Cal’s been in touch again with how to build a small train layout.
He’s also kindly answered some questions on his last post too.
“Hi everyone.
Thank you for the generous comments.
I am still working on the Disneyland station.
I cannot find a “real” model of it. I just found a paper model and it’s very difficult to construct because of the small details.
I plan on entering it into our local model train show in November.
I still have lots to finish, like additional lighting, a fire scene, some landscaping and additional detailing. I have a scenic backdrop ordered for the wall behind the steel bridge to tie both mountains together.
As far as Gilligans island is concerned, I do have all the castaways represented. The nudists are sitting on a rock above the ravine on the left side of the layout.
I will post my track plan at a later date.
I started with a basic track plan and it morphed into what it is now.
My design completely changed from my original design as far as the town goes because I had planned for the town to be completely different than what you see.
It changed into that configuration when I was buying the buildings on line and I took the dimensions of the buildings I bought, made blocks out of foam and arranged how the town would sit by placing the blocks in various locations until I came up with the configuration I was happy with.
I know I filmed the entire video rather quickly as I wanted to avoid people from getting bored as there is a lot to see.
My ultimate goal is to build layouts professionally for those who want a layout but cannot build one for whatever reason. Thank you all for enjoying my little Railroad. Here is the layout when I finally layed the first loop before I started the landscaping.
Cal”
Thanks to Cal for his ‘how to build a small train layout’.
Now on to Dave:
“Al,
I just subscribed to your ebook and site. Was scanning through it, some great tips and ideas.
I am looking forward to getting back into model railroading after many decades of abandoning it for work/family, etc.
I am now teaching science at a local High School. and have a bit more time available, especially in the summer.
This past summer I built my platform from some scrap lumber in the garage, plus a sheet of plywood I had to purchase.
(Pictures attached). It is made to raise to vertical. There is a stationary shelf 10 inches wide along the hinged side (rear), and a 12 inch shelf along right (also stationary). I hope to run some sidings to store trains when raising to vertical.
Now I am looking at layout plans and ideas.
I am also wondering how I can engineer a pullout piece if and when I want to raise layout to vertical, and how I am going to fasten everything to take all that vertical stress…challenges to overcome.
Thanks for your site, and ideas. I look forward to any tips, or feedback.
Best regards,
Dave”
I thought I’d post Dave pics for three reasons:
1) Can anyone help him with his clever idea of keeping the trains on the shelf when he puts the table up?
2) It shows how a little planning can go a long way.
3) And most importantly, although there’s not a lot to see, it’s all about making a start.
And on that note, have a look at what Bill’s done, some very clever planning here:
“Alastair,
I have been on your email list for many years and find the information you distribute most interesting and many times useful to me personally.
I started modeling with Standard gauge trains at age eight (82 years ago) and just recently decided to model with N gauge. I have built a platform 102 inches long and 66 inches tapering to 56 inches wide which abuts two walls (photo 1).
I devised what I think is a novel way to be able to access all sections of the layout. The 1 inch plywood platform is mounted on four 2 x 6 beams which slide along side four parallel 2 x 4 beams attached to the base support and the walls.
The slide mechanisms are heavy duty drawer slides (photo 2). Since all these beams are mounted at a 45 degree angle to the back wall I am able to easily slide the platform 18 inches away from both walls to access the rear and left side of the layout (photo3).
Bill”
That’s all for today folks.
A big thanks to Cal for sharing his take on how to build a small train 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.
