Model railroad layouts plans

Had some more pics in from Jake. (If you missed his first post, it’s here.)

#1 Potomac sidings, box and crate factory on right, numerous factories on left are backdrop buildings

#2 a second view of the sidings in Potomac showing a chemical factory, tool and die, distillery, plumbing distributor, and lastly an electrical warehouse

#3 different angle of Potomac shows truckers getting a soda near a phone booth used to call their dispatchers

#4 a view of the loading dock at the meat packing factory, there is still more detailing to do here, for example the barrels will be weathered, maybe a cat or two chasing mice or just waiting for a hand out

#5 Engine 3104 pulling freight thru the pass near the mine, autumn scene. Trees are super trees and covered with Woodland Scenics turf, ballast is HO scale grey , code 100 track ( all sidings are code 83 )

#6 A look at the coal mine, note the rock faces are mostly carved by hand, this assures no two will look the same

#7 A better view of the backdrop behind the coal mine, ………. Might rain

Jake”

And here’s the latest from Dave. Interesting to hear his thought process on what he’s going to do next.

Heading off to ebay? Some silly deals to be had at the moment. Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

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

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

“My brother and I started this layout approximately 2 years ago, at that time we called it the “2 Jakes RR”, as time went on and construction moved at a fair pace we came up with the Potomac Branch & Jasper, the 2 main areas serviced by the PB&J( now known affectionately as the “Push, Bump & Jam”)

The layout is 17′ X 17′ and is a walk through. It has a double main line totaling 170 feet in HO scale. All engines are DCC with more than half of them with sound. we are presently motorizing the switches, we have plans to install block signals, lighting in some buildings, and caboose lights.

I use Woodland Scenics materials for the landscaping, in a few places rock molds were utilized but for the most part rock faces are hand carved and painted.

My brother handles all soldering jobs, engine and rolling stock repairs, painting and anything electrical. My job covers landscaping, model assembly,and weathering.

I`ll send updated photos as construction is completed.

Jake”

Elk River Logging Co. engine 9 hauling a load of bark across Elk River ( this Bridge was built by me 40 years ago, it`s been in every layout I have constructed, 5 to date)

A work in progress, inside the engine house, there`s a lot of work here to finish this scene …… stains on the floor from years of repairs, arc welder in the pit, overhead lighting, more furniture in the office,(files, shelves etc.)”

“This is what the plastic kit sold in the US by AHM, Lionel, IHC and Model Power and probably a dozen other importers would look like. But having grown up in a cucumber [specifically pickle cucumbers] growing area I knew what a pickle plant should look like so I did a bit of kit bashing.

This is the final result. Now there are tanks for vinegar, purified (read filtered) water, a receiving dock and sorting room, a larger brining tank and a packing room.”

enjoyed these two – a stunning layout from Jake, and John’s Pickle factory looks like a very satisfying scratch build!

And to all of you who haven’t started creating yet, “this will get your started.

Keep ’em coming.

Best

Al

“Here’s a easy way to build oil storage tanks,Buy round boxes at the hobby shop paint silver , cut clothes hanger and bend for pipes and draw lines for edges of sheet metal on sides

Keith”

“Alistair

something I discovered last night, maybe you all know but I’ll tell you anyway.

I was changing filters on an RO water purifier. I dropped the old activated carbon filter and the case split, look what is inside! Of course, its full of carbon……scale coal.

Empty out dry and you have endless supply of coal or black track ballast.

Havent tried yet but I think it could be mixed with PVA glue rolled out as tarmac roads.

Rub it on your fingers then rubvtge sides of buildings, dirty buildings, fantastic…it was going to go in the bin!

All the best

Chris”

It’s funny how the simple ideas always work the best!

And if there’s one thing you do today, make sure it’s having a quick look at the ebay cheat sheet. There’s a huge number of bargains to be grabbed.

It’s here.

Keep ’em coming.

Best

Al