Model railroad layouts plans

Mike’s been in touch with his model train market:

“Hi Al,

About a year ago, you published some pics and explanation on the start of my layout. A year down the line, I thought you might like an update. I hope you like it enough to publish it.

Before I get into that, though, I would like to remark on how useful your blog is.

I am about to make some rocks for a bit of the layout that I won’t later be able to get to easily – I am trying to lay the majority of the track before doing the scenery where possible – and was considering the best way to do it when I read Eddie’s recent blog about using expanding foam.

This reminded me that when I first started, some 2 years ago, I had some expanding foam & put it aside for just this purpose but had completely forgotten about it! Thanks Eddie.

So onto my layout. Considering the limited amount of time I can spend on it, I am quite happy with the progress I am making.

I have had a train running to test all the track I have laid, using a borrowed ECOS 50200 but now have my own & am starting to programme for real.

As I don’t have the time to edit the video, like some of your contributors such as Dave – I really admire his work & wish he lived nearer me – it is in its raw state but hopefully OK.

I have also attached again the track plan, as I don’t think you included it last time.

On a personal note, I am still fighting the cancer & am reasonably well at the moment, although it has spread a bit & I am having a new course of treatment. I will win!

Anyone else out there with cancer, always keep your chin up & stay positive.

Mike”

A close up of one of the stalls

The Diesel Yard with Coach Washer

Frederick St Station

The Garden Centre & Pumphouse

Track Plan

Thanks for the good work you do.

Mike”

Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

I’m only human, so I love to hear that the site is helping folk. A huge thanks to Mike for sharing his model train market. I also thought it was an inspirational narrative too, keep up the fight!

That’s all this time, folks. I leave you with the news that the Beginner’s Guide now comes with a paypal option, which some of you have been asking for.

Keep ’em coming.

Best

Al

Dangerous Dave has been in touch again with he’s model train duck under.

If he’s new to you, you can see more about him in the Hall of Fame.

“Hi Al,

Well after the video showing how i have problems getting under my layout to access the middle , and I used the mechanics trolley to get under there , I have now come up with a far better solution ..think this will appeal to a lot of the older members who have problems getting down on there knees ..this now is my answer

At least it should bring a smile to a few faces

Regards

Dave”

Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

There are quite a few post on the blog now that also use the mechanic’s creeper chair to get ‘in’ their layout, or just to get under it and do some wiring without putting thier back’s out.

This one springs to mind – and it’s a fab layout too:

Kato Unitrack HO.

And then there’s Joe’s. I remember Joe’s better than anybody elses, because he made his, with some model railroad ingenuity. I’m not joking, have a look at it, it’s brilliant:

How to wire model train for DCC.

There’s quite a few more on the blog, but you get the idea. And what’s the big takeaway of all this?

Make your benchwork too low, and you can’t get under it and working on your layout is painful. Make it too high and you can’t reach anything on it, and the little peeps can’t enjoy your beautiful layout.

A big thanks to Dave for sharing his model train duck under. He was also kind enough to go through the Beginner’s Guide too.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

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

Chris has been in touch with his HO scale 5×9 layout:

“Hello Mr. Al

Been receiving your e-mails for sometime now and have they been a help. Thank you.

Here’s my first layout since 1963 and am using the cars and most of the lock’s.

I started in Oct and is a real challenge. I fully recommend do your homework before even starting. You give some great points in this area Mr. Al.

The gauge is HO on a 5 x 9 ft. Flat 3-4 thick plywood. (Scrap.)

Almost all fixtures are hand made from photographs and a little help from the City Secretary of a small town in Aubrey, Texas.

She helped over the inner-net with the pictures and building compositions.

The rest is from around Herkermer, Kansas. (Pop. 150)..

I used Peck flex and Atlas track and switches tacking on a cork beading.

The tunnel complex is cardboard strips from old boxes, wire mess for screens and plaster of Paris.

Pictures are of the up and running phase. Still have the yard to do. Anyone with suggestions? Sure can use some advice and ideas.

Have about 37 inches by 28 inches in a try-angle shape to work in.

Thanks everyone for your blogs and comments. Took many to heart.

Blessing and happy railroading.

Chris”

Chris’s layout reminded me of Manny’s: 5×9 HO scale layout.

Now on to Dean.

his last post is here.

“Al, here’s a new video which shows the construction and installation of two industries for my Piedra Blanca and Pacific RR

–a coal and gravel dealer (built from an N Scale Architect Kit) and

–a scratch-built bulk oil dealer

I’ve included a lot of information on my scenery techniques. Because of that it’s about twice as long as I had planned, but I hope you can use it.

Dean”

Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

A big thanks to Dean and to Chris for sharing his HO scale 5×9 layout. I never get tired of seeing what appears in my inbox, and I hope you’re the same too.

The Beginner’s Guide is here if you want to join the ranks.

And that’s all today, folks. Please do keep ’em coming.

Best

Al