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Dismantling and Moving My Layout
Barnaby asks readers:
“I thought I would live in this house til I die, but we’ve decided to move interstate closer to the son and daughter. Problem is moving my layout (HO) which was not designed to be moved… BIG MISTAKE! I can’t bear the thought of cutting it up, transporting it, and then trying to put it back together somehow. I made the scenery from chicken mesh and plaster of paris. I really don’t know where to start and hate the thought of cutting or damaging the track, trees and scenery. It is 4 foot by 3 foot one way and from the corner stretches 6 foot by 3 foot the other way. Can anyone else who has been through this type of drama give any suggestions on how or where to start? Also how to protect it from getting damaged by the removalists. Thanking you in anticipation.”
Locating Scale Model Vehicles
Rickie asks readers:
“I need to know where I can buy all the cars and trucks I want to put on my layout. I also am planning to have a number of rail cars that will transport cars from a factory. I don’t need die-cast as I’m sure they will cost a bundle, but I want 1:87 scale autos and trucks to closely match the HO scale. Any suggestions would be helpful.”
Poll Results – Progress of Your Layout
About 400 readers responded to our last poll which asked –
“On a scale of zero to five, how finished is your model railroad layout?”
Results were as follows:
- 0. Unfortunately I don’t have a layout yet 21%
- 1. 21%
- 2. 23%
- 3. 21%
- 4. 10%
- 5. ALL DONE! I’m Finished! 3%
How To Prevent Rust on an Old 1920’s Train
Steven hasn’t supplied a photo, but sent in this question on how to prevent rust:
“I recently acquired an early 1920’s Ives standard gauge engine with 2 passenger coaches which given their age are still in good shape. There are some scratch’s and chips in the paint but there’s no rust on the bodies. This train was being set out in the trash by an older lady who said it was her late husband’s boyhood train set.
Depending on who you ask, doing a paint restoration would take away in the value of these as antiques, and repainting them at this time isn’t on my to do list. However, I don’t want them to start to rust.
I plan on storing them in double ziplock bags with a light coating of oil until I run them again, and yes the engine still runs which surprised me, and will be running under the tree next week.
I’m open to suggestions on what would be best to keep the train bodies looking original and not starting to rust, and also suggestions on keeping the track from rusting while stored. Thanks in Advance for your advice.”
Steve you can post a photo of the train in the comments section under this posting if you would like to share one.
Christmas Tree Arrives By Train
Perry sent is these photos of the Christmas Tree arriving in the town of Gungemyre on his Greater Muttering and Cussing (GM&C) N gauge layout.
Now Available – 7 New Wild West Buildings
Just Released! This video clip might look a hundred years old, but 7 of the scale models seen here are brand new to the series. Feedback on the quality of the 6 existing plans has been very encouraging, so we’ve increased the town size to 13 buildings by adding: the Palace Hotel, Dry Goods & Clothing Store, Barbers Shop, Telegraph Office & Stage Depot, School House, Church, and Land Office. The existing series of 6 western buildings includes: the Sheriffs Office, Bank, Blue Mountain Saloon, Gun Smiths, Black Smiths, and General Store.
Poll Results – Will your layout have a Christmas component this year?
The results are in for our Christmas train poll –
Readers to this blog were asked: Will your layout have a Christmas component this year?
Results were:
- No, my layout wouldn’t suit a Christmas theme (48%)
- Unfortunately I don’t have as yet have a layout (28%)
- Yes, I’ll add a small touch of Christmas to the layout (18%)
- Yes, my layout will have many Christmas elements (6%)
Using Old Doors as a Baseboard
Seb is planning to build N scale asks readers:
“A friend has offered me 3 very old solid timber doors for free to use for my layout baseboards. I’m thinking they might be too heavy when all the scenery and track is on top. Your thought?”
What Train Gradients for Double Header Locomotives?
Although Scott focuses on HO scale, the answers to his question will no doubt be of interest to folk using other scale. Scott asks readers:
“Can double locomotives help out in steeper grade? Can you have two trains hauling many boxes? What is maximum number of boxes can one train can haul? Two trains? On gradients? Thanks.”
How to Wire Relays
Ted says his question relates to O or On30 and asks:
“I have been looking for a clear description of how to wire relays. The info I have found so far is not clear. I am looking to use relays to stop trains at stations – some sharing the same track. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.”
Questions on Installing Trestles
Gary is into O scale and seeks help from readers:
“I am installing Lionel # 111 Trestles on 1″ foam on 1/2″ plywood. The design for screwing the trestle upright is difficult trying to get a driver vertical. Bad design, any suggestions. Could it be glued to foam.
Another question. When the track connection is over an existing bottom track , the trestle will be too close for a train to pass. I would like to know how to support the area, when installing a trestle won’t work. Thanks for help.”
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