Model railroad layouts plans

“My HO layout 8×15 is nowhere close to being done. I started with a bare room back in Feb. I stopped working on it the first of April.

I had a item on my bucket list that I wanted to do. I set my HO layout aside, got on my motorcycle, and went on a 3 mo. 11,000 mile, and 19 states. When I returned home I started back on my layout.

Regardless of my age of 77, Parkinson, bad knees, overweight and a dozen other things they want to give me a pill for, I am getting things done.

I had a track problem when I left on my trip, but figured it out, then corrected it when I returned home.

I would like to share some pictures with you, and the other model railroading enthusiasts.

The next shot is a hill that I am trying to create distance. This whole section is N gauge.

My sister in law sent me some ceramic little houses she got in Ireland. They’re N gauge size, so I placed them up on the hill, bought N gauge people, cars, some with lights, cows, and street lamps.

When I started putting lighting in I had to learn how to solder hair.

The other shot is the famous government “owned “comet mine” the critic got started by saying my rocks looked like a meteor had hit the area.

The shot is at night with the farmhouse and barn in the background,and the ice house and meat packers, and stock yard.

Any suggestions for improvement are welcome.

If you remember the “critic” comment on my rocks in my hills, created the comet mine.

That mine has grown quite a bit.

Here is some of the stuff I am working on.

Thank you

Wayne”

A big thanks to Wayne. Here’s what I really love about the blog: seeing folk make a start, and then slowly but steadily progress.

And nothing demonstrates this more than Wayne. Have a look and see for yourself.

Wayne’s very first post on his HO layout 8×15 is here.

Wayne’s second post on his layout is here.

Wayne’s third HO layout post.

HO scale layout update number 4

Wayne’s 5th update on his HO layout 8×15

I do admire the way Wayne has grabbed the bull by the horns and just gone for it – it’s the start that stops most of us when it comes to a layout.

A HO Layout 8×15 seems to be a very popular size too – here’s Jeff’s 8×15 HO scale if you missed it.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And don’t forget the Beginner’s Guide, if today is the day you start your railroad adventure.

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.

There are lots of Atlas model railroads on the blog.

Here are some of them:

Richard’s 4×6 Atlas model railroad:

“My layout is a modification of Atlas’ N59 layout. I added an over and under to it and lengthened it. Overall size is 4′ x 6′.

It’s constructed on a plywood base topped with 1” pink insulation foam.

I never had room in my home for the size of layout I wanted, so when I retired, I sold a car and replaced it with the model train layout I have been waiting to build for over 50 years.

Richard”

You can see all of Richard’s Atlas layout here

Ed’s Atlas model railroad

“I researched small track plans in an Atlas publication. I laid Atlas code 100 track following Atlas’ Twice Around in 4×6 plan.

Ed”

You can read Ed’s narrative here.

Jim’s Atlas layout

“What I’ve learned so far with my Atlas model railroad is that HO track work can be very unforgiving. Rail joints must be nearly perfect. Even small gaps can cause running problems. It’s faster and cheaper to do it right the first time.

Jim”

You can see all of Jim’s layout pics here.

Ken’s layout step by step

“The main track concept is a main loop around the entire layout, this required a double track bridge, the bridge, and then up and down ramps to the main level.

Also there is a coal mine incorporated with its own trackage, this would also require another bridge, and then there is a loop on the main level connecting everything that needs a bridge.

Ken”

You can see Ken’s Atlas track layout step by step here.

Paul expands his Atlas model railroad

“In the accompanying photos you can see the turntable I installed and the matching roundhouse for my Atlas model railroad. It necessitated cutting into my workshop wall so that it would fit in the proper location relative to the turntable.

Paul”

You can see all of Paul’s layout pics here.

Bruce’s Atlas layout:

“The layout is “L” shaped, with 4 train tracks, and 4 DC controllers.

There are 2 outside long distance tracks for my longer trains, and 2 figure-8 shorter tracks on the inside. Nothing too fancy, as I want to see my trains run.

Bruce”

You can see all of Bruce’s pics here.

Brian’s rural Atlas mode railroad – or should that be railway?

“Finally, on the question of HO vs OO scale, which is 1/87th vs 1/76th. I have bought HO track in the US (Atlas) but bought engines and rolling stock from the UK.

Brian”

You can see all of Brian’s pics and excellent narrative here.

Bob’s Atlas model railroad:

“As the saying goes “A layout is never finished.” After all the expansions, work arounds, and problems, I am having problems just running my trains.

