Model railroad layouts plans

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”

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“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”

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“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.

Lucian has been back in touch, this time with his n scale trestle bridge plans:

“…For now I’m sending bridge photo that I have made from phone cards glue together. In a picture you can see a part of the chip card which is still built into bridge structure.

Lucian”

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“I can relate to your concept of being selective and taking your time. Some people like to be fast and get up and running and add a little bit here and there while others work at it a bit at a time, but consistently.

All good ways to go at it, but when you have limited funds, time and space, the slower approach can provide more involvement, greater development and hopefully more “fun time” for the hobbyist.

Frank”

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“Edison said something to the effect that invention is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration. Model railroading fits this nicely. I have experienced many shortcomings and so I have developed some simple rules to be guided by:

#1, Buy one manufacturer, I use only KATO tracks, switches, locomotives and rolling stock, quality makes a difference.

#2, I dry run every “planned” layout section before adding anything in terms of scenery, buildings, etc.

#3, Every building, track path, road, path, shrub, tree is removable. I often change my mind and “adjust” things. I glue down very little, so changing a curve, switch or hillside can be picked up and moved or modified without major surgery.

#4, I use ANY Rail software to plan the addition in detail down to the sections of track by model number. It is a pain but time spent upfront saves hours of frustration later. Still things don’t always work as expected but cutting down the variables enables me to solve more issues quickly and have time to run the trains, Why i do this to begin with.

Happy Railroading and thank you.

John H.”

I had to do a double take when I first read Lucian’s mail. A bridge, made from phone cards? Wow! Stunning stuff.

A big thanks to him for sharing his N scale trestle bridge plans.

But do you know what? Tomorrow’s installment from Lucian is nothing short of genius. And he’s documented is so well with lots of pics. It’s scratch building at its finest.

Until then, here’s the latest ebay cheat sheet.

Keep ’em coming, folks.

Best

Al