Old West model trains

George has been in touch with his Old West model trains:

He’s a man of few words, but his pics made me smile:

“My 1st humble attempt at a HO layout…all scratch buildings.

Old West model trains

Old West model trains

Old West model trains

Old West model trains

Old West model trains

wild west model railroad

Old West model trains

wild west model railroad

Old West model trains

Old West model trains

George’s layout reminded me of Mike’s Wild West model train layout.

It’s another example of how important it is to choose a theme for your layout before you get busy.

I know I keep saying it, but the layouts which have a clear theme from day one, are always the ones that turn out the best, by a country mile.

For me this hobby is all about picking a theme and making a start – that’s it!

It doesn’t matter how much you mull over and ponder your layout, unless you roll sleeves up and get going, nothing happens…

A big thanks to George for sharing his Old West model trains.

Whenever I see a wild west layout I always think of the Saloon in the printable scenery, which is at the bottom of this post.

printable scenery

If you’re not familiar with the printable scenery, you can view some of it here, and more of it here.

One day I’ll get round to putting them all in the same place. It’s been on my to-do list for a year or two now.

That’s all for today folks, please do keep ’em coming.

And if all these posts have got you itching to start your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Don’t forget the latest ebay cheat sheet is here. Still updated daily.

12 Responses to Old West model trains

  1. Don Hughes says:

    Awesome Layout. Hope to have one like this one day.

  2. Robert Prouse says:

    George — Those scratch-built structures are fabulous! Keep at it!

  3. Excellent theme and structures…
    Very nice work.

  4. Greg Frary says:

    To Brian, Great looking layout. Thanks. What is the radius of the loop around the farm?

  5. Terry Sipe says:

    Hi George, I enjoyed your wild west pix. You have added a sense of humor in some of your scenes. I think it adds interest. Its fun trying to find what subtle story the next scene may hold. I have just started a few western buildings for a shelf diorama with an 1870s theme using a combination train. Great job! Thanks for sharing.
    Terry

  6. Erick says:

    Part of mine is going like that.

  7. Gary M from Long Island says:

    George…..that’s cool…..I love your buildings and scenes…..lotta fun and color.

  8. Thank you all for your encouraging comments. A sad note: Came out to the garage one morning to discover my red cliffs (paper mache, water and flour) had been a banquet for mice and had been significantly “eroded” over a three day period. I guess I should be flattered that the mice enjoyed my layout as much as you kind folks!
    Thanks again,
    George

  9. Fred stroh says:

    Great layout, are those stick built buildings?

  10. Will in NM says:

    Brian, Thanks for the track plan. Do the three levels connect with each other or are they totally separate? It would be nice to see how the track inside the tunnels connects to the visible parts of the plan.

    George, Great job on your “Wild West” train layout. I especially enjoyed Butsey Le’ Deaux’s saloon and sporting house. (Closed by order of US Marshall.) Apparently a little too much “sporting” was going on there. 🙂 Sorry about the mice eating your mountains. Perhaps plaster of paris or foam board would be less to their liking.

  11. oldtaz says:

    I love it

  12. Lindsay Gray says:

    Hey! Great scratchbuilds! Inspiring, – I’ve been goin’ round my local area and Old Town Petersburg, VA to gather evidence for an early 20thc rural and tiny town layout. My cell phone photos work well. Good luck!

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