Gene has been in touch with is American Flyer engines:

“Al, I grew up doing model railroading with my Dad, mostly American Flyer from his childhood.

After he passed away, the stuff was packaged up and sat in boxes for more than 20 years.

I started a layout two years ago and to my shock, most of the engines still ran. Most of my engines and rolling stock from my Dad and are more than 50 years old.

Anyway, I have now started to work on scenery and the coaling plant is my beginning. I also plan to have an ore mining area that should be completed soon.

Keep the emails coming. I really do enjoy them.

Gene”

Gene’s post reminded me of Wayne’s, American Flyer model railroad.

Now for some more tips from the collective:

“I think the best thing I’ve found for creating varying ground levels is the insulating foam that comes in a can.

I’m not talking about large mountains here, but just easy undulating terrain. Just spray a glob of the stuff where you want a rise in the terrain, or a low ridge or a crevasse, and let it dry.

Now take a box knife or a sharp razor saw and carve the insulation into the general shape you want. Then fill the holes and gaps that appear with ordinary spackling or wallboard putty.

Again, let it dry, sand the surface to the smoothness you want, and paint with the color of your surrounding terrain.

Before the paint dries, dribble on some sand or kitty litter to simulate loose turf or small gravel and rocks, add a little colored lichen or ground foam here and there as needed, and you’re done.

And if you want to add trees, just stick the trunk support into the foam with a little Elmer’s glue.

Tom”

“I had a late friend, Jim Brennan who now is past. He owned a hobby and train store in Ohio. The one trick he used was to save all his old thinner from cleaning his brushes. He would use it to color the plaster rocks and scenery on his layout. No extra cost but the results were terrific. Keep up the good work. Your hints and ideas are great.

Bill”

“Hi Al,

I can only run trains for a limited period of time before I get bored, so I’m always looking for something else to do, such as filming or photographing it.

I also like making up cameo poses, and my latest is a tablet exchange for single line working and a lorry (truck) which has just made a delivery. The driver is seen rolling up the sheet prior to roping down the load. The rope can be seen lying on the ground.

keep up the good work

Alan”

Another fine installment from Alan.

A huge big thanks too to Gene for sharing his American Flyer engines and rolling stock – I love the fact that they still run after all those years.

That’s all this time folks. Please keep ’em coming.

And don’t forget the Beginner’s Guide if you want to take that very first step on your own layout.

Best

Al

PS The very latest ebay cheat sheet is here.