Model Train Enthusiasts Share Clever Ideas

November 23, 2005

As well as working on their own home layouts, the Prince William County Model Railroad Club members collaborate on an award-winning modular club layout displayed at events in Virginia & Maryland. The club occupies part of the Historic Quantico Depot in Quantico, Virginia where members are building an HO layout.

The club has its own website that includes several “how-to” pages with clever ideas like these:

Broken couplers are a problem for many model railroaders and are often caused by hitting the bumpers too hard. This problem was solved by the addition of two small nails just before the bumpers. Placed exactly two and a half ties from the bumper, the nails were inserted so they caught the axel of the car and kept the coupler from hitting the bumper. This not only saved many couplers, but lowered the frustration level also. In the photo the nails have been painted yellow to make them easier to see.

Having a “finished” look is important to every layout. Here’s a good view of the painted and dappled fascia board, the complementary skirting and the recently added trim. A nice presentation makes every layout look better.

The riverbed has been painted in preparation to adding the water. Since the water will be clear, the bottom of the river will need to be painted darker in the middle, lighter on the sides.