Tony’s been in touch with his OO scale track and roadbed:
“Hi Al,
I moved from Lincolnshire to Cambridgeshire in May and I had built an OO gauge layout in a log cabin. I left most of it behind as part of the house sale.
I started on my new layout in March this year and its in a workshop/shed behind the Garage, Lighting and power was already in there as were some Base units. I used what was there and added some old wardrobe sides/doors to complete the base.
The layout is 9ft4in x 7ft3in for the main part with a further 4ft x 2ft section for a terminus station.
There are 2 lower level ccts and an upper level. There is still quite a bit to finish but pictures show progress to date. Stations, Church,School,Garage and cottages still to build.
I built the Iron Bridge, the Station Platforms, the Narrow Boat and the Lock gates from scratch.
I have gained valuable hints and ideas from posts on this site and especially from Dangerous Dave and always look forward to his posts.
Hopefully these pictures will give you an idea of my progress so far.
Regards,
Tony”
A big thanks to Tony for sharing his OO scale track and roadbed.
Now on to Fred.
Lots of you left questions on Fred’s post, where he showed us how he makes his trees.
And no wonder, it’s stunning stuff. If you missed it, it’s here.
Well guess what?
He’s gone the extra mile for us all, and he’s put together this superb ‘how to’ vid:
“Hi Al
hope this will answer comments and questions about the tree you published.
Thanks from fred”
A huge thank you to Fred, I think it really is stunning stuff.
And thanks to Tony too for sharing his OO scale track and roadbed.
I do love seeing the layouts, warts and all, as they slowly come to life.
Looking at some of the posts on the site, it’s hard to imagine how they will ever transform in to the works of art they all become. But they all do, in time. That’s why I keep posting ’em.
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.
Very nice and starting over lets you correct all the miss steps in previous layout.
Fantastic Tony. I’m just starting my garage layout 00 and the ideas have spurred me on.
Nice Job Tony. Good Size as well.
Hi Tony,
A good layout, but a minor fault; canals have tow-paths so horses could pull barges in the early days, but I could not see the tow path. Also, no farmer would allow his cattle into an unfenced field adjacent to a canal, too much risk of cattle falling in!
Peter
Tony
Great job. I am always amazed at the amount some of you do in a short time frame. Keep us posted.
Thanks
George from NY
Hello Tony,
Very much impressed with your large layout. Specially multy level tracks are very impressive. I can visualise the effect of this when 3 or more trains, in different configurations, will be running on this system. More over your landscaping appears to be quiet interesting with rural effect. All the best.
Regards,
Gopal Daga
India
Love the babbling brook! Great multilevel train activity.
Nice. I do have a question: would it have been easier first to do a backdrop against that masonry wall before building up the layout?
As I plan my next layout I’m trying to think ahead regarding backdrops, lighting, and the like, which is why I wondered this.
Hi Tony, nice seeing all the progress step by step. Great detail and scenery. Love the farming and tractors! Have fun. Cary in KY
Nice detail, great job!
You are to be commended for using your space so efficiently. I especially love the narrow, bubbling stream in front of the bungalow, which I found to be a unique feature on your layout, Tony. Modelers who include waterways have creeks to accommodate canoes and boats of some sort, but you opted for for a different look. Small streams are also prevalent in nature. This is an intriguing and adorable feature to your layout. You have inspired me! I have just leveled a 9′ x 5′ movable giant table HO layout in my basement. I hope to get the main line loop done by Christmas.
A few answers to some of the comments.
I still have not decided on whether I will buy backdrops, or attempt to paint something myself which is why they will come later.
Not easy to see in pictures, only taken on my mobile, but there is a tow path on the opposite bank to where the cattle are and I am in the middle of building some wire fencing at present ( using cocktail sticks for posts and thin flower arrangers wire ). I will put some of this along side of the canal.
You have given me an idea for bench work for my soon to start N gauge garage layout. Thank you
to watch the evolution of the layout, demonstrates Toni’s talents and imagination
excellent layout start. it’s easy to see dangerous dave’s hand in it!
look’s GOOD
nice looking start, more pictures when complete.
Tony: I liked the thatched roof cottage….what did you use for roofing material?
Love your layout and design
Fred… now that’s what I call a tree! Beautiful.
Hello Al;
First of all, Thank you for you e-mails every morning here in the US. I look forward to them.
Do you have any idea of where I can get HO scale Wild West figures. Cowboys, Dance Hall Ladies of the Night, Horses, ETC. I am doing a Gold Mining town. with a Gold Mine. This is my first layout. I am 76 years young. With Covid & being in lockdown, this has been my go to place & thing do do. If you can give any place to contact for the figures that would be a big help for me.
Thank you
G.K. in Las Vegas,NV
Nice work.!!!
Thatched Tudor home, that is too much. Great!
Nice job! But one question: that guy lying on the coal – is he taking a rest, or did he get hurt and requires assistance? ;-D An ambulance on the way would be fun…
To Gay Kline: L. Vegas:
Cowboy, Indians, Etc.
On EBAY Search HO Mertin and Preiser figures. Some nice figures. Also Overland Models & Sand Table toys.
Regards: Ray, Pa.
It is always good to see people enjoying this wonderful hobby.
Every layout can be a work of art including the details that we add.
Tony really brings that out in the little details.
Fred’s tree is a gem and the video is also.
Gary Klein, at the GTS shows I have seen a lot of western theme figures. You may also try the Walthers catalogue. Wish I could remember the name of the artist who seems to be a one person show when it comes to these figures — Her work is the best I have seen.
Tony…..great work….sure looks bigger than 9 x 7.
As always some good ideas to steal errr borrow.
THanks