“Whether a beginner or “ole” time modeler, we never get to old to learn. Yes Virginia, you can teach old dogs new tricks.
I have been in railroad modeling for almost a half a century and am still learning. That is part of the fun of this, the World’s best hobby. I just attended a week-end meet yesterday on the west coast of Florida and picked up some more ideas.
Three ways I have enjoyed learning is
( 1 )by reading everything I can about my interest. I subscribe to Classic Toy Train (since it’s beginning) and also the O Gauge Magazine. I also currently have 183 books in my personal library. .
(2) Join the clubs! For over 30 years I have been a member of the TCA, LOTS, and the LCCA, among others. Attend meetings and conventions.
(3) Establish friendships and learn from these resources. Some of my best friends are the direct results of club nights, hobby store encounters, annual club conventions, etc. I always garner new ideas from these special people.
Have a junk collection box. I am always picking up weird items and my wife wonders why. Bottle caps, small springs, broken items, wire pieces, plastic items ,etc. Anytime I see an item laying around waiting to be thrown out—I say, that could be turned into a ??? on my layout. And, usually it does. I only have one problem. I AM RUNNING OUT OF ROOM.
Better run, got more railroading to do. Have fun and run those trains!!! Thanks Al for your work.
Dennis”
Next up, Paul:
“Hi Al,
Here are some photos of the new part of my layout.
As you see in photos The MIDLAND GREAT CENTRAL JOINT RAILWAY has just reached Little Benton, Where an old time station will soon be open.
The station building is from the Model village series, which is onsale at Newsagents.
I made the MIDLAND GREAT CENTRAL JOINT RAILWAY sign on my computer, I used the small size font. I also made a frame for the sign as well on the computer.
A start has been made on scenery plaster has been used is now drying . A signal box is also under construction.
In one photo G2A 49402 is in the loop while Flying Scotsman is on the mainline.
Paul”
Next, on to Mike:
“Couple of pics of layout I built for 7 year old boy…
Mike”
A fantastic looking layout from Mike – but I for one would love to hear more about it. I’ve mailed Mike back. Fingers crossed.
Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.
As always, keep ’em coming.
That’s all for today folks.
And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.
Best
Al
So very visually pleasing , smashing!!
I, too, would like to know more about his layout. I would love to know the method he used for the snow banks between the tracks in the third photo. I’m building a Christmas diorama and would like to use the same type of snow banks in the little town. This is a very nice layout!
To Dennis
Re your comment about running out of room…besides my model train interests, I am a car nut. You think you have shortage of room problems? I have what is supposed to be a largish suburban two car garage. It has enough tools and equipment in it to operate as a commercial garage, which I did, many years ago. I now have 3 project vehicles in there, in various states of decomposition and repair. I know something about overcrowding.
Very lucky young lad to have such a layout.
One way you could make snow is unpainted plaster.
Some craft shops have snow in a spray can.
VERY VERY NICE
Mike,
COOL … I am off to get a coat!
regards,
Tom
thanks Al
Can someone give me some feedback about the MIDLAND GREAT CENTRAL JOINT RAILWAY please?
Paul Otway
I like it… very different from other layouts
Great job!
Love the winter layout Mike, you can feel the chill and nice to see something a little different- thanks for sharing, Cary in KY
Mike, like others I too would like to know more about your winter layout. Is it HO or N? What are the dim. of the layout? Also, what did you use for the glass like water feature?
Thanks in advance, Rick
I would also love to know how you did the snow. Please share with us!
Nice Layout, Have Fun!!
A couple of years ago I downloaded your BOOK for beginners .I have since got a new desk top because my old when by by WOULD I have to buy another BOOK ??? I am stile at the same E-MAIL address. I ENJOY seeing other molders work. I work in N scale 5 ft by 2&1/2 ft that was before Katrina .based on ATLAS track plan.Which I was able to run 3 trains at the same time.
SEE ABOVE please
A couple of years ago I got your book for beginners .since then my CPU I crashed an lost every thing.I currently have a 5 ft X 2 1/2 FT LAYOUT THAT I CAN RUN 3 TRAINS ON IT
That something what mine going to look like.
For those who wanted to now how to make snow. I remember a tip on Als web site that said dry coffee grounds plus white shoe polish would make snow. This tip was posted quite a while ago.
I’m confused. First I see 2 rail which is usually less than “O” Gauge, but then I see 3 rail, which is that gauge. Not quite sure what scale I’m supposed to be looking at. I have O which is what I prefer, and am always glad to see it on here.
The model railroad community is a wonderful group of hobbyists, and is amplified by the fact that you built a model railroad for a seven year old boy. A truly wonderful gesture and class act. Well done you!
Can that snow be removed for spring?
To Ken Fox 2 different layouts from same guy
Kenneth, the 3- rail layout you see is made from Lionel Fastrack. So, it is 0 gauge.
Kirk in Tacoma