Model railroad layouts plans

Well, I have to start with a correction today.

Yesterday’s post – Ray’s station – was indeed a kit, and not scratch built.

But that opens a can of worms. Have a look below, is Clark’s building a kit or scratch built?

“Hi Al,

I built a 3D printer to expand what I could do at home, and wound up printing this small building.

The first two pics are as it came off the printer.

My best friend’s father Philip Koehler is also into N-scale trains; he was visiting and obviously liked it, so I was pleased to give it to him. I got the pic of it in his layout a month later. He did far more justice to it than I would have been able to, it looks great in his layout!

For the curious, the building is printed in ABS plastic (same stuff that Lego bricks are made from), one tiny layer at a time (about 0.2mm in this case).

The top of the roof and top of the smokestack looking a bit squirrelly is due to the hot print head spending too much time near that section of plastic and that keeps it from properly hardening in shape. I have since learned that if I print 3 or 4 objects at a time, it looks much better!

The original file for the building is not of my creation, it was posted by Thingiverse user, Stevemedmin.

Cheers!

Clark”

What do you think? Kit or scratch built? Anyhow, here’s some old school scratch building:

“Hi Alastair

I send you my fuel station for 1:120 gauge. I’m would like to built TT diorama with polish rolling stock era III.

Everyhin’ the best

Greg”

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming, even if it’s a kit, a scratch build, a kit bash, a layout, a start… just hit reply to any of my mails.

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

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

“Hi Al,

I found your site about 4 months ago and have thoroughly enjoyed your posts, pictures, videos, and modeling tips. I have since paid for the golden ticket and found it to be a great investment. I consider myself an amateur compared to most of the people who are sending in pictures and videos.

I used to have an n scale train set when I was a kid and really enjoyed it. About 14 months ago I found a box in my attic with some of my old n scale trains, track, etc. There was not much left but it got me thinking about researching what it would take to start up again. A little over a year later I am totally hooked
.
Being from Worcester, Ma. I have always been interested in Worcester Union Station which was restored a few years back. I have attached a few pictures of the actual station. I then found a model of the station (a laser cut wood model) that I had to have. I was warned that this would not be a good project if I have not built a laser cut model yet, but I ignored the advise, purchased the model on line, and went to work. 100 hours later, here is how it came out.

It is the centerpiece of my layout and the first thing people notice when the see my layout. I have attached some pictures for you.

Best,

Ray”

A stunning piece of scratch building – big thanks to Ray for sharing.

That’s all for today folks – please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day when decide to join in the fun, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

“Al,

So, yes, it is scratch built.

I sat down and drew the front of the building. Trying to stay within the 1950/1960 time period.

The structure is balsa wood.

I want to stay true to realism and add as many features as I can to make it look as realistic as possible.

I added personal touches naming buildings after my family. HO scale is fun I can’t imagine trying to recreate N scale. I use as many recycled products as possible which is the fun of construction and creation.

I have a strong building/construction background as I grew up with a father who is a building contractor. Though I work in the oilfield now I find that the layout is a big stress reliever.

I continuously read all your emails for tips and find lots of useful information. In fact the coffee ground ballist came from your site. Awesome tip. I color it and use it in lots of different ways.

Technology is awesome so yes I cheat a little and use the computer for signs and logos and different things to give my layout realistic features as well.

The TEXACO gas station is next on the agenda.

I’ll be sharing progression photos from time to time. Hope to see them on the site.

Thank you,

Tye”

“Hi there,

Enjoying the tips.

Here’s a cheap way of illuminating insides of buildings.

A set of 80 bulb Christmas tree lights uses 3v bulbs.

Disconnected from mains Cut into sets of 6, for 18v or 4 for 12v supply.

Only needs two end wires connected to suitable low voltage supply.

Picture shows interior of Bachmann village hall with 6 lights.

David”

Big thanks to Tye and David. Please do keep ’em coming.

Please do keep ’em coming folks.

And if today is the day you rekindle your love of this hobby, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.