Tom’s been in touch with his ON30 mining layout:
“Al,
I don’t know if you would be interested or not but here are pictures of my layout.
I am now in the process of changing it from a 52″ high layout, to 4 30″x60″ modules and will be making an interface to meet up with other modules in my area of the country, basically California, USA.
This is an On30 mining layout in the early 20th Century. My new modules will be 48″ high and I will be adding a couple of operating oil wells and storage tanks.
The interface track to other modules will create a Wye if needed, but the main use for the layout will be a return loop to the rest of the modular layout.
I have never sent anything to any publication before. I do not know what to say but if you would ask, I will answer you to the best of my ability.
The last picture is my live steam train in 1.5″ scale.
It is a walking beam locomotive with a toybox caboose from the 1960s.
I made it into my caboose for the train containing the deep cycle battery, air compressor for the train brakes.
Tom”
(Click to enlarge images.)
This is a rough sketch, I am not an artist in any shape or fashion. I think everything is there as it is and will be after the modifications to the modular shape with 5 modules.
Tom”
A huge thanks to Tom. What a layout – some cracking pics. His live steam train looks fun too.
When I first saw Tom’s layout, it reminded of two posts.
One was the ‘wild west Saloon’ printable building, which is at the bottom of this post.
And the second was John’s HO scale mining layout.
Now on to something completley different, which has all come about after Fred posted a question on getting a backdrop printed out (Fred’s question is at the bottom of this post).
Turns out, it’s actually quite easy.
The consensus seems to be a 12″ by 144″ backdrop is easy to print.
Just put the file on a CD or memory stick, take it to any office stationers (Kinko / Office Max) and print it out on a smooth, self adhesive, vinyl with UV inks.
But then that got me thinking. Why are backdrops so exepensive to buy?
Could I create something – like the print out scenery – that is just as good, but cheaper?
And with some help from the Boy Wonder (well, a lot of help actually, with the technical and licensing side), I’ve come up with this: my first back drop.
Click on it to enlarge it.
The actual jpeg file is 12″ x 144″, and is a 66Mb download. The file was also created at 300dpi so it will print out great.
Even allowing for print costs, it slashes the price of a backdrop.
Anyhow, let me all know what you think.
If it’s something you’d like there a million and one that can be created.
You can grab the backdrop file, which is in a jpg format,for just $7.
As with everything on the site, it comes with a no-quibble 60 day money back guarantee. I do genuinely want you to be delighted with every product on the site.
I’ll leave it up for grabs for a few days then take it down. That why I can see whether to add it to the product range or not.
Please do let me know your thoughts in the comments box below. I’d love to hear what you think.
That’s all for today folks. I’ll finish with the latest from Hall of Fame member, Dave:
“Hi Al,
just uploaded this video, showing a couple of very useful items, the Railer is a great product for Loco’s.
I have a plastic one which is ok for non motorised stock i.e. coaches and wagons, but for the powered loco this is the answer, the railer picks up the power from the track and your Loco drives on to the track with wheels all where they should be on the tracks… also showing a buffer set with flashing light…
Regards
Dave”
Latest money saving ebay cheat sheet is here.
A big thanks to Dave and Tom.
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.
