Model railroad layouts plans

“After mostly finishing my other N-Scale 4 X 8 layout in about 12 months, I realized where this was taking me. So I am trying a new approach.

To keep it simple and allow for changes or to completely start over I designed this train table using light weight, hollow core interior doors which can be added to or rearranged later. I chose Bachman EZ track and adjusted it until it works great, all in about 2 days.

Although using EZ track limits my track radius and shapes it seems worth it to be able to change the whole thing when I finish this one. Additionally, the switches are internally operated, saving you from ugly switch motors or under the table mechanisms.

The foam formed hills mostly just sit on the top and any attached items are w/liquid nails which will scrape loose if necessary. I will be adding buildings, scenery and yard track until I run out of space and then either add another door or start over w/a new track design.

The layout features two independent loops or one very long interconnected loop, a long passing siding and soon a roundhouse and RR yard.

It can be powered by DC divided into two blocks with isolation switches, as it is now or DCC when I buy new locos.
Please excuse the workshop mess.

Ed”

“Hi al,

Thanks to all who liked my latest tips, Eric asks if the log carrying men were especially made in that pose, well no they are just 2 of the workmen which come unpainted on a sprue in a DAPOL kit. I don’t know if they are available in other countries but in the UK they are a very economical way of populating a layout. I may have removed an implement that they were holding so their hands were free. I did the same with the guy steering the barge.

I now have a request. Has any one made a baseboard out of foam board including the bracing?

I would like to build a micro narrow gauge layout just using foam board, no wood. It would be a max of 2×1 feet. Would it be feasible??

Happy modelling

Alan”

And Dangerous Dave has been spending his money again:

The very 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 going on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

Got a blast from the past for you today.

Pulled these two out of the archives:

“Al:

I learned this technique from a professional builder of architectural model for making artificial water for a lake or harbor scene.

Take a piece of sanded, dress plywood (luan will work well) and paint it the color you want you water to be.

Once it dries, over the top of it, place a piece of randomly rippled sheet acrylic, the type that would be on a shower stall door or a ceiling light difuser.

I buy mine in 4′ X 8″ sheets from a commercial plastics supplier. The result is as shown in the attached photos.

Sincerely,

Randy”

“Tools made from an broken clock.And lamp shades from birthday cake candle holders.The project the light very well.going to use them in my green houses and such.And a fast build of a N scale kayak boat for Thomas river.It can be done.

Kim”

“Hi Al, a subject that is not often mentioned on this brilliant website, is weathering locos.

Using basic weathering powders, not an airbrush in sight, you only need the basics, ie smoke, rust, white and dark earth.

The thing with powders is if you put to much on you can take it off with just tap water, but when you are happy with your results you just give it a very small dusting of No 49 matt varnish to hold it in place.

The first example is a j3 jinty at the end of service, (they tended to be a bit neglected) so quite strongly weathered, the other examples are in service condition, the point is you rarely saw a loco in mint condition straight out of the box, anyway just another aspect of modeling I thought would be interesting to post.

Cheers, happy modeling.

Ron from Manchester.”

Nice collection of stuff this time – big thanks to everyone.

That’s all for today peeps.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day you stop dreaming and start doing, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

Alan’s been in touch with some simple but effective ways to weather your model railway:

“Hi Al,

I have a few tips that I have picked up which may be of some interest to your disiples.

First, when making bridges & tunnels for single tracks, I generally use grapefruit cans. Remove both ends & cut along the length to open it out. It may require 2 cuts depending how high it’s needed.

Scrap metal is a load that’s often carried by rail, but finding very small pieces of the real stuff is not always possible. So I came up with using paper or thin card. You can see from the picture how I formed the ‘scrap’.

After making a raised platform to fit the wagon and painting it black, I glued the paper to it, several layers may be needed, then let it dry. I found the load was a bit ‘spongy’ when touched so I put a liberal coat of varnish on it & when dry painted it in rust effect.

If the load needs to be removed at times, a quick way is to glue a small magnet under the load then using a magnetic pick-up tool the load simply pops up.

To save money, I make as much as I can, and I find artists mountboard very useful, the coal staithes are made by scoreing it to make it look like it’s made from sleepers. Many of my other constructions are made with it.

Finally, NEVER throw anything away!! You never know when it might come in handy.

I had the Metcalfe bus garage in the corner of my last layout, but no room on this one.

But after about a year I realised I could canabalise it to make a Creamary,- see picture.

The rear of it is now being used as a low relief bus garage.

Old ball point pens, the springs & barrels from some of them, Q tips ( cut the ends off) they make good wagon loads, or pillars, old scouring pads, the list is endless.

Thats all for now, Happy modelling

Alan”

Wonderful tips from Alan on weathering your model railway.

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.