Model railroad layouts plans

Sheldon’s been in touch – he’s shared a vid of his kato F3 engines n scale running on his layout:

“Hi Al,

I have been working on the layout for about eleven years. I only run Kato engines and Micro Trains rolling stock. No particular community or railroad. If I like the look of the equipment it gets added. Seeing the trains running is my enjoyment.

In the beginning, I had only DC. Added DCC three years ago. After cleaning up the wiring from all the blocks etc. I had to get rid of some one hundred feet of used wire.

When our local club has a open house I can run three trains at a time.

I also run two HO trains around the perimeter of the room, above the layout. One of these trains leaves the room at one end and comes back a little later at the other end. The kids love this.

A favorite car is a box car that has a camera mounted. Battery pack is in the car. Picture is very good. Better battery life would be great. LED’s are new to me but I’m learning. I have always said that if I understood electricity I would be dangerous…

Sheldon”

Latest ebay cheat is here.

A big thanks to Sheldon for sharing his Kato F3 engines n scale layout – I do love seeing the personal touches folk add to their layouts: Sheldon’s planes made me smile.

It also reminded me of Arnie’s layout too: N scale train sets.

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

Need buildings for your layout? Have a look at the Silly Discount bundle.

Dangerous Dave has been in touch again. This time he’s been kind enough to record a short video to answer the questions on his last post.

I don’t know where Dave finds the time, but I’m glad he does.

Thanks for all the comments on John’s ‘how to’ video – if you missed it, it’s here. His tricks and tips really do transform any building on a layout.

And don’t forget, come tomorrow, the latest engine shed will be full price, so if you fancy having a bash at it, now’s the time to act.

That’s all this time folks – truth be told, I’ve done well to get this post out. Some days there just isn’t enough time… which is also why the Beginner’s Guide is a sound investment.

Latest ebay cheat is here.

Please do keep ’em coming.

Best

Al

“Saw the post about pulling power…

Alluding to I think of length of passenger train.

I know this is out of character for this blog but I must share in defense of Dangerous Dave.

In summer 1967 I took my first train ride from Missoula Montana to St Louis Missouri (sort of).

While coming into the Twin Cities (Minneapolis / St Paul) I was hearing rumblings of an engineers strike. (Guess it would be the first one in the nation ever) I had no idea what that meant, being 20 years old. Heard lots of rumors. Wondering.

Got into the TC Train yard. Lots of trains sitting. Going no where. As was ours. Sitting. Several Hours.

After about 4-6 hours we started moving. Guess they were short of manpower (due to strike) so they connected us to another 2 other Passenger trains. Finally we left for Chicago.

I think the train was now about 25-30 cars long. Sometimes traveling along the Mississippi through Wisconsin
we could see our train from our train several times through the curves. We stopped at each station along the way about 3 times.

Slow Going. But finally made it — to — Chicago!

The Chicago station was — strange — deserted — hardly Anyone there. Empty. Was told the train was not going anywhere. This was it! You are on your Own. 1600 miles from home. Still not at my destination. I got the final taxi out of Union. My first taxi ride. Went to the airport. Got a plane ticket to St Louis. My first airplane ride.
Funny thing is – I do not recall my return trip 3 weeks later! It must have been boring!

So long passenger trains may not be the norm – but has occurred at least once!

Elbert”

A big thanks to Fred and Elbert (I think Dave was just playing around with his pulling power video).

And now on to something that I hope you’ll all find very helpful.

Some time ago, my boy wonder made some engine sheds. A lot of folk asked how they looked so ‘3d’ when they are just print outs.

Fortunately, my good friend John has come to the rescue. He’s made a very detailed ‘how to’ video on the engine sheds. He’s a genius when it comes to doing stuff like this.

It’s very satisfying to see all the print out scenery appear in your layouts. Please do let me know your comments and thoughts on them below.

And if you want to try your hand at the engine shed, the engine shed bundle deal for just $9 is here.

That’s all this time folks. Please do keep ’em coming. And if you want to roll your sleeves up and get started, the Beginer’s Guide is here.

Best

Al