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Benchwork Mistakes To Avoid
Mistakes when constructing benchwork can be difficult to rectify, so it’s best to avoid them in the first place. Here are some things to consider and mistakes to avoid:
>> Will anything you do be a safety risk that could potentially result in an accident or fire? Will the use of materials such as foam void your house insurance?
>> How much weight will the structure need to support? Will it cope with the weight now and in the future? Will you ever need to climb over or stand on the benchwork?
>> Will the benchwork be stable? Shaking and movement can derail trains.
>> Are the aisles wide enough for you and other operators? Not having aisle room to pass another operator can be very frustrating. Narrow aisles can restrict walkaround control.
>> Can all areas of the layout be easily accessed from either from the layout edge or from underneath? No being able to access a derailed car cause problems.
>> How will humidity affect the layout? Will the sub-roadbed bend or buckle?
>> How will the changes in elevation (vertical displacement) affect train operations? Sudden changes in track angles can uncouple and derail cars.
>> Is it practical now (and in the future) to crawl underneath or “duck-under” benchwork access areas, or to operate from a pit? Is there an easier way to do things?
>> Is the layout the right height for you? An uncomfortable height can spoil the fun especially if you develop back problems.
>> Are you making best use of the under layout space. Can areas be used for storage or will this make accessibility difficult?
>> Are you ever going to move house and relocate? What happens to your layout then? Does it need to be built in modules to make it portable?
Click here for more scenery ideas
http://www.modelrailwayscenery.org/model-railroad-scenery.html
Up To 67% Off Model Buildings!
Right now there are several multi-pack specials all under $20 (saving from 35% to 48% off the normal price) and a couple of BIG BUMPER PACK deals for just $47 (saving up to 67%!!!).
Here is the link to a couple of BIG BUMPER PACK deals to give you an idea
http://www.modelbuildings.org/big-bundle-deal-1.html
http://www.modelbuildings.org/big-bundle-deal-2.html
POLL RESULTS – Will you be working on your layout over the Christmas break?
Our last poll ran for only a few days and asked: Will you be working on your layout over the Christmas break?
There were 323 respondents and the votes were as follows:
>> YES – I hope to (72%, 233 Votes)
>> No – Unfortunately I have other things to do (16%, 53 Votes)
>> I don’t have a layout yet (12%, 37 Votes)
Add your comment.
4ft by 17ft Folded Figure 8 Layout
Ron sent in these photos of his layout to share:
My new layout is a 4ft by 17ft folded figure 8. I have most of the scenery done on one side. I have attached a few pictures of that side. On one side is a mine on the upper track, an interchange yard a small businesses on the lower track. The other side of the layout has a small yard serving a car float and local industries (no scenery yet.)
The Shamrock mine is a modified Walthers New River kit. I removed 1 story, shortened it for 2 tracks, scratchbuilt a new open conveyor a over burden tower.
The small community is Cherry Creek. The bridge is scratchbuilt and spans the lower mainline and a small interchange yard. The building on the right side is a scratchbuilt combination depot, hotel, and gas station built from plans in the Narrow Guage Gazette. On the left side is a scratchbuilt general store, Dalton’s Almost Anything (from the Red Green Show).
Add your comments.
Suitcase Connectors For Layout
Howard asks for advice from others in the hobby:
“On the new HO layout I will probably solder feeder wires to the flex track at the workbench. I don’t want to solder under the layout this time. What color suitcase connectors should I use and what size wires will they use? I’d prefer to use solid copper #12 for the bus wires and 22 solid for the feeders. Who has done this and can tell me about it? Thanks.”
Add your suggestions.
Painting Stone Walls Randomly
Sebastian from Norway sent in this weathering idea:
No model train layout should look too perfect. It is usually most natural when objects appear random rather than manicured in place. A stone wall is a good example of this. If the wall is too perfect it will look unnatural as if it was made by a machine. A stone wall can be weathered to look handmade. The stones can be random shapes or spaced irregularly. You can also paint the stones randomly.
