Model railroad layouts plans

N gauge? N Scale? You decide:

“Hi Al

Though you might like a few pics of my N gauge layout that i am still building.

Best Regards.

Peter.”

A big thanks to Peter – it’s always fun to see what you are all up to whether it’s an N Gauge or any gauge and scale.

“Alistair,

I am not sure if you can get these items over there but here we have what is called pringles they are like a chip but better and they come in a round can and my young son and I came up with the idea of using the can as our tunnel they are just the perfect size for the H O scale train to fit through.

Hope you like this one.

Bill”

“Spent winter tearing out my years old HO layout. Had found plans for one in Model Railroader and i built it 2 levels with a 6 turn helix to get up and down .

it wasnt easy to operate as I was climbing up and down on a 2 step stool to reach the top and bending over under the top when doing something on the lower level.

So last winter I tore it all out and rebuilt a better more fun layout . My advice is dont be afraid to redue what you dont like .enjoyment is the name of the game in model railroading .

Ron”

And lastly, Dave’s been on the sherry again – and playing with his new Ipad too. But as always, I loved it!

Best

Al

(Really – there are hundreds and hundreds of posts to enjoy and learn from. But the only way you can see them all is to be on the newsletter)

Brian’s been back in touch.

I really enjoy watching the ‘walk throughs’:

“Hi Al

This layout was started about four years ago on a wood framework covered with two inch thick Styrofoam and painted an earth colour.

Using this thickness foam allows me to cut down to water level as well as ditches, rivers and culverts without having to cut into the bench work.

The harbour areas water was painted with a green colour for effect until the whole area is complete and then will pour Woodland Scenics realistic water product into it.

As can be seen from the photos / videos, the layout is far from finished. The detailed buildings take up a lot of time BUT the layout is operational using DCC controls.

I have three controllers with access points around the layout and I am using the Lenz DCC system with full sound.

There are 2 Shays (3 truck), 2 Heislers, a C 16, a C 19, 2 Galloping Geese, a K 37, a 2-8-8-2 logging locomotive, all brass and painted and weathered by myself.

I also have 2 Blackstone K 27 locomotives painted but not weathered yet.

I have a lot of scratch built rolling stock, kit built stock and some coaches bought as is (Blackstone and PFM). A lot of the stock has self-made and self-designed decals for my logging road name (Cascade Creek)

Not all of it is on the layout at the moment as it is still under construction for scenery and buildings.

I will send more photos of the layout as it progresses.

At the time of writing this, I have written an article with construction photos (pdf format) on building the 2 stall engine house kit (Fine Scale Miniatures kit – 1974 era) from start to where it is at present.

All that has to be done to it, is wire up the lights under the layout, add the dirt around it and then put the final details on the outside of it. Then the article will be complete.

Btw, D & RGW (Denver & Rio Grande Western) on my layout stands for Dangerous & Rapidly Growing Worse.

I hope that the above information will help with what my layout is all about.

Al, use whatever what you want/can of the info sent for your website.

As always, keep up the excellent work so far.

Brian”

A big thanks to Brian.

That’s your lot for today.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day you leap out of your arm chair, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

Fred has sent in the pics below of his layout. Another one to make me envious!

And Brian’s video made me think how his stunning pics don’t do his layout justice…

(Images are clickable).

“Al, as can be seen in this view, some of the building are complete and the card stock ones are of kits to be built.

The reason for cardstock mock-ups is for kit bashing purposes before building the actual kit and messing it up is because if it does not fit the area that I want it in then you have a dilemma..

Brian”

Please do keep sending in your pics and tips – I enjoy them as much as you.

Best

Al