Model railroad layouts plans

This is ‘part 2’ of Tom’s latest pics on his On30 locomotives.

You’ll see from these pics just how talented Tom is when it comes to scenery – love his stuff:

Here’s part 1 if you want to scroll back to leave a comment: On30 model trains.

Stunning pics of his On30 locomotives, right?

Tom’s was kind enough to send all these in 3 submissions.

So here they all are.

Here’s part 1 of this post: On30 model trains.

And the previous post to that: Stunning On30 layout.

Please do let leave a comment on this page or the previous page.

And I know Tom would appreciate all your comments.

Over the years he has very kindly shared a lot of the layouts he has made, and I’ve really enjoyed each one.

He has some wonderful tips too – ones that you really wouldn’t think of, yet they are also simple (they are always the best ones).

For trees, he uses actual tree roots. They are hard and gnarled and will not rot, and they look so real, because they are actually from a tree…

Tom also collects the sweepings from his road to use as dirt on his layout. Again, it’s looks so real… because that’s exactly what it is.

I know I keep saying it, but it’s always the simple tips that work best.

Tom even varnishes the people he makes, then scuffs them so they don’t look shiny. Then he adds color to their faces. Again, simple, but if you look at the people in his layout pics, you’ll see how good they look.

Of course, I’m biased, but Tom’s layouts really do tick all the boxes for me. I think it’s all the scenes he creates within the layout – there’s lot going on – it becomes alive.

Stunning stuff.

Do leave a comment and let us all know your thoughts.

Best

Al

Tom’s been back in touch (again!), this time with the rest of his On30 model trains.

And for the first time ever, I’ve had to spill them over several pages.

Tom sent in a lots, and there is no way I could choose which ones to post, so I thought there’s only one thing for it, I’ll do them all.

If you missed Tom’s last On30 post, it’s here: Tom’s On30 layout.

Hope you enjoy them as much as me:

“Al I have not completed these buildings yet but will be in the next month or so.

I started on one end of the layout and went to the other of what is ‘complete’.

Thank for all your doing.

Tom Pres CEO & mostly Janitor, Narragansett RR On30 this time”

A huge, big, thank you to you Tom for sharing his On30 model trains.

If you’d like to see the rest of his pics (which are just as good), you can see part two here: On30 locomotives.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming because it’s still ghostly quiet at this end.

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.

Henry’s been back in touch – this time it’s all about building model railroad tunnels.

I do really enjoy seeing how a layout develops, grows and changes – I think it’s one of the things that makes this hobby so enjoyable.

“Hello Alastair

I look forward to receiving your emails every day. It is always a pleasure to see what other modelers are busy with.

On my own layout, modeling South African railways, I tried to incorporate as many of our country’s bio diverse areas as possible. It ranges from very high and steep mountains to vast expanses of desert and coastal areas and also large industrial areas.

One item that was missing from my layout was a tunnel, though there are some hidden tracks.

So, I decided to add a tunnel portal to one side of the linear climb that connects the upper and lower levels of the layout.

Here is a picture essay of how it came together, and I am also posting a link to a youtube video, showing the process, including casting the rock moulds, etc. It is a bit long, just under 24 minutes.

Regards

Henry”

Now on to Lawrence, who has taken the first steps of his layout with a bit of planning and a track plan:

“Alastair,

I Enjoy your site, keep up the good work.

My retirement will give me the opportunity to build a layout which I created on paper many years ago.

I’m still a little short on space, but I think I can overcome that problem by taking over the entire garage and parking my wife’s car outside in the driveway. She doesn’t know this yet, so I’m gonna surprise her after I start the first phase of the layout.

I’ll let you know how this works out.

My Yalaha & Shoreline RR will transport passengers from the Okahumpka commuter station to the seashore/ harbor/ casino station.

Sheets Creek Harbor area. This location will have a par 3 golf hole, a casino, a restaurant, lighthouse and a commercial tugboat business.

The Okahumpka area will have a freight terminal, a tank farm, a gas station and a chocolate making plant.

I always wanted a chocolate factory, and also be able to run 2 trains in opposite directions at the same time.

The layout is designed and ready for construction to begin. I’m getting anxious.

I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

Lawrence”

A big thanks to Henry and Lawrence.

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.