Scenery
Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
Clever Idea – Making Corrugated Tin and Coal sacks
John T has kindly shared these ideas:
Here is a tip for who is interested tin and coal sacks.
I brought ready made corrugated plastic sheets then I made my own Iused the brought sheet an foil tray from a meat pie cut it to shape then placed the foil on top. I run a finger nail down the creases to make it very realistic.
Coal sacks
I brought three boxes of tips you uses for roll ups from a pound shop pressed them a little to the desired shape. I removed some filling from the top end and placed model coal in and painted the sacks.
Hope this is of interest to you.
Hopefully John can upload a photo in the comments section of his post.
Ideas For Scenery and Structures
Morgan would like some ideas for his HO shelf layout from anyone who has any suggestions:
“My shelf layout is 12″/yes, one foot deep. To be 24′ long, currently finished only one 8′ board/left end. On that board I have barely enough track, and very little room for buildings, etc. Will probably need false fronts on the wall to “simulate” business for the railroad. 3″ at the most in depth. But can be 3′ wide, meaning more than one building. With this narrow a layout, I do not anticipate backdrop. Maybe just drawing paper painted pale blue on the wall. This is not to be a showplace. Mostly just for me. So I’m looking for ideas. Basic area is West TX, so it’s pretty barren. I have tons of cars, so the industries can be most anything. ?? An ice platform for refrigerator cars. ?? LOL But oil and stock pens are good. Ideas and suggestions, please.”
Impressive Arched Bridge on Display at the York Model Railway Exhibition
Online Model Train Club Member Frank R W sent in these photos he snapped at the York Model Railway Show in the UK a couple of years ago.
Obviously a substantial structure like this a very expensive and time consuming to build. It is certainly impressive and it you have the space and resources it would be a great project to work on. If you are not in that position then there are cheaper and easier options here.
Making Fuel Tanks For A Model Train Layout
Garry W, a member of the Online Model Train Club from Caboolture near Brisbane in Australia, snapped this photo at a local model railway exhibition. Garry queried how these fuel tanks were made. He thought they looked scratch built from recycled plastic containers, and would like to hear what others think. Gary pointed out, “They certainly add interest set alongside the track, but I did wonder if they were too close to moving (potentially derailing) trains?”
If you have any thoughts on making fuel tanks or have a photo to share, just submit your contribution using the COMMENTS link under this posting. You will also be able to see what others sent in.
Ideas for Desert Scene Wanted
Morgan is looking for ideas and inspiration from experienced railroaders:
“I am planning a totally false HO model rr. It is the PRR in west TX. Now, the layout is shelf, and minimal scenery. But, has anyone experience with modeling the desert/mountain area of west TX? What is the best ballast to use? What colors of paint should I buy and where can I get pictures of the tracks out there? I live near DFW and can’t get to the west. Don’t drive anymore, etc. Best of all would be pictures of your model rr with that type of scenery. Thanks.”
Readers can add a comment and/or upload a photo using the COMMENTS link under Morgan’s post.
What Height Should A Water Tower Be?
David models in HO and has this question:
“I want to build a water tower for stream engines. Can anyone give size I need to build one please?”
If you would like to have your question published, simply use the ‘ASK A QUESTION’ link below one of the blog postings. Your question will then be reviewed by the Blog Moderator and when approved will be published. Note – some question don’t get published if they are confusing, lack the necessary details, or have bad spelling etc. It is the Blog Moderators job (a voluntary position) to maintain a good quality for the benefit of all readers.
How To Ballast Mountain Terrain Track
HO enthusiastic Jerry asks:
“I understand that, (in the real world), the stone ballasting is necessary for several reasons, including the keep the track from shifting. And in most mountains, that are just dirt, that works the same as it does on flat ground. But what do the railroad companies do in mountains that are solid rock? I imagine they cut a pathway, and need to plane it flat. But then what? I don’t suppose even ballasted track on solid rock would stay put. So I wonder what they do so that I can know how to make the portions of my track that is on the outsides of mountain terrain, and therefore visible, look realistic.”
