Model railroad layouts plans

Bill’s been back in touch with his stunning On30 layout:

“Hi Al and fellow modelers!

First off I appreciate the kind comments on my series of black and white photographs that Al posted not long ago. I had fun doing that as you can tell and it’s opened up another area of the hobby I can enjoy from time to time.

Having sent in black and white pictures I figured I should send in the color ones as well. These are not the same pictures but show the different scenes.

At this point in time all the major work is completed on this show layout. I still have things to do and details to add like skirting and other odds and ends but now I can run it more than build on it.

Don’t worry though I already have an idea for another layout in the garage. More on that as I progress.

I have added a link to a YouTube video that talks about this area on the layout and my thought process as I build it out.

I do have a video coming out on my YouTube channel next month that shows it in full operation and I’ll send the link to Al for that once it stops.

Keep having fun on your layout (s)!!

All the Best

Bill”

A huge big thanks to Bill – I really enjoying seeing how he works in his youtubes, and the pics speak for themselves. Stunning stuff.

You can see his last update here ON30 layout if seeing how a layout comes to life is your thing.

Please do leave a comment below, I’d really love to hear your thoughts on this one.

Hope you enjoyed Bill’s pics and vid – he really is the gift that keeps giving.

And if you’d like to feel the warm glow of supporting the blog, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

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

Need buildings for your layout? Have a look at the Silly Discount bundle.

The very talented Tom has been in touch again with his On30 layout.

Sadly, he’s getting ready to hang up his boots when it comes to model railroads – but my word, he’s going out in style.

Here’s his latest pics and a youtube of his stunning layout:

“The Golden spike has been driven in on the Narragansett RR!

If folks question about the trees, is just roots of various trees and shrubs, washed, the extra small branches (HOT GULED ON) then extra roots (there are always extra roots.)

They can be sprayed various colors of green and used a VINES! Drill a small hole in the bottom the stump stick in a straight pin with the head cut or then depending on what your surface is just stick the pin and tree on the ground, Hot glue can be added.

Hot glue IS HOT but if you need to glue several branches to make up a stump just take your fingers squeeze the base together apply the glue …wait about a count to 3 the squeeze the hot glue and the branches together, it will feel hot but won’t burn!

You will know if its too hot, if it is just let go for a second and squeeze it again and hold for a few seconds more,

Later Tom da ole guy

Tom Staton Pres. CEO & mostly janitor”

A huge big thanks to Tom, I absolutely love the scenes he puts together, they almost tell a story on their own.

Hope you enjoyed Tom’s latest pics and vid as much as I did.

And if you’d like to feel the warm glow of supporting the blog, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

That’s all this time folks.

Best

Al

David’s been in touch with his HO scale train layout.

His journey is one many of us will be familiar with.

“Al:

I thoroughly enjoy your blog; reading it is a part of my morning ritual.

I have learned a lot from your contributors. Thank you for all you do to promote our hobby. You provide a great service to all of us train buffs.

These photos are a long time coming. It has been a journey for me.

It started 63 years ago, when my dad bought me a Lionel 027 train set, featuring a steam engine and tender. As you might expect it had smoke pellets.

Over time he bought me a switch engine and operating accessories. Then him and Mom decided I deserved to have a nice layout.

He built a 16’ x 8’ double track layout with switch track allowing the trains to switch loops.

The main feature, however, was an L-shaped 2 track tunnel made from wood and screen frame stuffed with newspaper and covered in an old sheet, which Mom painted with earth colors and Dad installed red and green lights hooked up to a 2-way switch at the entry of the tunnel. I was the envy of the neighborhood.

In my thirties, a friend and train enthusiast encouraged me to unpack my 2 trains and set them up.

This began a 35-year adventure, which resulted in a 20’ x 30’ basement filled with 14 O-27 trains and a bouser trolley and a Lionel bumper car trolley. Oh yes, the layout was filled with operating accessories. For me, the fun of the hobby became modeling.

Operating the trains did not have the thrill I had when I was a child. I moved 8 times during this period, so my benchwork had to become portable.

I used standard 2” x 4” legs bolted to ½” plywood framed by 2” x 4” frames.

The key lesson from multiple teardowns and rebuilds was that getting the track work right was critical. As a result, I used a lot of half-straight track in my curves to avoid derailments.

When I turned 70, I realized that my railroad empire was no longer fun, because I did all the modeling and building that my basement allowed.

I ended up selling my collection to an eBay trader for about 45% of the collection’s original value. The only thing I retained was my original steam engine and tender, in memory of my dad. It did not take long for me to have “seller’s remorse.”

After giving the idea of starting a new layout, I decided to convert to HO scale. I think, the pictures tell the story of my new adventure.

I love the realism of the HO scale and the building and scenery options are far more extensive Than O-gauge.

What I have found is that I am spending more time and detail in creating the scenery for my layout.

I hope your readers enjoy the pictures.

Best Wishes,

Dave”

A huge big thank you to David for sharing his HO scale train layout – I did enjoy his narrative.

So many of us started this journey with a Christmas gift when we were young and full of wonder.

That’s all this time my friends.

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.

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