I use acrylic paints and start by painting some of the stones in one color – maybe every third or fourth stone in the same color – vary it. I then choose another shade to paint some of the other stones. Then I select another shade for some more stones. I use about 5 different colors in all. I vary the color sequence to give a random pattern. I finish off the wall by toning down the colors with a weak wash of India ink or grimy black paint. The end result looks really natural.
Add your comment.
More weathering tips from http://www.modelrailwayscenery.org/model-railroad-scenery.html
Bleach as a Weathering Aid
Sent in by Rod:
Another trick I discovered, is to gently dribble some bleach over a cliff face using an eye dropper. You need to be careful not to get bleach on your clothes as it will take the color out, but when dribbled down a cliff face it will settle in the cracks and give a good weathered look.
I also use dry brushing on cliff faces and rocks. For those that don’t know; dry brushing is the technique of dipping a stiff paint brush into paint before brushing off most of it from the bristles. You lightly drag your brush over raised rock surfaces to deposit a very small amount of paint to highlight the raised-up sections only. I dry brush a little white paint to highlight the rock edges. I dry brush to slowly add a little hint of color to the rock work.
Add your comment.
More weathering and clever scenery tips at http://www.modelrailwayscenery.org/model-railroad-scenery.html
POLL RESULTS – Do your locomotive models have sound?
Our recent survey asked: Do your locomotive models have sound?
474 respondents answered as follows:
–> NO – but someday I hope to have some (37%, 177 Votes)
–> YES – some have sound, but I wish I had more (19%, 91 Votes)
–> YES – I have some locos with sound (19%, 89 Votes)
–> No – I never will have locos with sound (11%, 50 Votes)
–> YES – all my locos have sound (9%, 41 Votes)
–> I don’t have a layout yet (5%, 26 Votes)
Add your comment.
Online Model Train Clubs Compared
As many of you will know my Online Model Train Club has been going from strength to strength over the past 3 years or so, and I do get asked how it compares with the Model Trains for Beginners Online Train Club operated by Dan Morgan. In fact, a lot of people confuse the two, and think they are one and the same. WRONG!
The truth is; we are competitors and I do not own or supply content to Dan’s club. I would never criticize it as, just like my own online club; it has been operating for several years and has a loyal following of enthusiasts. And, without being a member for at least a year or two, it would not be possible for me to pass any judgement.
In fairness I can only really comment on my own Online Model Train Club, because I know how much effort continues to be put into providing updated resources and content each and every month. It perhaps explains why we have so many members still with us since day one, many of whom have contributed their own ideas and advice for other members to share.
My online club is constantly improving with members getting access to more and more resources each month. The feedback I get is very encouraging which is a testament to how the club has developed and improved over time. This will continue, and I have some really exciting developments in the pipeline for members to access.
Although I would prefer it if you joined my online club… but even if you join my competitors club… you will be accessing the help you need whenever you need it, to progress in the wonderful hobby we all enjoy so much. After all, you never stop learning. I’ll give you the link to both so you can decide for yourself.
Find out here about My Online Model Train Club
Find out here about Dan’s Online Club
We all learn and develop our skills in different ways, and belonging to an online model train club gives instant 24/7 access to resources from anywhere in the world. I know my own club has been described by one member as “a giant resource library to tap into whenever I need help.” I believe in my heart it is an accurate description.
Best Wishes To All.
Robert
More Model Railroad Tips
More quick tips from Club members to share:
–>> India Ink is a good all-round weathering agent when thinned with water. It is really good for simulated weather- beaten unpainted wood. Just mix 2 drops of India Ink with 1 cup of water.
–>> When running wires down from a light pole, sometimes it is easier to simply drape them down and across to a nearby structure. The structure will hide the wires with the connection still looking authentic.
If you have a clever tip to share with others, please use the “Submit Your Question”, or the “Submit Your Article” link in the right hand column.
Add Black Tar to a Scene
Marcel, a member of the Online Model Train Club for 3 years, sent in this tip to share:
“It’s the little details that can add authenticity to a model railroad scene – like a few little scratches, some random graffiti, some rust marks, water stains, oil stains, aged peeling paintwork etc. One little trick I discovered is adding black tar in a few spots such as at the bottom of a chimney. I mix some dark gray (or black) paint with some white glue to make the tar. I then apply it dribbling it off a piece of wire.”
