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N scale track

Clark’s been having some problems with his N scale track and sent this in.

“Hey Alastair,

Clark here again.

I am still at it, and quite frankly still hopelessly addicted to this hobby.

But I recently reached one of those moments that I suppose all modelers have at one point or another.

It’s a worrisome, sleep depriving, I “can’t believe I even have to face it” moments, when I realized I would have to replace a section of installed, and already ballasted and running track!

The blood in my veins ran cold as ice, as I knew I would have to face this.

I was replacing a badly kinked section from my original design that I think in my heart, I knew from the beginning would be a problem.

I just didn’t want to face up to it. I had underestimated the curve after a cross over – well, you’ll see from the pictures.

But I’m here to tell all the others who will face this, just be patient, breathe, and have confidence in your skills, and you’ll get through it.

The ballasted section had to go.

Removing the bad section.

Laying the cork.

Added Flex track.

I’ve attached a series of pics documenting this change & result, and here is a video link for the latest.

I’ve added a trolley car, on a reversing switch, that can be timed, so it goes back n’ forth & I love it!!

Clark”

Clark’s N scale track problem is a common one. Yet the solution is simple enough – don’t even think about scenery until your track is running perfectly.

The track can’t run just okay, but absolutely perfect.

It really is worth the time and effort – and there are hundreds of posts on the blog to prove it too…

In fact, I’d really like to hear your opinions on it, please do leave a comment below.

It reminds me of one of Bob’s posts.

His layout is properly stunning, but he was kind enough to put together a post of the thinking and planning behind it.

You can see Bob’s N scale post here.

We all learn the hard way, except for those that take the plunge with the Beginner’s Guide.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

A big thanks to Clark.

Best

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.

American Flyer model railroad

Wayne’s been in touch with his American Flyer model railroad:

“Al, I am a regular reader of your layout plans and gained a number of ideas which I incorporated into my project.

I began in my extra garage in January with two four by eight foot platforms plus a two foot extension between them front and back.

That enabled an open center section for me to be able to access the rear corners of the layout.

Subsequently I covered the access section with a cardboard based painted lake which then waterfalls into the front of the layout where three trains bridge over the river valley.

The trains are from my childhood when my father began collecting the Christmas layout we set up each year starting in 1955.

I saved the trains, Plasticville buildings, and lights so the layout provides a lot of special memories.

I am now retired in Florida and have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and fun of recreating so many memories. All of the trains are operating despite their almost 70 years age.

American Flyer S gauge trains are less popular now, but were a significant contributor toward model railroading in the 1950’s.

They now provide me hours of fun as I add 1950’s era vehicles and operate my trains.

It has become a project that will go on forever😊.

Enjoy,

Wayne”

A big thanks to Wayne for sharing his American Flyer model railroad.

There’s quite a few on the blog now. Here’s a few more:

Ken’s American Flyer.

Jay’s Amercian flyer

Cecil’s American flyer layout.

Cecil’s layout is pretty big – 13×27 feet!

And if you like the really old American Flyer stuff, there’s this one:

American Flyer trains 1950.

That’s all for today folks.

Please don’t forget the Beginner’s Guide is here if you want to get going on your own model railroad adventure.

Best

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.

Christmas model railroads

Well it’s time for your Christmas model railroads:
“Hi Al,

Been following along now for several years…

And each year I miss sending you something to post for Christmas so this year, I thought I’d get ahead of it.

This railroad layout? I call “Christmas on Sand Patch” As I grew up in Pennsylvania, on the B&O’s “Sand Patch” grade! As I model the B&O, in HO Scale!

And this layout is made to sit on the floor, with a 6.5 foot Christmas tree to sit on top of it!

The layout when not in use it stands up and folds in half by hinges….

I have SEVERAL electrical circuits in it, as well as 110 Volts AC for wall power the tree plunges in it and all lights up!

The Micro Christmas lights are LED, and have their own circuitry…. I will add pictures to see the under side, the top side as its being built, and then a video! PLEASE, ALL Enjoy!

Hemi”