Ideas for Making Roads
O scaler Daniel asks blog readers:
” I need some suggestions as to the best material to use for roads please. Thanks.”
Using a Diluted Cement Mix as a Paint Wash – Will it Work?
Russell asks readers this:
“I have made some PVC pipe silos which are ready for painting and detailing. I will spray a gray color for the cement silos and paint on a metallic color for the rails, silo doors, elevator etc. After that I will try some washes with dry brushing effects and see how that looks.
I thought of using a heavily diluted cement liquid as a wash to make it more real and look weathered. Will this work? I know cement doesn’t affect plastic on a bucket so it shouldn’t affect the plastic parts – well thats what I assume?
I guess the alternative would be to just mix various shades of paint wash using a light gray, with a touch of light tan, and dab of black paint to darken it in places? Has anyone tried these various options?”
Twister Wreaks Havoc On Layout
Online Train Club member Allan sent in these photos to share. He said they were taken at the National Railroad Association Train Show.
Modern Day Scenery Ideas Needed
Doug has this question for readers:
I am building a 4×8 ft n scale layout, and I need realistic modern day buildings cars and trucks. I am finding limited items via Walthers and Woodland Scenics. Any help would be appreciated. I am in the U.S.”
Richard Shares Photos of the Models he Constructed
Richard sent in these photos to share with readers and says:
“I mentioned I would send a few pictures, this is first shots of section before getting put on the layout, I still have some more details to do, but thought you might like to see these.
Yes, I cut the windows out and used non glare tape inside of houses. Because of space I had to hang a few near the edge of cliff and so with the texture sheet that came with the plans I made the decking, and cut wood to make the railings.”
Richard used these plans:
Sharp-eyed readers will note that Richard has cleverly adapted and extended a couple of the backdrop factory plans to suit his own personal requirements. He’s done a great job!
Felt Cover for 4ft by 8ft Layout Board
Lou models O scale and has this question:
“I have a green felt material covering my plywood. How do you attach things (houses etc) to the board? Would I be better without the felt?”
Downloaded Plans Constructed and Positioned on Layout Ready for Final Detailing
Rich W kindly sent in these photos of a couple of house plans he downloaded from the modelbuildings.org website
First photos of houses before final detailing. Photos courtesy Rich W.
Here’s what Rich had to say – “I mentioned I would send a few pictures. These is first shots of section before getting put on the layout. I still have some more details to do, but thought you might like to see these. Yes, I cut the windows out and used non glare tape inside the houses. Because of space I had to hang a few near the edge of cliff and so with the texture sheet I made the decking, and cut wood to make the railings. Thanks again.”
http://www.modelbuildings.org/scale-houses-8-house-models-to-make.html
Track Bedding Help
Kent lists his scales as HO and N and asks:
“I bought two 8 ft. H x 8 ft. W Spruce Pine Fir Dog-Ear Fence Panels for an eight foot split gate. I have two 8×4 panels. Is it too heavy to work with? Also what about pool table felt for bedding? Green felt for grass? Any thoughts please.”
Logging and Mining Railroad Ideas
Brock hasn’t provided a lot of detail, but hopefully someone can assist:
“I have a HO scale logging and mining railroad. Any tips to make it more prototypical? Thanks.”
Brock can submit a photo and more details using the COMMENTS link below.
Free Catalog – Download it Now
If you haven’t already downloaded and printed out your copy of the Model Buildings Catalog – now’s the time to do it. It’s a handy resource to keep alongside your layout.
This catalog not only includes photos of 160+ plans to download, but also includes some useful construction tips and links to some excellent resources. It’s available now from http://www.modelbuildings.org/Free-Catalog.html
What Size Should Mountains and Hills Be?
Graham from Australia models N scale and sent in this question for those in the know:
“Please help as I am in process of designing a mountain to scale which is a highlight of my area the trains run in both directions. One goes around the other goes through the mountain. I am having trouble getting my layout to be as the real thing with the gradients. I operate in N scale so any ideas of the best way to address the above would be appreciative. “
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