Model train backdrop scenery

Dan’s been back in touch again – this time with some Model train backdrop scenery:

“I was working up a brief topic for a US web site I have been posting on for years. Parts of backdrops came up. As your bloggers know I do the South West and I live in the Mid-West in Indiana. I am often asked about the thunderstorm I have on my coved corner. Here is the explanation.

Model train backdrop scenery

The bank space awaiting the finishing touches. I actually waited about 6 years before attempting the storm. I was not sure how to to do it. I learned to paint trees with sponges first.

cloud referernce for Model train backdrop scenery

Model train backdrop scenery

An example of a developing anvil topped thunderstorm I took this Monday. In the Mid West, basically east of the Mississippi River we do not get to see these clouds. Out West the thunderstorms are what we call high based storms. The reasons are interesting. Basically, it is because the dew point for condensation is at a high altitude. Here in the area I live in, our storms are low based and often wrapped in rain. Yesterday was a rather rare chance to see them with the tops exposed.

cloud referernce for Model train backdrop scenery

Model train backdrop scenery

I used pieces of sponge to paint the cloud. I just dabbed on the paint adding a little grey to the white as I went.

Dan”

A big thanks to Hall of Fame, Dan for sharing his model train backdrop scenery.

You can see Dan’s last post – and more of the thunderstorm pics, at the bottom of this post: Model railroad test track.

There’s quite a few backdrop posts on the blog now – here are a few more:

Paint model train backdrop

Model train backdrops

Model railroad backdrop

Painting model railroad backdrops

N scale backdrop

Paint clouds on a model railroad backdrop

Above is just a few of them, I really need sit down and create a ‘map’ of the site one day.



Next, on to another Hall of Famer, Brian:

“Hi Alastair.

I have completed the track work on the lower level of my HOn3 layout running from the harbour round to the next section. Two out of the three sections are now connected and running as well as completing the buildings in these areas.

I used my Blackstone K-27 – a 2-8-2 locomotive as a test running on the new sections.

This coming week I will do some shunting of rolling stock to the various industries as a further test to see if the track placement works out the way that I required.

Once that is all okay then I can start with the ground cover and the rest of the scenery on these sections.

Below is a video of the test run of the locomotive and track work.

All the best and we all appreciate what you are doing for all the modelling fraternity around the world.

Brian – the HOn3 guy from Knysna RSA”

Hon3 testing track with steam loco

Hon3 testing track with steam loco

 Hon3 testing track with steam loco



A big thanks to Brian, you can see his previous post here: Model railroad test track.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day you take that first step and join in the fun, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

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





Got a model train question?

4×2 N scale layout – Eric’s

Eric’s been back in touch with the latest on his 4×2 N scale layout:

“Hello Alastair

Part three update of my N scale layout “Flying By The Seat Of My Pants ” which is DC.

We have moved on to permanent track placement and scenery.

I have used Kato #4 switches to use less space on table. This is a Thomas the Train table and the size is approximately 32″ X 48″. I think I mentioned in part 2 that it consists of 7 switches.

After completing the mountain tunnel with ground cover ,trees and water drainage from snow cap we then moved on to track fastening hole placement for switch wiring.

In picture #10 was gluing track in place and using hand weights to hold in place. Sometimes if more weight is needed can veggies work also.

The white cutout was the area I needed to figure out what I was going to do there. We’ll have to come up with something. That’s Flying By The Seat Of My Pants.

Enjoy, part 4 will be in the near future.

A Big thanks to Alastair for all the time he buts into this Blog, 🙌 I hope many of you purchased the Beginners book and some building cut outs. We need to keep Al busy by supporting this great Blog of all of our layouts and ideas.

Thanks to Everyone for Sharing.

Eric The Retired St. Louis, Missouri Area Firefighter”

4x2 N scale layout

n scale turnout

4x2 N scale layout

model railroad overhead view

4x2 n scale layout



4×2 N scale layout:

4x2 N scale layout

model train scenery

4x2 N scale layout

model train scenery

4x2 N scale layout

A huge big thanks to Eric for sharing his 4×2 N scale layout update, and for his kind words too.

You can see his previous posts here:

N scale mountain layout plans.

Simple N scale layout

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

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

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

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








HO scale layout DCC

Joe has been in touch with his HO scale layout DCC:

“This is my newest HO DCC layout. It measures 12x10x11 FT. I use a lot of balsa wood in my buildings and scenery, running 2 tracks all around with sidings.

It’s built on plywood covered with 2 inch insulation boards.

Note the 7-11 store appears to be looking inside but it’s just a pic with lights behind, all my buildings use this.

All my curves are 18 and 22 radius with lots of flex track. The roadways have 1/2 inch balsa sidewalks and roadway is wallboard joint compound in a convex shape. The trees are bush cuttings with pillow fiber sprayed with glue and fine turf grass sprinkled on.

When I bought my first DCC HO set i traded out the snap tracks since I think it looks like a toy set. I use atlas track with a bead of Elmers glue then sprinkle on fine ballast, patted down then brushed when dry.

I stride to make everything look like real life.

I’ve seen many modelers have lots of buildings but no place for cars to park. Each of my buildings has a parking lot with lines which are strips of cut printer paper.

I run two BNSF/SantaFe freights and Two Amtraks.All my trains are Bachmann.

A couple of facts i left out. There are over 200 cars and over a dozen trucks and over 200 people throughout the layout.

Here is a video and some pix. Sorry about the shaking I’m 77yrs old and using my cell phone to record it.

Joe”

 HO scale layout DCC store night time

HO scale layout DCC night time

model train car park

HO scale layout DCC store

model railroad HO scale layout DCC

model train store



model train truck

model train gas station

HO scale layout DCC

model train led lights

 model trian building LED lights

HO scale layout DCC store

ho scale park

ho scale building site

model train house

model train house

ho scale farm barn

HO scale layout DCC station



A huge big thank you to Joe for sharing his HO scale layout DCC. His video had me smiling from ear to ear.

What I liked about it best, as you can see how much fun he’s having: his layout, his rules. I loved it.

It reminded me of Jim’s: DCC layout.

And Tom’s: DCC track layout.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

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

Best

Al

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





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