Bob wants to hear from anyone with experience of incorporating a race track into an HO model RR layout:

“I want to try to make a NasCar race track. It doesn’t need to be perfect details. I am just starting to build a new train table and one part is about 3ft by 4ft. I would like to build this race track on it and have the train go around the out side. Maybe I could include a place to drop off and pick up people? I know it is going to be a big job to do. I had idea of finding car track at goodwill stores or similar. That would give me the race track for the cars but the stands will be harder to do. If anyone has any ideas I would like to hear them.”

Comment below.

Garry asks readers:

“What do people think would be the best type, or even brand, of turnout for a serious model railroaders medium-sized layout? Also, can some tell me what size turnout would be most suitable for my passenger trains so they will not derail?”

Comment below.

Richards asks for help from readers:

“I am interested in building a small layout for my grandchildren to enjoy. When I say small I am thinking in the range of 3′ x 6′,that will probably be wall mounted to save space and 3′ deep so I can reach all parts of the layout. I currently have both HO and N scale engines that I have found at garage sales. Has anyone got any ideas?”

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Harry has several questions which experienced model railroaders might find difficult to answer without further details (Harry you may want to add more details to this posting – use the green comments link below). Harry asks others:

“I have been looking for information in regard to overhauling and renovating my layout which is over twenty-three years old. Much of the work would center on the back drop and much of the wiring (a mess to say the least). I just need a sense of direction and advice on where to begin, best course of action and definite “product improvement”; not too mention saving money while doing the work.”

Several of the regular contributors are on vacation so it would be helpful if some other experienced model railroaders could help out with guidance. To answer a question use the green comments link below each posting. It is quick and easy to register and participate. You will be doing the hobby a great service!

Jim is hoping to get some layout concept ideas for his planned project and asks readers:

“I have three Lionel Locomotives and Railroad Cars that were made in the mid 1950’s. I would like to make a layout of about a 4’x8′ or 4’x6′. I would like something that really looks neat and doesn’t look out of place because of my trains age. Thought you guys might have a idea.”

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William has a question about O and G scale and asks readers:

“I have lots of space for my layout, but am unsure as to the recommended height for my operating height!”

Answer this question below.

Harvey models in HO scale and asks readers:

“I have just got to have a golf course in my train set up. How much space would I need to set up a nine hole course, approximate 3000 yards?”

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Kobi wants to buy a layout plan for a 2 x 3 meter (6.5 foot x 10 foot approx) layout and asks readers:

“Where I can find help to design a model layouy,2×3 meter (approximately), 3 levels, for HO scale? I want to run 3 trains on it. Thank you.”

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Dick has sent in these photos and article for publication:

The layout where I am locating the buildings is a large HO layout of about 1850 sq ft and is the product of the immensely talented Chuck Ellis, a published model railroader of 30 years.  It is a somewhat freelanced cross country RR called the Great Northwestern Pacific.  It runs from Duluth, MN to Seattle, WA.  It is set in the 60's and actually owns no motive power but uses UP, Great Northern, Santa Fe, and various smaller roads.  It is an iron ore hauler, a hot shot refer or two, passenger service and lots of local mixed merchandise trains.  The central switching, classification, engine hostelling takes place in Great Falls, MT.


This is the location of the buildings I sent pictures of. I'm also enclosing some pictures of the deep pit ore mine just completed along with the new mountain area which is the home of the Cisco & Taliesin RR, a HO n3 narrow gauge scenic road. The layout is DCC and most of the motive power has sound.  Many of the structures are Fine Scale Miniatures, many are scratch built, and some are contemporary Woodland Scenic already built and detailed structures.


The structures pictured are Downtown Deco kits.  These kits are somewhat difficult to build owing to the fragility of the plaster cast parts.  Easy handling and somewhat tedious clean up process is of primary importance at the beginning of construction.  They are walls are extremely well detailed and accept acrylic washes and accents well. The kit has high quality signs and posters along with a concise instruction manual. This kit is not for beginners, however. One should have some experience with color mixing and weathering for an acceptable  completion of the structure. They are some of the best construction kits available in my opinion.

John asked:

“I would like to make a layout for an 8 ft by 8 ft area, HO scale. are there any computer programs or books that have different layouts?”

Ron is asking for help from others in the hobby and asks:

“I am having trouble finding examples of how to layout a multi train layout. I would a layout of three of more trains. Can someone help me please?”

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Jim has a question for experienced model railroaders on industrial sidings and asks:

“I bought Robert’s book several years ago and have found it very useful. I need help! Everytime I design a layout I always struggle with industrial sidings. They are very boring and make no sense. I don’t any good ideas on what to design. I am looking for drawings of industrial siding layouts that I can incorporate directly into my layout. Can someone help me please?”

Comment using the comments link below.

Ken is new to the hobby and wants help:

“Doing my first model train since I had one when I was a kid. I am gonna do steam from when the C&NW was in Wisconsin serving the Neshkoro, Princeton, Wisconsin area early 1900’s.

I am guessing 2-4-0 thru 4-6-4 and maybe 4-8-4, if there are such steam engines. I am just starting to get it together.

Now the question – what would the minimum radius I could use. (keep it under 36″) fingers crossed. Thank you to anyone who is willing to help.”

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Joe sent in this info for publication. He and his son are working on a shelf layout and it sounds like and exciting and creative project.

“I am running an around-the-wall shelf layout which I am building with my son Joe. Hence the name J&J Overland. We have a road running from one side of the layout to the other, but the autos had no where to go. They ended meeting the track. I painted a mountain on both sides of the road and put in RR Crossings. I glued a tunnel portal to each side of the road and painted the insides black. I took two cars and cut them in half. Used one half as a car coming out of the tunnel and the back end going into the tunnel. I did this to both sides of the road to get the desired look of a continuous road.”

If you also have a shelf layout you might like to tell others about your project. Submit details of your layout for publication at http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/my-layout.html

Pat wants to access examples of HO layouts and asks readers:

“I am finding it difficult to find examples of HO layouts in the 8’x12′ range. And if I do, they never show any graphics of scenery or buildings. Can anyone help me in finding such examples along with DCC wiring detail? Your help is appreciated.”

Carl has a small space for his HO layout and asks readers:

“My HO train radius layout is too small for a 1960’s aluminum passenger train set which I cherish. I run it very slowly to avoid derailments. I can’t enlarge the train table. Can anything be done to improve the situation? Someone please help?”

Drew has a question for readers:

“Does someone know the aspect ratio of OO gauge? Is it compatible with HO gauge (i.e.: HO’s aspect ratio is 87:1)? Thanks very much in advance.”

Amy writes…

Drew, the answer to this question is clearly explained in Roberts Model Train Help ebook, however I’m sure one of our readers will happily explain the difference through this blog. I think it has also been covered before on this blog so so might want to do a quick search using the blog search box. Signed Amy (on behalf of Robert)