Well, quite a few comments on that post asked, “Where are the trains?”
So Rob’s sent in some pics of his trains running.
It does look lihe he’s having a lot of fun:
“Al
Having read the wonderful comments I thought perhaps I could answer the few who seemed to be missing out on my trains them selves as my grandsons had been using the table to run their own units, I had not thought to put any of mine on the tracks to take pictures.
So now I have taken pictures of each that I own, hooked up to a few cars to my Lionel train layout to make it look better.
Douglas”
A huge big thanks to Douglas for sharing his Lionel train layout pics.
Here’s his first Lionel layout post if you missed it.
As you’ll see, he has quite a collection going on.
There something about Lionel trains that captures the imagination – it seems that the older they are, the better they are. But I think you could say that about lots of things.
Over the years, certain tips and gems of advice keep popping up in different posts, from different people.
And I thought it might be quite fun to list a few “does and do nots”, and then see what’s added to them in the comments.
So here you go, let’s start with these pearls of wisdom for when you’re starting your layout:
1. Don’t build a complicated analogue train layout – it’s really worth the time to get your head around DCC. It’s easier and you’ll have a lot more fun with your model trains.
2. Making the curves too tight, or not making the baseboard big enough. Derailments are soul destroying, and there’s nothing worse than a train track that doesn’t run flawlessly, or a track that won’t run a new larger locomotives when you add to your fleet.
3. The train rack being right on the edge of the baseboard. Trains have a habit of jumping off the edge when they derail. And adding scenery like mountains and tunnels when your track is rightup against the side is impossible.
4. Not building your tunnels so you can get inside them. It’s no fun fishing out derailments and cleaning the track when you can can’t get to where you need to.
5. Not being able to reach (comfortably) every square inch of your layout. This is why some layouts have holes in the middle.
6. Making the baseboard too high. Sure, it makes wiring underneath your layout easier, but it also make things harder to reach (see above) and harder for the grandkids to enjoy your model railroad.
7. Making your baseboard too low. You’ll get constant backache and wish you’d never started the hobby.
Please do leave a comment below if you have any advice you’d like to share.
Dean’s been back in touch – he’s been busy with his N scale mountains.
“Hi Al,
Greetings from Dean in New Mexico.
Here is the sixth video in an 8-part series discussing my construction of the N-Scale Scenic Ridge layout.
In this session, I show how I created the terrain of the layout using plaster cloth and Hydrocal plaster placed over glued 1/4” foam strips.
I also talk about making and using paper mache (recipe included) or joint compound to smooth out ridges and valleys.
And I talk about making and installing Hydrocal rock formations on the mountains.
Finally, I include a video that discussed the construction and which begins with shots of a train running on my layout.
Layout after painting with Earth Undercoat
Constructing a foam support for a stream and pond.
Adding foam strips to support the plaster cloth
Adding More Cloth
Layout Before Smoothing
Smoothing with Joint Compound
Smoothing with paper mache – Recipe:
Grind up strips of newspaper with water in a blender
Add some binder such as white glue or flour (3-5% by volume)
Drain off excess water through a colander
Place on layout where needed and allow to dry
Dean’s N scale mountains post is his 6th post for his his Scenic Ridge railroad layout:
1. He gets going with his first post and makes that all important start to his N scale.
