Model railroad layouts plans

Well my curiosity over 3D printing caused the usual amount of abuse and rude emails.

It’s pretty much the same when I mention anything on my posts – and it just goes to show how different people are.

Take the surveys for instance.

Seemed like a good way to make some spending money to me, so I gave it a go. Yes, it’s very time consuming, and yes, I got plenty of mails saying lots of rude things too. But I’m not alone. Here’s a mail from Ian on them:

“Firstly, thanks for the modelling tips – they’re really helpful although I haven’t started my layout yet – just waiting to save enough money to make a start! I’ve got the engines, rolling stock and track, but nothing to put them on, so I haven’t come up with any ideas of my own yet.

Now to the matter of surveys. As a guide, last year I earned AU$700 doing this and I’m in the 60-69 bracket. Obviously, if I was younger, I’d probably earn a lot more because the survey content, quite often, is aimed at a younger age group or at people with different interests to mine.

Your correct in saying that you have to supply a good deal of information about yourself and family, and this can involve giving some very personal details about medical stuff and the like, but if you want to do surveys then it becomes necessary to ‘bite-the-bullet’ and just go for it. The only warning I’d give is to make sure that the survey site has a decent Privacy Policy and guarantees to keep your information private!

But I hope this wont distract you too much from the primary objective of Model Railway information and tips.

Regards,

Ian”

And what about the woodworking site? Exactly the same. Some sent abuse – others were the complete oppostie. Here’s what Geoff said:

“Hi Alastair

I found the woodworking guide helpful as my plans for a loft layout in the main part of my loft have now needed  to be drastically altered – the space I had originally specified being unsuitable as my arms aren’t six feet long. Currently everything is on hold due to the current storm which has breached one of my upstairs windows so flood recovery is in progress . When I arrive at my plan using Any Rail I ‘ll put it on your site for constructive criticism.

Kind regards

Geoff”

And if they’re not for you, there’s always the latest ebay cheat sheet to bag a bargain with.

Rant over. Normal service resumed next time.

Best

Al

“Hi Al,

I have labored and triumphed. The Big Curve Project is complete and trains can now ride around it’s great arcs. I replaced several small radius and choppy curves to acheive a smooth slope and curve from the crossover bridge to the prairie section of Farland. I hope it will yield great views of trains when the scenery is installed. It will be a while before I start the scenery process, however. For a while, I just want to enjoy running trains.

Rob”

A big thanks to Rob. I enjoy his tutorials.

Seems like my boy’s prints are like buses – they all come along together. He’s added an office block and department store to the collection.

Actually, there’s a funny story behind them, but I’m really pushed for time today. Next time!

Short and sweet today – got to press on.

Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

Best

Al

“Hi Al,

I have been tweaking my South Wales layout lately. I have modified the scratch built warehouse by fitting a loading dock and winch shaft, – see before and after pictures. Also I have given it a pitched roof. I think it looks better as it was rather plain and uninteresting before. I have also given the 3 gables of the bus garage a roof which looks like it’s receding into the distance. It’s actually flat pieces of card cut to shape. The garage was from my first layout but was not needed here. I used part of it to construct the creamery.

I have also experimented in trying to make the terraced houses recede into the distance but am not happy with it, but i’ve included the picture to show what I mean.

The last picture shows how I blended the road into the back scene using a small piece of paper curved upward and painted to blend in with the road colour. The bus is a photo stuck to the backscene.

Thats all for now, happy modelling

Alan”

“Cigarette ash makes a good medium for making anything look grubby, it’s a bit gross and smelly but you can add a drop or two of aftershave to mask the stale smell then let it dry.

Also cable ties are great for keeping track pieces together when storing them, or for securing if you are not sure about the layout and are experimenting with designs.

Peter”

And lastly, if you missed the Dave and Ken’s last post you can see it here.. It’s been a long time since I’ve had so many comments on one post.

Heading off to ebay? Don’t forget the latest ebay cheat sheet.

That’s all for today peeps.

Please do keep ’em coming. I’d love to hear from you.

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

Best

Al