Model railroad layouts plans

Rob’s added to the HO scale wooden bridges on the blog:

“Al,

Had an idea to build a logging bridge to transition over a small hill in the corner of my layout.

Gather and picked through maple tree sticks that had fallen in the yard based on girth and straightness.

Measured the transition and cut the logs to scale, skinned the bark, sanded flat the logs for the roadbed, experimented with the cross members and started hot gluing them together.

Gave it a couple wash coats of earthy colors and set it in place.

Rob”

A big thanks to Ron – it reminded me of Ned’s post:

Model railroad wooden bridges.

“I’ve seen lots of model railroads videos where flats were leaning or tilted against walls! My solution is simple – Velcro!

A one or two inch strip is all it takes.

I also use it for the skirting around the layout as well on any structure that I want to anchor now and perhaps move later!

Milton”

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And now Hall of Fame member, Arnie, replies to your questions from his stunning last post:

“Hi Al — Thanks for giving me the opportunity to respond to the many comments received on my video (“RAILROAD HERITAGE WEEK…”).

First, thanks to all the viewers for their continued positive and highly supportive feedback.

And I do also appreciate the constructive criticism that some offered as well: For example, some viewers noted that the pavement marking (STOP) at the grade crossing is facing the wrong way for any oncoming right lane traffic.

I had intended the STOP as a warning for being in the wrong lane for traffic entering that lane from the camera side of the crossing. But I will simply paint over the STOP to avoid confusion; thanks.

A couple of replies noted that the train stopped at the Susquehanna Station with the loco still adjacent to the platform leaving trailing passenger cars beyond the platform.

You’re absolutely correct! This was shot at the edge of the layout with the camera viewing angle having very limited positioning and viewing.

So I was taking creative liberty to shoot this in a way that would allow a view of the station and the platform with its passengers and train personnel rather than just a view of the train. But I thank you all for your attention to detail.

Some viewers wanted to know about the locomotives’ sound decoders.

The locos are by Broadway Limited Imports and use the company’s exclusive sound decoders which include things like station announcements and radio chatter and communications of various sorts. I do not believe the decoders are sold separately.

Lastly, I always am particularly interested in and moved by comments from viewers reflecting how the video(s) bring back fond memories of personal experiences of locations, trains, etc.

Glad that you all enjoyed the ride! —

Arnie”

And lastly I’ve managed to finally get the house bundle on the store.

(I’ll keep adding the other buildings as soon as I can.)

A huge thanks to Rob for adding to the HO scale wooden bridges, and to Milton and Arnie.

Please do keep ’em coming.

If they’ve got you feeling inspired – don’t forget the Beginner’s Guide to get you off the starting blocks.

Thanks all this time folks.

Best

Al.

PS ebay cheat sheet still going strong (updated everyday too).

Tom’s been having fun with some OO scale model trains – but now he wants to build more than the ‘knock up’ layout he’s shared:

“Hi Alistair,

I have been a sailor most of my adult life, but now, at 77 with failing health, I have to find a new hobby.

Some 35 years ago I built my first model railway on an 8×4 plywood base.

It was a double O, essentially 2 ovals with extensions on 3 levels, but getting to the top Alpine village never seemed to work well.

Now I plan to start as a beginner, and for the last 3 months have converted our old concrete Marley garage.

The walls are now lined and insulated, we have a new flat and insulated roof with 2 skylights in place of the old leaking asbestos corrugated roof, and a new double glazed UPVC door.

The size is now only 14×7 feet.

Now my question is this.

Where can I find a 3 level 00 plan that would fit my space, or could be modified to fit into the space?

If such a thing is not available, then can you give any advice to an old boy on how to go about designing one?

For your interest, I have attached pictures of my first pathetic effort. They are 35 or so years old.

I want to start again as a beginner.

35 years ago I was a young man full of energy and vigour, with skills learned from my father but skills that haven’t been used in decades.

So I’m looking for help in designing a new layout, using correct geometry, rather than the “knock up” I made for my son then.

Over time, I have learned that we forget most of what we once may have known, especially if we don’t use those skills, be it speaking another language, sharpening a wood saw or OO scale model trains!

Warmest regards,

Tom”

Now on to another Tom:

“I found a great way to keep the truck screws from comming loose.

Take a toothpick and put a very small dab of rubber cement on the threads of the bolster…making sure not to get any on the face of the bolster where the truck makes contact.

Tighten the screw appropriately. The screw will not come loose…but yet stays soft anought the the schre can be removed without any problems.

Rob”

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“When coloring plaster rock or retaining wall castings with diute washes of acrylic paint, you can sprinkle on fine ground foam (greens and yellows) to simulate growth of lichens, moss or tiny plants. No additional adhesive is needed. Works well with OO scale model trains.

Thanks,

Dan”

“I use extra stick craft glue-the stuff in the brown containers.

Just spread it down, use a putty knife to make an even cover on the roadbed.

Place track on top, anchor with a few track nails that can be pulled once the glue has dried.

Al N.”

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“I do a lot of kit bashing and detailing, I especially enjoy taking an Athearn blue box car or locomotive (or something similar) and making it into a quality model.

This is not an earthshaking revelation, but I find 91% alcohol usually works well for stripping most paint. Just soak the body shell, scrub with a tooth brush and then scrub with soap and water.

Sometimes I have let it soak for several days, but it usually works. The alcohol can be bought at CVS or Walgreens at a reasonable price.

Jack”

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That’s all this time folks. I do love all your tips – and let’s not forget that’s how the site started so please do keep ’em coming.

In fact, I thought it would be fun to publish one of the first ever posts from all those years ago. So here you are:

Eric shows us how to weather your trains.

A big thanks to Tom for sharing his oo scale model trains, and to the others too.

And don’t forget the Beginner’s Guide. Not only is it a great read, all the Hall of Fame members have helped out with it too, so it’s full of good stuff.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

Got this in from Hall of Fame member, Arnie. He’s added to the N scale model rairoad videos on the blog:

As usual, it’s stunning. I loved it.

Have a look at the comments below!

“Hi Al,

This is my follow-up to the recent Introductory video (CROSSROADS OF RAILROADS) you cordially posted about the fictional celebration of American Railroad Heritage Week in the Susquehanna Valley of my N scale layout.

As you may recall, the readers/viewers felt I should continue with my proposed plan for a short series on the subject.

So, this is entitled, “Railroad Heritage Week: Chapter 2, Day 2.”

The focus in this chapter is the arrival of a special charter, diesel passenger train that will carry executive members of the local Railroad Historical Society and other VIPs from the nearby townships and counties.

The diesels are DCC and sound equippred. So all the engine sounds and station announcements are actually from the onboard decoders.

The final scene has a special feature I added: two very small embedded video clips of a band playing the “Thunderer March” as the VIP train enters the station proclaiming the official opening of the week’s celebration.

I point this out because it may be difficult to notice the band in motion within the larger panoramic scene.

The video of the band is an actual video of the U.S. President’s own Marine Corp. marching band.

Thanks Al.

I hope you and everyone enjoys the video.

Arnie

P.S.: I’ve started to work on the next chapter. When done, I will pass it on to you if there’s still interest expressed.”

N scale model rairoad videos – Arnie’s:

Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

Well what can I say about Arnie’s video? Very little, you’re probably already thinking it. So please, please leave a comment below.

I’m so glad he’s added to the N scale model rairoad videos on the blog. It’s a real stunner.

And if Arnie’s inspired you, don’t forget the Beginner’s Guide. We all had to start somewhere – even Arnie!

(Arnie and all the Hall of Fame members helped with the Beginner’s Guide.)

Best

Al