Model railroad layouts plans

Paul’s been in touch with a DC to DCC conversion:

“Hi Al another project completed so I thought I would send some photos and a short video.

I bought the Doodlebug on Ebay and thought I would convert it from DC to DCC.

The accompanying photos show what the Bug’s electricals looked like before the conversion and during the process.

I also converted the headlight over to an LED which also required the addition of a 1000 ohm resistor. I added a stick-on strip of 6 LED lights on the ceiling of the interior cabin to allow the passengers to read at night.

So far no one has complained that the light is too bright. I guess the ones that want to sleep might, but so far I haven’t heard a peep from them.

The decoder I used allows you to choose different horns and bells so I picked the bell that sounds like a trolley since the Bug looks like one.

The speaker is the sugarcube type 11X15 mm.

Hope you enjoy the photos and video.

The colors in the video didn’t come out as vivid as I had hoped using my phone.

Paul”

I know Paul’s camera is a bit shaky, but thought it worth showing the video too:

Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

You can see Paul’s last post here.

And now on to Gary. You’ll remember him from this post. He sent this in, and I rather liked it, so here it is:

“Hi Al……. I came across this and would like to share it with you and the other model railroaders.

Gary”

That’s all for today folks. A big thanks to Paul fo sharing his DC to DCC conversion, and to Gary too.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And don’t forget the Beginner’s Guide is here, if you want to stop dreaming, and start doing.

Best

Al

Frank’s been in touch with an excellent idea for where to donate model trains:

“Hi Al,

I am retired from the heavy highway construction business and we performed asphalt and concrete work for states and the government.

The layout was modeled after small but upscale village in Plainville Connecticut where the concrete plant was located, and the quarry was also there.

We have since moved to Florida full time.

I since have elected to build small layouts and donate same to children’s hospitals. They will illustrate the North Pole , winter, and Christmas.

Before we moved, most of the layout was dismantled and donated to the Torrington Connecticut Model Railroad club youth program.

Can’t wait to see what these creative young modelers come up with.

Love your emails and tips of the trade.

I guess at 78 year’s old ,i am just a guy with a schoolboy heart.

Be well,

Regards,

Frank.”

A big thanks to Frank – and what a wonderful thing to do with his layouts – I’m sure they are very much appreciated by the kids in hospital.

So if you ever find yourself wondering where you should donate model trains, now you know!

Also, don’t lose site of the fact that for most of us, it’s memories of playing with trains as kids that keep us all interested.

We may not think about them for a few decades or so, but the magic never leaves.

So who knows, a layout donation could be planting the seed for the next generation of model train enthusiasts.

What’s more, I’m sure it’ll make you feel good about yourself for quite a while.

That’s all for today folks, please do keep ’em coming.

And don’t forget, the Beginner’s Guide is here if you want to take your first step towards your own layout.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.

George has been in touch with his Old West model trains:

He’s a man of few words, but his pics made me smile:

“My 1st humble attempt at a HO layout…all scratch buildings.

George’s layout reminded me of Mike’s Wild West model train layout.

It’s another example of how important it is to choose a theme for your layout before you get busy.

I know I keep saying it, but the layouts which have a clear theme from day one, are always the ones that turn out the best, by a country mile.

For me this hobby is all about picking a theme and making a start – that’s it!

It doesn’t matter how much you mull over and ponder your layout, unless you roll sleeves up and get going, nothing happens…

A big thanks to George for sharing his Old West model trains.

Whenever I see a wild west layout I always think of the Saloon in the printable scenery, which is at the bottom of this post.

If you’re not familiar with the printable scenery, you can view some of it here, and more of it here.

One day I’ll get round to putting them all in the same place. It’s been on my to-do list for a year or two now.

That’s all for today folks, please do keep ’em coming.

And if all these posts have got you itching to start your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Don’t forget the latest ebay cheat sheet is here. Still updated daily.