So I have decided to scrap it all and start a new layout and this time learn from my mistakes and take my time to do it right.

Bob”

You can see the rest of Bob’s pics and narrative here.

There are lots and lots of Atlas layouts on the blog, but the only way to see them all is to jump on the newsletter.

There’s lots more than just layouts. It’s not just Atlas model railroads – it’s packed full of tips, tricks, pics and ‘how to’ step by steps – just like this one:

Here’s how Bob solved his access problem.

Dont’ miss out – jump on the newsletter right now.

Best

Al

PS Looking for some print out scenery? Try here.

Jeff’s been in touch with his HO scale 8×15 layout:

“Alistair,

I’d like to share with you and your readers my model railroading experience.

I remember when I was 8 or 9 years old I received an HO scale train set which we would set up around the Christmas tree.

When my oldest son was about 8 years old we put together a very modest 4×8 HO scale layout. A twice-around pike with a couple of turnouts and short sidings.

That project didn’t last very long as his interests turned to other things more important in his life (sports, etc.), and the layout ended up leaning against the wall in the basement.

While cleaning the basement after some 20+ years, I thought of selling it but getting it out rekindled my interest!

Having recently retired and talking with my wife about it, she told me I could have the “office” for a train room.

Off I went, designing my first real attempt at a model railroad layout, working with the real estate I had.

My choice was an HO scale layout 8×15 DC layout consisting of a double loop passenger line encompassing a double loop and figure 8 freight line representing the fictitious “Somerfield Valley R.R.” surrounding the main street area of the Village of Somerfield, and some outskirts.

Removable areas at the farm and village allow for access to the ill-fated derailment or track maintenance. I can operate 3 different trains at one time and the grandkids love watching!

My design was based on 2 criteria…

#1 – Nothing against steam but I’m a bit partial to Diesel Power, especially EMD model locos. Reason being, I happened to have been gainfully employed by Electro-Motive at their McCook facility for the better part of 16 years.

Electro-Motive had been very good to me and my family. I have had more than 20 family members employed by them totaling more than 400 years of service, including my father, 4 of his brothers, his uncle and myself attributing for more than 200 of those years.

#2 – Set in the late 60’s-early 70’s, most of the people and buildings represent someone or something in my lifetime (family, friends, favorite establishments, etc.).

My wife and I have 7 grown children (three sets of twins and a single) and each is an intricate part of the layout, including their “significant other” and their children. Each representing their particular endeavor in life. Three of my sons have engineering degrees, therefore “3 Brothers Engineering”.

The fourth has a degree in biology and does clinical testing on water samples. (He can be seen climbing the water tower to take samples. Someone in town complained of a funny taste!)

Two of my three girls are involved with teaching “special needs” children (red schoolhouse) and the third is a college administrator but is very active in finding new homes for abandoned pooches (ergo “Kat’s Dogs”).

My wife worked at a bank for a time B.C.(before children) and I now enjoy gardening in my spare time (“Lucky Seven” farm). By the way…the farmhouse is an actual scratch-built scale model of our current home.

My parents also enjoyed gardening after retirement and sold produce (“B&B Produce and Honey”) as a hobby. Dad was also a beekeeper and harvested honey.

Aside from the Police Department, the Fire Department and Post Office (which all towns should have), most of the buildings about town represent something in my life.

A couple of ex-employers are Saxon and Motorcycle Headquarters. Enzo’s was a favorite pizza joint we frequented and “JC Fabricating” is dedicated to my brother-in-law who’s been battling cancer for the past 5 years.

The couple entering “Harold’s Hideaway” (favorite pub) are the two people responsible for introducing me to my wife.

I would like to thank Al for all he does for this site and to all others for their contributions.

I’ve learned so much about model railroading and continue to learn more each time I read this blog.

Hope you all enjoy my story and simple efforts for my HO scale layout. I’ve enjoyed working on this project and look forward to the next.

Jeff”

What a HO scale layout 8×15!

A huge big thanks to Jeff for sharing his layout pics with us – and for taking the time to write the narrative too.

I do enjoy reading how a layout comes together, and in particular the personal touches that are added to them. Makes them come alive!

If you enjoyed this post, have a look at Wayne’s HO scale 8×15.

There’s Paul’s too: 8×12 HO scale layout.

And if you’re after more HO scale layouts of varying sizes – you can see lots more here.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

Oh, and don’t forget the Beginner’s Guide, if today is the day you start your railroad adventure.

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.