Model railroad layouts plans

Eric has been in touch again with his N scale helix.

You’ll remember him from this fine layout.

Now have a look what he’s doing!

---

“Hi Al

I’m afraid Wensdale had to go while I redecorated my bedroom, but Wensdale is being slowly reborn in a new format, gone just having two tracks but now we have four, two at higher elevations and two below so I am sending some pics of New Wensdale in the raw. Ignore the old scenery on the wardrobe walls.

To enable the four tracks I have raised the N scale helix up a level so that I could run the lower two tracks below, unfortunately after trying various ideas I can’t link the higher level to the lower tracks but hopefully that won’t detract from the ability to now run four tracks together.

The engine shed and sidings on the raised level are also usable when the four tracks are running as they link to a second control unit. Note the controls on the last picture. The two controls will be the lighting controller the next six controls run the tracks.

Note that all tracks are accessible in readiness for possible problems and any scenery added will be removable for access as in my old layout. After the many comments after my old layout about getting to the layout and did I have an access hatch well now you can see the basics in all their glory 🙂

Eric”

---

A huge thank you to Eric for sharing his N scale helix. I do love seeing the work in progress stuff and reading what the plan is.

That’s all this time folks. Don’t forget the ebay cheat sheet. I find it bizarre how some days there’s not much to ponder over, and other days some absolute steals.

Anyhow, keep ’em coming.

Best

Al

PS Still mulling over the Beginners guide? Don’t be shy. It’s here..

Wayne’s been in touch with is 5×9 HO train layout:

“Hi Al,

So thoroughly enjoy your e-mails and tips from model train buffs. So much talent out there. I was inspired to re-enter the hobby after 30 odd years. I am 67 years young.

Started a new 5×9 HO layout back in January. I am nowhere near as skilled or knowledgeable as most of your contributors but even us novices can still enjoy the hobby. I wanted to share some pictures of my progress so far. I am running three trains, one Berkshire pulling passenger cars lighted with Easy-Peasy sticks, one PRR Diesel and one tiny Bachmann steam loco which will travel back and forth on the lowest level using Circuitron AR-2 reversing circuit.

The diesel runs around a full oval with electric switches to take it a different path through what will eventually be an industrial area. My trestle bridges were hand made using plastic file drawer dividers and balsa wood stock.

The scenery has all been done with Woodland Scenics products, (so easy to use), as has the waterfall and river. I also recently added the MRC Sound System with horn, whistle, bells, chuff-chuff etc which my grandkids love and even my wife is impressed. You can have a lot of fun with this hobby without getting too technical. Hope your readers enjoy. Also hope you can view the pics. I’m not too savvy with computer files.

Wayne, Pittsburgh PA.”

5×9 HO train layout:

A big thanks to Wayne for sharing his 5×9 HO train layout.

Really like Wayne is doing, he just jumped in and got going. I have no idea what but it reminds me of one of Dan’s:

HO train layout

That’s all this time, folks.

Please keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS And if you haven’t taken the plunge yet, the can still get the model railroad guide here.

Lucian’s been back in touch with some more model railroad scratch building plans.

There’s no text with this one, but the pictures speak for themselves. There are 37 of them, so if the page takes a while to load, that’s why. Worth hanging on for though.

Model railroad scratch building plans:

Model railroad scratch building plans:

A huge thank you to Lucian for sharing his scratch builds with us. He must have the patience of a saint!

Now on to Old Taz:

“I make molds Of things that I’m going to use a lot of, like automobiles, like automobiles and plastic buildings that I want to extend or use the fronts to make a bigger building.

Some of the molding material I use is flexible that makes it easier to get your project out of the mold. With a mold you can make as many as you want to. I have molds of things that I molded 10 years ago and still you’ll use them.

Old Taz”

---

“I use pop can aluminum to protect surfaces when clamping on my lathe and milling machine. Thin section of wood or card stock can be die formed using moisture and clamping or vacuum forming. Dies can be mad of hardwoods or soft metals, aluminum and a Dremel tool.

Textures add 3D enhancing the look. It also makes adding aging, dirt easier. All you need is a very soft brush and some powered colorants. Test first!Even a wire brush can add texture.

Larry”

---

“Hi Everyone: Discussing the weathering of models. I have for about 15 years used adhesive weathering powders for that purpose. It is really interesting how you can make shiny items look like they have existed for years.

They are so easy to use with old brushes and even your fingertips it’s amazing. What’s really neat is that if you don’t like the first try you can wipe it off and start over or keep some of what you did and work on the shading, etc.

I have taught my method to several model railroaders and they agree that it is easy to do. I am sure there are other methods but I was looking for the easy way out. I use Bragdon Industries powders but there many others.

What’s nice about what I use is they are somewhat adhesive and stick well to surfaces.

Regards: Ray”

If you fancy tinkering with some buildings, the printable buildings are here.

A big thanks to Lucien for sharing his model railroad scratch building plans.

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.