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Harry Potter model train

Mike’s been in touch with his Harry Potter model train layout.

It’s another fine example of your layout can be whatever you want it to be:

“Hello Al,

Been inspired by your emails to build a train layout inspired by my grandkids’ interest in Harry Potter.

We acquired the train while on vacation in Orlando, FL while visiting Universal Studios Harry Potter exhibit.

I’ve spent the last three months putting this together only to realize a 10 foot by 14 foot room is just too small.

Will be reassembling and expanding into a 17 foot by 17 foot space in the basement. Wish me luck.

Kind regards,

Mike Bifulco
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA”

Now on to Rob.

“Hi Al,

My latest video seems to be generating considerable interest.

I thought your readers might enjoy a little frivolity on a model train layout, or what I consider good old fashioned fun.

I did a series on how I built the road these vehicles follow a few months back and if enough would be interested, I can send that link too.

But this one is about running my Faller vehicle and how I added headlights and tail lights to it. It was quite a trick. If I was an electronics whiz it would all be easier, but alas I am not. I am a mechanical guy.

Rob McCrain – Farland Howe”

Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

A huge thanks to Michael and Rob.

I can’t wait to see Michael’s Harry Potter model train update – he’s got off to a smashing start.

And Rob has hit the nail on the head – his video really is good old fashioned fun.

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

And don’t forget the Beginner’s Guide is here if today is the day you take your first step to making your very own layout.

Best

Ben’s train diorama

“Hi Al!

I had an old crusty locomotive and I didn’t know what to do with it. So I came up with an idea for a train diorama.

I weathered it a little although nature already did some of its own.

I bought the base at a hobby store. I printed out scenery for the background.

Thought I would share it with you and your subscribers. I call it “The End of the Line”. The title made sense since it’s an abandoned locomotive.

I really enjoy your emails!

Ben from Southern California”

“Hi Al,

Just posted my latest video showing the outcome from asking suggestions from members re putting new platform buildings on to my layout which fit and not causing obstruction to the trains, like to thank all for so many suggestions.

I think this is the best outcome as now there is room both sides of the buildings for passengers and the canopies do not obstruct the trains.

I also added a book /paper stall which also fits in well …Thanks again for all those suggestions that came in

Dangerous Dave”

Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

A huge thanks to Dave.

But an even bigger thanks to Ben – I absolutley love what he’s done. A fantastic idea, and I’m guessing he had a fun time making it too.

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 stop dreaming and start doing.

Best

PS You can make an old man very happy by liking my facebook page, it’s here

N scale pine trees

kaustav has been back in touch with his ‘how to’ on N scale pine trees.

“I liked it when you mentioned that I am ‘kitbashing’ trees when I sent my methods of using Woodland Scenics armature and seafoam to build miniature trees.

However, as my experiment with making highly detailed trees is continuing, I thought I’d share a method to scratchbuild pine trees using very commonly available materials – a few dry twigs, some asparagus fern and a bit of static grass – that’s all that you need to make these awesome trees.

Coming to tools, you just need a cutter, some fine drill bits, a rotary tool (hand vice will also work, but it will just take awful amount of time), some paint and a static grass applicator.

Again, these are made in N Scale for Wrightsville Port, but the method can be used for anything from Z to G – all you need is to select right size of twigs and branches and appropriate length of static grass.

And just like my last set of trees, you don’t use these everywhere – foreground scenes or dioramas will do justice to all the effort that you put in. But yes, a few of these in a well choreographed scene will definitely make it look real. Hope you like it.

Cheers!

Kaustav”