Model railroad layouts plans

John’s been in touch with something he needs help on: Model train layouts for small spaces.

Thanks to you lovely lot, there are some very helpful comments below already.

I was in two minds whether to post John’s mail. There’s not a lot of detail – he just sent in a very short mail, and a few pics.

But when I pieced the pics together in my head, I saw the problem: John’s run out of space.

My first thought was that a little planning would have gone a long way. But then I thought, hang on, this chap’s rolled his sleeves up and made a start, which is what it’s all about.

What’s more, who hasn’t run out of space at some point?

So who can help John? Please do post a comment below.

“I am hoping for some guidance on what to do next. I have zero space for expansion.

Any recommendations will be well received

Thank you,

John M”

Now on to Dave:

“Hi Al,

bit of a anything goes video showing some of my Steam Loco collection, and of course could not resist showing 1 of my Deltic blasting out that deltic sound…well just could not resist…

Just like to say could not believe the viewings from last weeks video , shot up to just over 10,000 in just 1 week , thank you for posting Al ..

Regards

Dave”

Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

A big thanks to Dave for sharing his issue of Model train layouts for small spaces. Please do leave a reply below if you can help.

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.

Bill’s been back in touch with some very clever HO scale modular layout plans.

He’s made his second module reverable – so you can attach it to either end of the first module.

As he says in the video, this means he has lot of options when it comes to having some operation fun.

It’s been wonderful to see him create his layout.

If you missed his last post, it’s here.

“Hi Al

Sharing a video update of how the second section of my 4×16 modular layout is coming.

Shows the track plan on the new piece and how it will tie into the existing one.

I also had some fun with the track plan that you can see in the video. All in all I’ll have quite a bit of fun.

Best

Bill in Virginia”

Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

A big thanks to Bill for sharing his very clever HO scale modular layout plans. It reminded me of Ken’s HO:

HO scale layout plans.

And next a question from Terry:

“Hi Al–thanks for all the time you spend letting the rest of us know what’s new, improved, or sometimes just “amazing”.

I have a question for the group:

I’m modeling ho with old fashioned DC power. The majority of you videos you post show more than one train running at the same time. I’m assuming they are probably being powered off the same power pack but can’t figure out how they get enough power to run.

My Tyco power pack has an output of 18v DC. On my layout if I try to run more than a single engine it just doesn’t have enough “juice” to do it.

So what type & brand of DC power packs do modelers use to produce enough electricity to run more than one engine at the same time?

Thanks

Terry

Idaho USA”

That’s all for today folks. Who can help Terry?

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.

Richard’s been in touch – he’s added to the collection of 4×6 N scale layouts:

“I am 77 years of age and at the age of 32 I started a small N-scale layout on a 6 foot by 3 foot wooden frame covered with 3/16 inch plywood.

This was then covered with layers of various thicknesses of foam home insulation. Not having much space, I suspended the layout with a system of 1⁄4 inch Dacron rope and pulleys from the overhead floor joists in my utility room so it could be hoisted up to the floor joists when not in use.

This being my very first attempt at a layout it was a project full of mistakes. My children were the driving force in this project until they lost interest after several years. This along with a
move to a new home with all the new home projects led me to sell the layout to a friend.

Upon my retirement in 1997 I moved once again to a waterfront home in need of a fair amount of TLC. Years passed by quickly and I had to give up my hobby of sailing due to health issues and at 76 years of age I decided to try my hand at another N-scale layout.

So in Sept I purchased several locomotives and a lot of 25 freight cars along with some track and turnouts on ebay. Now living in a 3 bedroom apartment, I turned one of the smaller bedrooms into my train room and started building my layout table.

With the four foot by six foot frame and plywood assembled I began placing several versions of my track plan on the table.

Base layer of foam glued to plywood base and track plan being finalized in the flat.

Working out track elevations took some trial and error with various locomotives.

Many of your card stock structures on the layout came from your site.

Church and cemetary.

Layout with backdrop installed.

Mountain View Station with Merchants Row in background.

Control Panel and Track Plan

Richard”

A huge thanks to Richard for adding to the 4×6 n scale layouts collection – really enjoyed his narrative and I think he’s done a splendid job on his layout.

It’s good to see the church on his layout, it doesn’t make it on to many.

Thought the houses looked great too.

Also, Richard’s layout made me think of Jim’s: 4×6 N scale layout.

Now on to Paul.

He’s been back in touch after a few comments on his last post:

“Hi Al, I received a comment from one modeler but more importantly from my wife and daughter that I should put the Mobius on the front of the train. So this is what it looks like. The view of the scenery is better.

By the way I put the cattle in the barn for now so no more MOOING.

Paul”

Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

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 N scale layouts here if that’s your thing.