Keith has been in touch with a stunning layout – it’s a great example of how using battery power for model trains works just as well:
“My model railroad is a fiction layout based on the narrow gauge lines both Rio Grande Southern and the Colorado and Southern.
Track gauge is 3’ or ¾” in O scale. This is On3 or ¼” Finescale modelling.
The layout fills a 42’x12’6” room in my basement.
All track is hand laid including the turnouts and all locomotives are powered by battery power with what is known as Power on Board.
Control is by way of radio throttles and Soundtraxx Tsunami Decoders.
The layout is built for operation and includes approximately 26 industries or switching locations all spaced out at four separate locations.
The main yard is Archuleta, with Argo, Eagle and Pitkin.
JMRI Operations Pro is used to prepare train manifests.
All scenery is built using traditional cardboard lattice covered with paper towels dipped into plaster to create hardshell.
Rubber rock molds are used to make rock faces by overlapping and then hand carving to create a seamless joint between each mold.
About 350 lbs of plaster was used to make the rock faces around the layout.
The backdrop is hand painted directly onto the walls using store brand acrylic paints. I painted the rocks the backdrop simultaneously to ensure a seamless blend of colours.
A swing bridge across the layout room entrance door allows for trains to circle the perimeter of the room during open houses.
Much of the layout was used to earn NMRA Achievement certificates on my way to becoming MMR 767.
View the layout on YouTube at Keith Stamper On3
Keith”
A big thanks to Kieth. Battery power for model trains is something that comes up every now and then on the blog.
If you want more of a ‘how to’ when it comes to battery power, Richard’s post is very good:
That’s all for this time folks.
Please do keep ’em coming.
And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
PS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.
Need buildings for your layout? Have a look at the Silly Discount bundle.
That is an astonishing layout . Outstanding scenery and detail , had to look closely to discern the real photos from your layout photos . Simply amazing what you have accomplished.
That is very impressive Keith. I do Ho, a lot of my my rock building etc is done the same way. Haven’t tried the paper towel method, I use plaster cloth. My new layout will be in basement as well and is about the same size as yours, thanks for sharing luv it. Have a great day
Absolutely outstanding!!!! One of the finest I have ever seen.
I can’t believe I’m actually first to comment –
I appreciate the consistency and simplicity of life in the mid ‘20’s to ‘30’s that you have captured and depicted here. Really superior modeling – thank you for sharing – I’m turning a corner and will start scenery on my S-Gauge soon. Thanks for the details on the tried and true methods you’ve used (cardboard strips, plaster, rock face molds, blending by carving etc.). And amazing are the tall pines on the walls / background… there are so many with such detail – it looks almost like a photo, and yet you say they are hand painted? Fantastic – really great 👍… the stacked log structural support for the tunnel is just perfect – the sheep awaiting loading, the filling station scene, the rivers, the blending of rugged mountain passes with the far off peaks painted on the walls, all of it is really great thanks again.
Wow, just WOW!. That is a great layout. One that I could possibly never match. All the funds details and the black & white images are so realistic.
All I can say is, WOW !!!
Fantastic layout , great work, thank you for sharing.
Fantastic, wasn’t sure if it was a model or the real thing!!!
Oh my, what a layout! Great job! Can’t say enough about the work you’ve done
The scenery and modeling is outstanding. I think battery and radio control will make this hobby more enjoyable and easier. I have yet to meet anyone that says wiring their layout and finding the sources of short circuits are the most enjoyable aspects of model railroading.
Stunning is the best word that comes to mind. Great detail and the various weathering techniques add so much to the realism. Scenery and details are important in a model RR and you sir have nailed it,
Thanks for sharing.
Roger in Kansas
Awesome.
First I’d like to say it is one of the finest layouts I’ve ever seen. It’s deceiving seeing only 2 rails for an “O” scale layout, hence battery power. What a GREAT job.
Now that’s a layout! Superb detailing!
Keith,
All I can say is WOW!!!!
Incredible set-up. I was mesmerized for 31 minutes (I watched it 3 times).
If I had that type of layout, I would be playing with it 24/7. OUTSTANDING!
Great layout. Scenery was perfect in every detail.
The running of the train was spot on and before the video I really thought those were real pictures of actual loco’s along with the scenery that you had taken!
If you’re not doing anything I live in the suburbs of Chicago and would invite you over to do the masterful job you did on yours to mine…
My scale is a tad larger as I run “G” scale inside and outside my home..
KUDO’s and thank you so much for sharing this with us!!
Steve from North Aurora, Illinois
Great Layout….Im jealous.
And great video…. I love seeing ‘model’ trains being run at “realistic” (slow) speeds.
Keith, this is really nice work and I can see it brings a lot of enjoyment. I’ll bet folks are totally AMAZED when they enter and see what all you have put together!!!
Thanks for sharing your YouTube channel
Keith’s layout was fabulous in all aspects: layout, scenery, and engines and rolling stock. Loved it.
Really terrific layout and trains. Great landscapes and backdrops. Very convincing and interesting to watch your trains run and sound. I only had one question. About how long do the batteries last?
Oh my goodness, what a piece of artistry. The attention to detail is magnificent to say the least. One thing that caught my attention was that not every piece of equipment and building was weathered or in a state of disrepair. There were things that were in good shape. Also, human figures are often shiny, but not on this layout. The 31:14 video was relaxing, enjoyable and convincing. Thank you so much for sharing your tremendous efforts, talents and results.
Fantastic attention to detail, congratulations, wish I could do half as well.