Alex has been in touch with is 6×14 HO scale layout :
“I have had a layout as a kid. I am now a lot older and decided to get into it again.
I started with a 4×8 layout and have since expanded it to 6×14 as a 4×8 would not fit my theme.
When completely finished it will have 3 levels on a 6×14 layout.
The scenery will follow afterwards and it will have a mountain town theme with the layout going through the mountains.
Alex”
Now on to Cassio.
He’s sent in another vid of his update:
A big thanks to Alex for sharing his 6×14 HO scale layout and to Cassio too.
I love the way Alex grabbed the bull by the horns and enlarged his layout so it would fit in with his theme. I know I’m always saying it, but the layouts that have a theme from day one, always seem to turn out the best.
I know some of you wonder why I post pics of half built layouts. It’s simply because this hobby is all about making a start.
And if Alex’s start has inspired you, and you want to get going on yours, don’t forget The Beginner’s Guide is here.
When it comes to model railroad planning, there are always a few things to look out for.
Here, John shares his:
“Alastair, your looking for ‘disasters’
I was finishing my ‘bar top’ table for a show (before I permanantly installed it as a bar). Two days before the show I discovereed 3 disasters/errors on my part. (Photos attached)
1) I forgot to install power to the track as well ss a rerailer track! I had to remone a section of track, install a rerailer, and terminal wires, then of course re-ballist and paint the area just repaired.
2) A tunnel I installed earlier was too small for ANY cars to pass under it; thanks to a Dremel rotory tool and a hand-held vac I carved out the portal so even a 40′ N scale high-cube would pass through without bumping. Of course I had to repaint and detail the portal again.
The first two repairs were accomplished in 1 day and, as they say the “show must go on” was the word of the day.
3) The trestle bridge was bumped before I enclosed the table and the train set sitting in it derailed; I had thought I could install the trestles and reach inside through the ports (windows) but even without the sides on the table I could NOT get the engines. End result is I am still working on a girder plate bridge to span a scale 450 feet.
It should be noted that this is step one of four separate tables/tracks that will cross the room on two different “book shelf” tracks onto another “turn around” table. I’ll keep you posted. The intent is to have the “end of bar” table done next, the turn around table before October and the book shelf tracks done be Christmas. A bit ambitious but I believe I CAN do it if I only FIRST get the 450’ girder plate bridge built.
John – Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin”
It just goes to show, time spent on model railroad planning is seldom wasted.
Rob talks us through his layout in his last post, which is here.
But perhaps the post you’ll remember Rob most from, is this one, because who doesn’t want moving cars on their layout? They look great and are a lot of fun.
