Model railroad layouts plans

“Al, I grew up doing model railroading with my Dad, mostly American Flyer from his childhood.

After he passed away, the stuff was packaged up and sat in boxes for more than 20 years. I started a layout two years ago and to my shock, most of the engines still ran. Most of my engines and rolling stock from my Dad and are more than 50 years old.

Anyway, I have now started to work on scenery and the coaling plant is my beginning. I also plan to have an ore mining area that should be completed soon.

Keep the emails coming. I really do enjoy them.

Gene”

“Hi Al,

I can only run trains for a limited period of time before I get bored, so I’m always looking for something else to do, such as filming or photographing it.

I also like making up cameo poses, and my latest is a tablet exchange for single line working and a lorry (truck) which has just made a delivery. The driver is seen rolling up the sheet prior to roping down the load. The rope can be seen lying on the ground.

keep up the good work

Alan”

Another fine installment from Alan. And I love the fact that Gene is using his late father’s engines and rolling stock – the pics look great too.

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

And don’t forget the Beginner’s Guide if you want to take that very first step on your own layout.

Best

Al

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

Steve’s added to the O guage layouts on the blog:

“Al,

Thought people might be interested in some progress pictures of my O gauge layout.

Each “section” has some family meaning, ie. the town replicates where my kids were born, a building like my first job, our ski vacations, my son the Fireman, etc.

I tried to incorporate some cool ideas I saw on various layouts you’ve show us:

Wooden Truss Bridge, Automatic Gateman, A Drive-In Theater using a photo frame, a Smoking BBQ Joint with BBQ scented smoke, and a Trolly.

Next there will be a building on Fire using a Seuthe smoke generator and fire lighting from Evan Designs.

In hindsight, my biggest recommendations regard wiring and initial track layout.

First, since I had both O and 027 I used both – don’t – use one of the other. Makes life easier, joints tighter, and computer design more accurate.

Second, use isolated bus lines for each Isolated Track Section and the Turnout Switches (which I did), BUT also run individual bus lines for: Static lighting like in Buildings, another for Operating Accessories, another for Smoke Units, and another for future expansion options.

And Absolutely use tape to color code each bus Line and their dropdowns from the accessory, turnout, etc

Anyway. here are some progress pictures

Steve”

“Hi Al, this is a reply to Tom’s post on using spray foam from a can. It works extremely well and very easy to use. I also used a wire brush to rough up the surface a bit. Trestle bridge removed for photo purposes.
Cheers

Brian”

A big thanks to Steve for adding to the O guage layouts on the blog. I do love hearing your tips and seeing the progress of a layout.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And don’t forget, the Beginner’s Guide is here and ready to help you every step of the way.

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.

“I think the best thing I’ve found for creating varying ground levels is the insulating foam that comes in a can.

I’m not talking about large mountains here, but just easy undulating terrain. Just spray a glob of the stuff where you want a rise in the terrain, or a low ridge or a crevasse, and let it dry.

Now take a box knife or a sharp razor saw and carve the insulation into the general shape you want. Then fill the holes and gaps that appear with ordinary spackling or wallboard putty.

Again, let it dry, sand the surface to the smoothness you want, and paint with the color of your surrounding terrain. Before the paint dries, dribble on some sand or kitty litter to simulate loose turf or small gravel and rocks, add a little colored lichen or ground foam here and there as needed, and you’re done. And if you want to add trees, just stick the trunk support into the foam with a little Elmer’s glue.

Tom”

“I had a late friend, Jim Brennan who now is past. He owned a hobby and train store in Ohio. The one trick he used was to save all his old thinner from cleaning his brushes. He would use it to color the plaster rocks and scenery on his layout. No extra cost but the results were terrific. Keep up the good work. Your hints and ideas are great.

Bill”

“I have been constructing four track figure eight layout with separate morley controls for each track I run both DCC and DC engines and it give me a chance to give each engine a good long run either pulling a train ,double heading fast or the very slow running there is just track no points or crossings .The track base is particle board 20mm cut to 300mm wide covered with a black netting to lower the noise of running.

John”

I’m intrigued by John’s pics – there seems to be a lot of space and track going on in the background. His track reminded my of Barry’s impressive helix layout too. If you have the golden key have a look. Can’t wait to see it finished too.

Thanks to everyone. Please keep ’em coming.

Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

Best

Al