Model railroad layouts plans

Bret’s been in touch with his Z scale trains – have a look at what he’s done, clever stuff:

“Hi Al

I am a model railroader from Chandler, Arizona, USA.

I make 2’x3’ frames with bottoms and removable hi density foam inserts.

I time everything done during construction. The ranch layout took 15 ½ hrs. to complete. That’s including the frame.

The village took 17 hrs. As you can see they are easy to carry around. I make my own control boxes and everything is glued down.

My next project is to use a ping pong table that folds up to save room.

I’ll use flex track pieces to connect the 2 halves after setting up the table. Should be able to get 2 or 3 cities and a lot of scenery on that setup…

It is wonder full to see all the different stuff people are doing on your web site… keep it coming… hope you enjoy my Z scale trains

THX Bret”

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And now Dangerous Dave has been in touch again. And at first, I thought he’d been on the sherry again:

Well, it’s all about having fun isn’t it? Otherwise, what’s the point? If only I’d posted it before the weekend…

A big thanks to Dave and Brett for sharing his Z scale trains.

There are quite a few Z scales on the blog now – here are just some of them:

Z scale

Z scale train layouts

Z scale layout

And don’t forget, if it’s fun you want with your layout – rather than pulling out your hair – this guide will sort you out.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming, because it’s getting a bit thin on the ground this end.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

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

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“Al:

I have already used Martin’s PDF to make a railway tunnel.

Here is the result of my effort, just finished yesterday.

Regards,

David”

(Martin’s tunnel ‘how to’ is here).

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And lastly, who remember’s Eric’s layout?

Eric has been kind enough to send in this follow up:

“Hello Al

I thought after the amazing reactions that came from showing my layout that some might like to see a bit of the construction side as I rebuilt the layout, it might hopefully help some find a way round obstacles.

Picture 1 The helix

I had to expand the side shelf as I needed 29 inches for the helix to fit it in as it uses third and fourth radius Peco track, the Sundeala board shaped to take over from the helix swings the track 90 degrees to go over the much lower track the helix itself has had a seven passenger coach Deltic climb it with ease and even the lower sharper curves don’t cause any problems. The helix was purchased from modelrailwaysolutions.co.uk and they do them for OO or N gauge.

Picture 2.

This shows the overall track layout round the solid wall I have to contend with but it does give you plenty of time to adjust things before you run engines on it but I always try get at least one bit of track wired to test it first. The underlay I got from Gaugemaster for the exposed parts is ready gravelled so all you need is the same colour ballast to fill in the gaps between tracks.

Picture 3.

This shows the top board over the helix, note all the markings and the buildings so again you can figure out the best ways of designing it, the building site is fixed as I have side and top access here. I usually mark where the building will stand and then I can work without the buildings in the way. ( Note the helix below).

Picture 4

This is as the top board takes shape, on the farm itself, note the planned lines don’t always help and have to be adjusted to suit. In this pic the farm takes shape.

Picture 5

Shows the join between the scenery and the top board and how I used a hillock to hide the joins. You can’t hide them all but you can hide a lot

Thanks to everyone who has contributed. If you’ve got a any pics or tips you’d like to share, just email them in to me (just hit reply to any of my mails).

And if today’s missive has got you itching to make a start, side step all the usual mistakes with this guide.

That’s all this time folks. Please do keep ’em coming.

Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

Best

Al

Larry’s been in touch – he’s been busy modeling the Pennsylvania railroad with New York!

“This is the 4th generation Abingdon & Crane Railroad which I started about 20 years ago when the kids wouldn’t clean up their toy room. It became my toy room!

The A&C is a girder and homosote based layout with plaster, paper towel and window screen landscaping and is always under construction. It is very analog and primitive, but derailments are almost 100% operator error.

The layout is quite tongue-in-cheek, very American and very thematic, representing in no particular era, two small towns connected by the railroad, Crane, New York and Abingdon, Pennsylvania.

The railroads motto is “Best li’l road in two states”. These photos show the New York State side of the railroad.

The Abingdon & Crane Railroad

Larry,
Holland, NY, USA, Proprietor”

Larry’s pics reminded me a little of Marks: Lionel Pennsylvania flyer.

Next up is another video from Alan (his last one is here).

It really does show off his layout:

Thanks to Alan and to Larry for shwoing us how he’s modeling the Pennsylvania railroad. I do love a layout with a theme.

I know I’ve said it before – and I’ll keep on saying it too – over the years I’ve noticed the layouts that start with a theme always seem to shine.

Having an era, location or whatever for your layout really does pull it all together.

A really good example of this is John’s layout. It’s a small N scale, with a simple track plan, but it really packs a punch because of the theme. Have a look and see for yourself:

Model train theme.

That said though, you don’t need a theme for your layout, if you’re having fun, you’re doing right.

And if you haven’t taken the plunge yet, don’t sit on the side lines any longer:

Get a track plan, get the guide, and get building. Any model railroader will tell you, getting started is more than half the battle.

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.