Model railroad layouts plans

If you’re mulling over starting your model train layout, the best advice is just to jump in.

Planning helps, but you can think it over forever and a day and never even lay some track.

That’s why the topic I’m always banging on about most is: making a start.

And with that in mind, first up today is Rick, who is being very ‘belt and braces’ with his benchwork:

“Hi Al,

Some time ago I sent you an image of the layout plan I am building.

Well, on my next trip home, (I work away in NSW, but live in S Australia) so only get home every second weekend, I was able to get started on the bench work for the layout.

I have attached some photos for you to look at and share if you choose.

The access gate idea was from one of your contributors but modified to suit my needs. I have to allow for wheel chair access as my brother in law is confined to one.

Unfortunately, I will have to change my focus while at home for a while as it is only fair that I spend some time with my partner, and achieve some progress on house reno’s.

I enjoy getting the tips etc that you send through, so keep them coming.

Thanks

Rick
South Australia.”

And now on to Alan who has also made a start:

“Dear Alastair i am not a big train modeller but every 5 or 6 years i seem to get the bug, so I decided to start a fresh project hope you find it of some interest.

regards

Alan”

Now on to Ron. He made a start on a model train layout a while ago… look at his N scale now:

“Hi Al,

My name is Ron, from manchester.

First of all i would like to thank you for al the hard work you must put in to keep us up to date with all the latest, etc, some really great layouts and tips from your subscribers, well done.

I hope you like my modest little n scale layout, this is my first attempt, all the buildings etc are card kits as you will probably know, i am a pensioner so got to keep the cost down lol, the location is of nowhere in particular, i just made it up as i went along, most of the other constructions are made from cornflake boxes.

It’s not finished yet, a bit of weathering and a few more vehicles, but the main thing is i have really enjoyed it , after all that’s what this or any hobby is all about.

anyway Al thanks once again , and keep em coming.

Ron”

A big thanks to Ron, Rick and Alan.

All of them have one thing in common: they made a start!

It’s always good to gaze at a finished layout, I enjoy them as much as the next man, but they don’t happen unless you roll your sleeve up and get going.

And talking of which, if you want to start your own masterpiece,the Beginner’s Guide is here.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

Best

Al

PS Some of you seemed to have missed out on Steve’s HO scale retirement project the other day (I have no idea why).

If that was you, here it is again.

PPS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

Tony’s been in touch. He’s used HO model trains cars, and a bit of imagination for a very fun layout:

“Hi Alastair,

The task was how to integrate my love of model railways and the grand kids desire to race their model cars around a race track.

Main board is 8’x4’ then extended across window into goods yard and made a loop back to main side.

Please see finished project which has us all happy now!

Love your posts and ideas from members!

Kind regards

Tony from Stockport”

A big thanks to Tony for his HO model train cars fun! It’s easy to see why the grands kids love it.

Tony’s also reminded me of Sheldon’s layout – I think the helicopter reminds me of his bi-plane pic.

For me, I like Tony’s (and Sheldon’s) layouts so much because of a very simple point – both layouts have a theme. And for me, that makes the difference.

Readers of the blog will know I’m always banging on about two things:

1) Make a start

2) Have a theme in mind from day one.

It’s the layouts with a theme that always stand out…

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today’s the day you start your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

Cary has sent in this missive of his O scale model railroad after being reminded of George’s O scale, and how fun they are with the little people.

(And there’s Mike’s 11×27 too!)

“Hello Al,

I’ve been following your site for several years and never sent you anything to post.

Just watched a video on your site today of George’s very nice layout for his grand kids.

I got back to the model railroad hobby about six years ago after an almost 30 year pause ( except a Lego layout with trains I worked on for around 10 years ago ).

I started back in the hobby by purchasing a DCC locomotive and some Kato track set up on a small shelf board just switching track, no scenery, buildings, ect.

I was hooked, that evolved to a 4ft X 19ft single line HO layout.

After a couple years I decided to build an O scale for the kids.

George’s post prompted me to send you this 4ft X 8ft O scale layout for the great grand kids.

Later I’ll send a short video of the kids playing and running the trains.

Thanks for all you do to encourage the model railroading hobby.

Cary, New Market Maryland”

“Hi Al,

I have enjoyed seeing others layouts from your emails for years. I have just complete my two level O-scale layout taking about 3 years on and off.

My layout is not a single place and time but more so a collection of memories or places/buildings I really liked.

Over the past three 3 years I have acquired road names engines and rolling stock the ran through Saint Louis, Missouri USA.

Thanks,

Jim”

A big thanks to Cary for sharing his O scale model railroad, and to Jim too.

It just goes to show (again!) model trains and family stuff go hand in hand.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And don’t forget the Beginner’s Guide is here if you wan to get going on your very own layout.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.