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Fold away model train layout – Peter’s

Peter’s been in touch with his fold away model train layout:

“Hi Al,

It is a great pleasure to reply to you: one ‘young” old man to another. (Going into my 70th year!)

I thoroughly enjoy all of your mail and find it most useful and educational.

I returned to model railways about six years ago when grandchildren started to arrive – eight at the present.

The theme was/is ‘Thomas’ designed on a folding track board for table-top use, but also easy storage.

I did enjoy the wiring. A few photos attached for interest.

Now that I have moved house, my next plan is to build a table 10’6″ x 4′. (Or 12’6″ if I am allowed!!)

Table top planks in three sections will be removable with folding-down aprons to reveal the train track etc.

You’re right: now I have a large ‘hall’ space so the set does not have to be continually moved – just covered for “table uses”.

Building of the table should start shortly.

Enough of me. Thank you again for all your support. I am most grateful.

Kind regards,

Peter”

Loved Peter’s wiring. I imagine there was a fair bit of head scratching going on there. A big thanks for sharing his fold away model train layout.

It reminded me of this: portable model train tables.

And if you looked at it and wondered what was going on, take the plunge with this and get up to speed.

Don’t forget the ebay cheat sheet – some cracking stuff about at this time of year.
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

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

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

N scale model transformers for sub stations

Kim’s been back in touch with his N scale model transformers for sub stations.

A few of you got in touch and asked how Kim made his insulators.

He’s been kind enough to send in this:

“Hi Al. I was asked to show how I made the insulators:

I took the left over plastic from a model. Clean up the pieces so you end up with a plastic stick.

Depends on the model, but you can get a few sizes from the left overs.

The first pic is a copper insulator. I didn’t like so I changed them out to these.

The second pic is a plastic stick that has been cleaned up.

To start, I picked the size of insulator I wanted and sanded down the stick to the size.

Then I snipped the end even and flat.

Then I took a block of wood and a piece of fine sand paper wrapped around it and at an angle sanded it down to what you see in the second picture.

The end maybe a little pointy so I would snip off with a knife like you see.

Then when happy with it, I cut it off slightly below the sand line.

The third picture is a few sizes I did.

I then picked the first size and instant glued it to a piece of paper.

Then I picked the next one and put a tiny, tiny drop of glue – don’t want it running all over the place.

With this tiny tiny drop, stack them up on top of each other.

The paper is so thin it will be easy to remove and your model wont be jammed stuck on a hard surface that you have to pry loose.

Take your time doing them. I rushed too much doing mine and ended up with saggy insulators.

I have 18 pole’s to do and the rest will be better.

Kim”

A huge thank you to Kim for sharing his N scale model transformers for sub stations.

Kim really is not afraid to have a go at scratch building anything.

And I think his insulators look great.

I really must dig out more of his stuff.

Anyhow, if you fancy a go at scratch building or just laying track, don’t forget to have a look-see at this guide. It’ll make sure you side step all the usual pitfalls…

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

Best

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

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

Z scale trains – Bret’s

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”