Add your comment.
Wooden Fence Effects
Adding fences can add realism to a layout whether it is a wooden fence, a steel fence, or just a wire fence. To make it look real you might not want it to look to new or in perfect condition. It might even have some graffiti scrawled on it, or be broken in places. Here are some tips for adding effects to a wooden fence:
— cut the boards along the top to make the fence slightly jagged
— maybe vary the spacing, break some boards, remove some, and split some slightly
— a pounce wheel is a good tool for making nails holes and little grooves prior to gluing, painting and weathering. You can also use the back of a hobby knife to gouge out some little knot holes
— make some of the boards look almost new to look as though they been recently replaced
— weather your fence to suit the scene. If it is alongside a new building then maybe it needs to look in reasonable condition. If it is on a farm or near a factory, then maybe it could look a bit neglected.
— add some suitable signage
Helpful Model Railroading Ebooks For Christmas
Click here for Model Train Help by Robert Anderson
Click here for Scenery & Layout Construction Ideas by Robert Anderson
Click here for Space Saving N Scale Track Plans by Tony Neilson
Click here for Getting Started In N Scale Model Railroading by Tony Neilson
Click here for DCC Model Trains Handbook by Tony Richardson
Click here for OO/HO Trains by Tom Hobson
Click here for Scenery Construction Techniques by Brian Miller
Low Cost Way To Make Bridges
Simon Stanton sent in this idea to share:
“Here’s an idea for constructing bridges across rivers and valleys. Use a curtain rod to make metal girders for the sides of a steel bridge. I use those curtain rods with an “I” shaped cross-section. I find a hacksaw best for cutting the rods to the right length. I then fill in braces using styrene or wood. Later I spray paint the assembly dark gray or black. I have found this type of bridge construction to be really sturdy. The other advantage is the spans can reach further without bending.”
Add your comment.
Peco Turnout Motors
Art asks you for help:
“Does anyone else have issues with Peco coil turnout motors not functioning, only working to one side after awhile. And/or does anyone have any better set up so they switch and operate more efficient on Peco turnouts , N scale. Respects. Art”
Add your suggestion.
POLL RESULTS – Will your model railroad include a Christmas element of some kind this year?
340 model railroaders took part in the last survey which asked: Will your model railroad include a Christmas element of some kind this year?
Results are as follows:
— No (64%, 217 Votes)
— Yes (21%, 72 Votes)
— I don’t have a layout yet (15%, 51 Votes)
Add your comment.
Is This A Real Building Or A Scale Model?
Sometimes it only takes one thing to look artificial, or out of place, for the whole layout to lose its character and authentic look. It’s often the little details that draw the viewer into the scene to convince them it is real (or at least an extremely good scale replica). Fact is; vegetation and structures can help or hinder the overall perception of reality.
Is this a photo of a real warehouse building, or is it a scale model? See answer below.
The grass, trees, weeds, and bushes all need to look natural as if they were growing out in the wild. Bright colors can have a place such as in a Fall (Autumn) scene, but generally vivid colors need to be used sparingly, as they can over-power a scene or make the vegetation look unnatural.
Structures also need to look as if they have been exposed to climatic conditions. Although not everything needs to look old or worn, indications of natural weathering or usage can give buildings and bridges and authentic appearance, as opposed to a plastic look. Various weathering techniques such as chalk and India washes can add amazing realism when skillfully applied.
Another option is to buy structures that are pre-weathered or ones that already include realistic detailing. It may surprise you to know the frontage of the building pictured here, is in fact a model. I’m sure you’ll agree, it looks just like the kind of warehouse you would expect to see in an industrial area servicing a railroad.
To have a close-up look at the detailing go to http://www.modelbuildings.org/Low-Relief-Buildings-B.html Then run your mouse over the small image on that page and it will enlarge so you can view the detailing up close.
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