Model railroad layouts plans

Jon’s been in touch with a theme that keeps on popping up for good reason: Where do i start when making a model train layout?

“Al,

You can over-plan, over-think, and over-engineer a layout. I tried one of the layout programs and did not like it. I tried a similar program years ago for a garden shed and found it to be overly complex and cumbersome.

My solution: I had two nice folding plastic 6’ tables and bought a third one ($40).

I took all the track I had from two sets and just started laying the track out, jigsaw-puzzle style.

My first complete layout is the “tri-oval” shown here. Not dramatic but it’s a start. Just getting the turnouts wired today.

I have room for another table (to make a 6 x 12 overall) and leftover track. I’ll continue to experiment until I find a layout I like and get it operating properly. Then move on to the landscape, the scenery, and the accessories.

Yours is a wonderful resource for this hobby. Keep up the good work.

Jon”

Now on to Barry:

“Hi Al,

Thought you might be interested in my modelling skills, I started on my latest layout after my Daughter left us to go and live in Australia.

I already had layout 6’x2’ in a small room upstairs so I moved into her room which was some 18’ longer and decided to add to it.

So I bought two 6’x3’ boards and started to build.

The layout of old was called Meadow Falls and is a small end of line station and surrounding countryside.

I decide to join it to the larger layout I was building so that it would run to a small station at the other end of the layout with a small station and turntable, the gauge for both being N Gauge.

Then I when on to my main board which I am still working on but have at present got Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in my Right hand so it is making the job very difficult

The Mill is based on the one in Battlesbridge, Essex but the remainder of the layout is form my imagination and with the help of input from my Daughters, hence the riding stables.

I still have a lot of work to do as the far end at the left has scenery and a stone etc to build. But until I have had and operation on my wrist it will all have to wait a while.

I run mainly Graham Farish and Dapol on a DCC unit by GaugeMaster on the extension , but Meadow Falls is DC. The track and points are all Kato.

Hope you have enjoyed my pics if the want to see more please contact me.

Keep up the good work it really helps us to get so enthusiasm to continue with our work.

Yours Sincerely

Barry”

A big thanks to Barry and Jon.

I did like Jon’s approach – making a start doesn’t have to be fancy.

David’s post is also a good example if this:

Starting a train layout.

In fact, thinking about it, if you ever find yourself wondering ‘Where do I start when making a model train layout’ the answer is usually with the track plan.

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.

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

Tom’s been in touch with his Lionel O scale trains and it really does show what this hobby is all about – having fun:

“Hello Al,

I certainly enjoy your site and thanks for everything you do. There are a tremendous amount of modelers who contribute and share their talents here.

I am not of that caliber, but I would like to share my layout. My layout is not that of a particular area or familiar scene.

I have 5 grandsons so my investment will not go to waste, the boys enjoy the action.

I will state my layout may draw criticism as there may be a road to nowhere or an item that may be slightly out of scale.

I do realize a lot of the craftsman on this site are not fond of a three rail system. They may not be a fan of “O Gauge” or even the brand of Lionel trains. That is what I had growing up, so that’s what I went with.

This layout is intended to entertain the boys and not to present a perfect setting.

What this layout does provide is everything has been scratch built. The layout is 16’ from end to end with a 7’ return leg left and right.

The radius over and under elevated area surrounding the factory is my mothers kitchen table, I cut it in half, cut the top section into a horseshoe shape and stacked them. That radius is my grandsons great grandmothers contribution.

The bridge is constructed from old milk crates and the steel structure is outside corner plaster bead.

The factory is constructed of styrofoam along with the tunnel, when spray paint was applied the styrofoam crinkles and resembles rock.

The guard rails are a product called Shlutter, it is used as a decorative end cap in tile installation. I could go on about the the different construction materials used in my scratch builds, but I think you get it.

The trains we run are all Lionel Lion Chief locomotives (5 locomotives) they are controlled by remote with Blue-tooth capabilities that can be run from the remote, your iPhone or your iPad.

I have added 2 railways for the younger guys that are the “Lionel Gang #50 cars” manufactured in the 1950’s they are controlled by transformers and they travel till they hit a bumper and automatically change direction. Keeps the young guys in the game.

I know… I know….

It looks like Las Vegas.

It’s meant for the kid’s entertainment.

I am prepared to be critiqued by your viewers as this layout may not be as credible as your other followers.

It’s our railway and we will do it our way. Hahahahaha!

Thanks

Tom K.”

A huge big thanks to Tom for sharing his Lionel O scale trains.

To me, it’s exactly what this hobby is all about: making your layout with your rules and having fun.

Tom’s pics reminded me of Greg’s: Lionel O gauge.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

If I don’t show up in your inbox tomorrow, don’t be alarmed, it’s simply because it really is that quiet at the mo.

And if today is the day you join in the fun just like Tom, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

I’m always banging on about making a start and Richard has done that with his N scale buildings and structures.

In fact, you don’t need trains or track to make a start – as Richard proves:

“Hello Alistair,

I’ve really been enjoying the emails, blogs, photos and “how to’s” from your site.

Thought I’d throw my 2 cents in with some photos of my first few scratch N scale builds.

All of these are made from balsa strips, popsicle sticks!, 0.03 inch thick styrene, a 0.06″ “For Sale” sign (purchased at my local hardware store for $2.00) , brick and stone paper printed on the back of wall paper, and styrene roofing sheets.

Most of the windows were purchased on ebay, but some were 3D printed (I’m still on a huge learning curve for this!).

I’m using the scale of 1/155 – 1/160 and therefore One foot = approx 2mm.

Some are complete but others have a few details to finish.

The first photo shows some of the materials that I use.

The funny thing is that I haven’t laid an inch of track yet! I wanted to have some buildings ready to go before I start my layout.

Thanks for letting me post!

Regards,

Rich”

Richard’s pics reminded me of Jim’s: N scale buildings.

Clarke’s too: N scale city layout.

And can’t forget Robert’s: N scale buildings.

“Al,

Attached are some update pictures on the expansion of Grand Junction.

The first picture is the original 8’ x 4’ setup.

I added another 8’ x 4’ section to form an L-shaped layout in my 40” crawl space. I expanded the tunnel on the left to create a triangle of track under what is now a hillside church scene that will eventually have a wedding in progress. The entire hilltop comes off in case of train derailment.

On the new expansion is a gravel construction site, a camp around a lake with several cabins for rent as well as a farm in the back behind the gravel site and the town. The entire setup is on wheels so I can get around the back of the layout for repairs and maintenance.

The landscaping (mostly trees) is next on the punch list and we still need to ballast the new track and start adding people around the lake, the town and gravel site. As you can see, other than the gravel building and the water tower on the original layout, I’ve made good use of your printout buildings.

As always, thanks for posting these updates as I look forward to what the community is up to!

Rick”

A big thanks to Rich for sharing his N scale buildings and structures – and to Rick too.

Great to see so many of the printable buildings on Rick’s layout too, especially the church.

Lastly, thanks to everyone who posted a comment on the April Fool’s post. I did manage to get a couple of orders for the buildings with the custom murals and I’m really looking forward to seeing those on a layout soon.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming – I can’t tell you how very, very quiet it is this end.

And if today is the day you get started on your layout just like Rich, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Remember, it’s the start that stops most people – don’t let that be you!

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

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

PPPS More N scale layouts here too.