Model railroad layouts plans

Yanni’s been back in touch with more pics of his stunning layout – it really does show off the HO scale detail parts.

(If you want to get up to speed, his last post is here.)

There’s no narrative with this batch, but that’s fine because they are stunning pics. So I thought I’d put my own ramble under them.

It’s surprising how many layouts do feature castles – there is something enchanting about them and they add a lot of interest to a layout.

When ever I see a castle I’m reminded of Bob’s layout: Bob’s layout

People milling about a scene really do bring it to life, as this pic shows.

It also reminds me of Dan’s post on adding people, which is good adivce I think: Model train people.

Every inch of Yanni’s layout seems to be detailed and weathered – it’s a joy to look at.

You don’t see many horse and carts on a layout, but with the soft street lights, it doesn’t look out of place at all.

This pics is a great example of how different a layout looks at night with a bit of ligting. Taking the time to add LEDs lights to your layout is a sound investment of your time.

The platforms looks busy as they should be on every model railroad.

Why just a passenger when you can add one carrying balloons? It’s touches like this that add so much to a layout.

Another example of adding people transforms a layout and brings it to life.

LED lights make all the difference. It reminds me of Bob’s excellent post on adding them to your layout: Model train LED lights

Adding workmen as well as passengers is another touch that add so much charm to this layout.

Another good pic showing how much a difference lighting can make.

A huge big thanks to Yanni for sharing more pics of his HO scale detail parts.

(His first post is here.)

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming though – shortly I’ll have nothing to post at all. You’ve all gone very quiet.

And if today is the day you stop dreaming and start doing, 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.

Joe has been in touch with his HO scale multi level layout:

“My layout is in a small corner of my basement.

Instead of a 4×8 table, I decided to do so bench work and go around the walls.

As you can see from the photos it fit very nicely allowing me to actually go three levels.

It is all DCC with sound.

The railroad itself is just based on scenes I remember as I kid.

A train Museum in New Hampshire gave me the idea of the train and trolly park.

I painted and put decals all my engines.

The little town and train yard are just my imagination at work and I really feel that is the fun in building a railroad. Use your imagination.

All together it took me almost 6 months to complete.

I actually built it for myself but love the look of the grandchildren when they watch with eyes so wide open. You can’t buy that look anywhere.

Regards

Joe”

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A big thanks to Joe for sharing his HO scale multi level layout – and I loved Jo’s words too. Who can resist a grandchild’s amazement and wonder?

I did like the way he used all of his available space too. I’m sure he must have been tempted to go for a 4×8 layout, but look what he got instead, and three levels too.

It just goes to show a little planning can go a very long way when you are planning your model railroad.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the big day when you stop dreaming and start doing, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS The very Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

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

Tom’s been in touch with his Lionel 027 layout:

“This is Toms River NJ Steve USA.

My wife and I are moving to South Carolina USA. We have two of our four kids down there now.

Well my Lionel 027 layout took me 6 years to build. I am at the point where I have to take it apart.

All track are glued down with ties and ballast plus all joints are soldered. I don’t think I can save much of it.

I am looking forward to building a new layout but packing up the old stuff is going to be a big job.

Tom”

I did enjoy seeing the engine shed from the printable buildings range. It does make me smile when I spot them on a layout.

Course, I’m biased, but I thought it looked great too.

Now on to Rob, who had a small problem to solve.

Was his track too big or his bench too small?

Either way, it’s nothing a bit of woodwork couldn’t solve.

(If you want to get up to speed, his last post is here.)

“Part 3 of my N scale.

In it the little running layout gets to the place where trains are able to do some limited running.

I go over wiring and track laying.

Rob”

Even the best laid plans create problems out of the blue.

I’m often saying a little planning goes a long way with a model railroad, but the reality is, no matter how much you plan, you will still find yourself scratching you head over something.

It’s very much what this hobby is about, it’s seldom goes to plan.

But then again, that’s half the fun. And I do enjoy seeing how you all solve your problems.

A big thanks to Stephen for sharing his Lionel 027 layout.

And to Rob too.

Lastly, ‘Perplexed from Michigan’ has been in touch on the forum – he has a question on engines that keep stalling on the the forum. Can you help?

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming because soon I’ll have nothing to post.

And if today is the day you get bored with day dreaming, 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.