout here in the States and a 5″ gauge in the garden of my house in the UK. I am lucky I guess, I love anything mechanical and trains and stationary steam engines in particular. This site is such a joy to see
Wish the pictures would be little higher in resolution…
Thanks much for the heads up into model railroading. I’m a retired engineer and can appreciate what at project looks like half way through completion. The layout is great, I love it. I may even try to duplicate it. It’s one of the best I’ve seen to date. The pictures are great, they give me an idea of some of the methods you have used to complete the different scenic effects. I’m going to start my layout in a 24′ x 26′ garage so there is no telling how large it may grow to be. Again, the information, drawing, pictures are much appreciated. I’m a novice right now and must move slowly. Help from enthusiast such as yourself is invaluable. Hope all turns out well on your latest project.
Looks like you used OSB (oriented-strand board) as a tabletop. I have been tempted, but have heard adverse comments–heavy, hard, difficult to screw/nail, nasty for splinters. Comments?
Too much of the railroad look to be beyond reach.
Tom,
Great pics of your “get-a-way shed”! Kudos on living the 3 “S” lifestyle….
Any chance you can share some photos of inside? Would love to be inspired!
Many thanks Al for all you do to make life more meaningful for us retired curmudgeon! This a certainly added fun and conversation to my life during the past year….
All the best,
Sam – from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, USA
Newton was the one with the apple that fell. Murphy was the one who thought it was rotten. Murphy’s your man
David M.: I haven’t tried double sided tape myself but have heard/read of it being
successfully used to adhere tracks to roadbeds.
Brad : nickel/silver (N/S) is the track to use. The old brass track needs to be
cleaned often due to rapid oxidation/corrosion with loss of conductivity.
Re: weathered rails; There are a couple of companies like Micro Engineering
that offer weathered flex track for a couple of dollars more per bundle of 6 –
36″lengths. Also, there are several paints or paint sticks for doing it yourself.
Dangerous Dave has had several videos that show various techniques for
applying these.
Well it is a small world, the train station with signs for “Rapid City, SD. is real town in western South Dakota, pop of 70,000 folks, Home to Mt. Rushmore, and Custer State Park, and others tourist spots, great job, thanks. 3-5-2020, we are in Mountain time zone!!!
Hi Jim
Impressive layout! I also working on a bridge I was
Wondering where you did buy the pillars different
Heights. What brand or where to buy?
Thanks in advance for the info
Best regards Wil
I think Jim got mixed up about quoting the Laws of Murphy and Newton because he visited Tom’s Single Malt Shed. I enjoyed both of their contributions.
You could have a FOUR S lifestyle if you modeled in 1/64 scale.
Jim,
GREAT JOB your railroad will come to LIFE. I can say that I Love Your Layout.
I am also working on a Large HO Scale Layout. I also have Two Large Mountains on my Layout.
Keep Up Your Great Work.
Gene William Rantanen, In Grover Beach, CA
If you looking for some covering for mountains, I think I found the perfect item. I had the ceiling and walls of a garage insulated with a spray foam. I had 2 x 6 studs so when they sprayed the stuff it expanded to about 6-8 inches in depth. They then used a long blade to slice it off at the studs, leaving a 1-3″ thick sheet of foam in 2 x 3 foot and larger sheets. They were trash to them but I saw gold (beauty is in the eyes of the beholder) so I carefully stacked them up and plan to use them on the side of elevated track and other areas. I plan to use a water based paint and glue on some plants and trees as needed. Now go find a foam insulation dealer and ask to help him clean up his site…
Back in the late 50’s I built a large layout in my finished basement for my then 4yr old son. It took me a couple of years to complete. I remember the day when it became fully operational. My son was then 6 and was thrilled to operate it. Over the years he outgrew the railroad setup and I needed the space for a piano for my daughter. Sadly I ended up salvaging and packing most of it up. My son took part of the layout for his son and did the best he could to put it back together. Once again it had to be dismantled as his son lost interest. Today it is all gone but it did bring joy to myself, my son and grandson.
Jim & Tom,
Loved you information, photos and explanations. Many years ago, when I still lived in Germany, as a young lad, I got interested in trains. A young man on our street, who by the way was a goldsmith, took his entire attic, and turned it into a Railroad Paradise. His attic was approximately 35′ by 50′. The controls were in the middle of the layout on a raised platform. i spend as much time as I could helping and learning. When I came to the US, I brought along all the Märklin trains, track and electrical gear I owned. Unfortunately after we had a family, none of my boys were interested in trains, so I sold them to a collector. Now I’m helping my German cousin to build his own layout. I send him any photos that would help him in his design. Both of your are great in showing layouts and building the scenery. I know others have asked Tom to show the inside of his shed, I agree, dying to see it. And Tom, thanks for the ‘Three S’ posting. I’m hooked.
Another corollary to Murphy’s Law: Any attempts to correct the problem will only make matters worse.
Dan J
Jim,
GREAT memories of those past, I got my share as well and on my layout, to be and in my train collection ALL of those lost friends reside with very fond memories! The layout, looks good as said styrofoam works wonders in scenery work and is easy to carve and use! As for your back shop area that transfer table and set up looks great….. Keep up the GREAT work!
Tom,
NICE shed and use of railroad signs! Just GREAT!
~Hemi
Hey Tom
I love your layout. I would really like to see more of your layout.
I am sorry to hear abt your friend. Sounds like you have some great memories.
Ah Yes. The Peter Principle. ‘Everyone is promoted to their level of incompetence’.
Think about it. A good Foreign Secretary is promoted top Prime Minister. Result? Chaos! It applies a lot in business too.
To say I am impressed to what I have read is putting it mildly. What a fantastic hobby this is with all it’s different views and layouts. They are endless.
Thanks guys for all your input.
Hello:
Compliments on your layout. Incidentally, there. are some grammatical errors in your letter. Additionally, the “SNCF” sign in French contains an error: you have “arreté” on the sign, where the correct spelling is: “arrête”. Respectfully, Rod.
I’m working on a HO model railroad layout from the late 40’s — early 50’s. My question: I would like to automate the train via a tablet or computer. My current layout use push/pull cables to manually switch the turnouts/switches. Is there an electric switching system that can be integrated? Keep in mind that I am working with brass track (the kind that actually uses small nail that look like spikes, to anchor the track. Second question: My layout has multiple loops, which means switching polarities at a point just before the switch. Currently, I am using a double pull-double throw switch to manually change the polarity, in conjunction with the polarity switch on the transformer. Is there a system that would allow automated polarity switching that could be tied to a computer/tablet? I do have a Raspberry for programming. Is there miniature photo-eyes available, or some other triggering devices that can be used to activate the polarity change? I would like to use modern technology to control the layout, versus the current manual system. All of my locomotives are Mantua from the 50’s. All locomotives are diecast or brass. The cars are all scratch built on die cast or aluminum substructures. All trucks are actually sprung, and the wheels are brass, I believe. The couples are the old Mantua loop and hooks (from the 40’s – 50’s). All buildings are either made from clay-board. aluminum, or actual wood. Everything on the railroad has been hand-painted — there are no plastic pieces, other than trees and telephone poles. You can now understand the age of the railroad/layout, so I hope someone with more R&R knowledge than myself can help or can point me to literature that would address the questions above. Thanks. P.S. — The name of the railway is CTM (Cost to Much). My mother gave the railway that name, when my father built the original layout in the early 50’s
Super UK and other countries model railroaders,
All kind of styles and designs.
For the kids I decides a former office 12m x15m rectanggular, 4 x 1,20m x 3 m platforms, several secondary level towns and industrial complexes like steel mill, refinary, coal mine and factories.
With the Silhuette cutter machine and a 3D mini mill Arduino controlled, we modify Cornflakes and other boxes. Yes it will turn the perfectonists stomaches. The kids can go home loving their own from scratch creations.
20 pounds of matches collected for log cabin constaruction. Clear plastic containers for windows and doors.
Shall I post the progress of this playground rudementary project?
Yes motchpod mountains, sawdust conversions and tons of newspaper and commercial press butrolls from my decades in the Graphic industry.
Lots of comments. Great Job. Just an aside. The phrase “What can go wrong, will go wrong” is Murphy’s Law.
excellent sorry for your loss