Planning
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Four Model Railroaders Reveal Their Plans
On this blog model railroaders are welcome to share their ideas and tell others about the projects they are working on. Readers are welcome to comment on these postings by clicking on the green comments link below this posting.
Martyn tells about his model railway project:
“Hi, my track work is based on a 1970’s Peco plan that gives a lot of scope for train display though this is my first true lay-out attempt. I have had to go from modeling in n gauge to ‘OO’ for my disired track effect and I am in my forth rebuild to achive this due to a lack of spare time. My deck work should be finished in the next two weeks give or take a week [thanks to work and other commitments].”
David has an HO layout and share these thoughts on his project:
“I started my model RR project two years ago. It is kind of just going along as I can do it . I am retired. My layout is far from being finished. Next project is wiring all those switches. I will be setting up a power station too. Sometimes it is pretty slow as the finances are small.”
Jerry is working on his N scale Mountain Valley RR and tells about his progress:
“I haven’t started my layout but I have several N-TRAK modules. I have a 2 six foot modules that make a 4′ corner and a 4′ straight that resembles the New River Valley. It is not finished. I also have a 4′ corner that is not finished. Both are being worked on at this time. Buildings are a combination of laser kits and plastic kits. I hope to have the inside corner ready by the GTE in Jan.09.”
John has an HO layout and tells of his plans:
“Iam thinking of making a layout based on what I have been collecting over the past few years. I have approximately fifteen engines, a large amount of rolling stock, around twenty four yards of track, and around 40 points and cross-overs. I also have been building houses and shops. Some from kits others I have scratch built. I was thinking of DCC but will find out what it entails plus the expense of it before deciding on DC or DCC.”
1700 Ft Track 6 Years In Making
Model Railroading enthusiast Richard has sent in these photos for publication. He has a 1700 feet track he has worked on for 6 years.
50 X 75 ft DCC Layout With Coal And Mixed Freight
John is a member of the Fox Valley Model Railroad Club in Illinois and has sent in this information about his club.
The Fox Valley Model Railroad Club layout is modeled after the Milweekee road in Iowa. The main room is 50 X 75 ft. The model RR layout is all DCC with a lot of coal and mixed freight. The Fox Valley Model Railroad Club present project is to extend model RR layout in the new basement. Proto type operations are the norm but then there are the fun sessions too.
Guests are welcome but please call ahead Contact Ted at Rails Unlimited Hobby Shop. The Fox Valley Model Railroad Club layout is at 126 will scarlet, Elgin, Ill.
Model RR Features 3 Tunnels, 3 Passing Sidings And 5 Industries
Photo shows a view of downtown Hoovertown on the Richlawn Railroad.
Rick has kindly sent in this photo and story about his HO model RR setup for publication. It looks and sounds like an amazing layout.
Richlawn RR is set in Louisville, KY during the 60’s & 70’s with the L&N. The layout features mountains, hills, a yard, a handbuilt trestle & several towns.
I finished the basement train room myself in May 2008 and moved in the existing 4′ x 9′ oval section that I completed last year.
Background by Backdrop Warehouse with hand painted sky & airburshed clouds. Benchwork is flat top 1/2 plywood for the 13’x2.5′ yard with open “L” girder for the balance. Track is Atlas code 83 on the mainline & 100 in the yard. It is on 5/8″ plywood with cork and has a maximum of 2.5% grade. There will be three tunnels, 3 passing sidings & 5 industries.
Scenery is cardboard web hot glued with plaster cloth, hand carved rocks, ground foam, “puff ball” trees & handmade trees. My wife does the finishing touches on landscaping and is a valuable consultant!
Latest progress: detailing of the Matthews Freight Yard including swamp, detailing of Hoovertown with the addition of permently attaching it to the layout.
To comment on Rick’s layout simply click on the green comments link below.
Model RR Club Plans To Set Up In Old Train Station
Charles a club member at the Lehnis Heart of Texas Model Railroad Club has submitted this club info for publication:
Lehnis Heart of Texas Model Railroad Club
We just started last January and have a old train station that is going to house the club. Right now we have the model RR layouts in the museum. The train station needs lots of work, after we get the RR layouts done at the museum we will start on the old train station.
This christmas (2008) we will have open house from just after thanksgiving to before christmas and will be sell tickets for an o gauge train set. Hope to see a lots of model railroad fans. The Lehnis Heart of Texas Model Railroad Club is at 700 East Adams Street, Brownwood, Texas, USA.
Southern Ore And Lumber Railroad Planned
Blog reader Roy shares some information on his HO Southern Ore & Lumber RR:
My little backwoods Southern Ore & Lumber is still being planned. Also being planned is a move to NC so little has been done beyond a constantly improving trackplan, the construction of all the needed buildings (about 30) and a few ‘test modules’ just to see what was needed for radius and elevation parameters. I have two locos (Spectrum 3 trk Shay w/sound DCC and a DCC 2 trk Climax) just waiting to get to work in their 1928 era hills, woods, and small town of Snoggert’s Gap.
To tell people about your model RR go to http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/my-layout.html
Layout Drawings For N Layout
If you model in N scale you might have some suggestions for Mike.
“Does anyone know of an online source of layout drawings so that I might get some inpiration for a new small (8 foot by 3 foot) layout, please?”
If you feel you are able to help Mike, simply click on the green comments tag under this blog posting. It is as easy as that.
Track Layout For Four Locomotives
Larry is operating DCC and wants to run four locomotives. Here is his question for you.
“I’m still in the planning stage of my HO layout. I have several books on track planning, but all are geared toward two locomotive layouts. I know DCC allows more than one locomotive on the same track, but this requires an engineer. Are there any track plans for four locomotives, that allows you to set set four different trains in motion and just sit back and observe them? I have room for a 12’x16′ layout, and I will be using DCC.”
If you want to add your thoughts, or answer Larry’s question, click on the green comments link below this blog posting.
Module Question
Paul has a module question you may be able to help him with:
“I would like to know how to construct a side of a mountian via a module on a workbench. I heard you use pink installation board if this is correct how do you construct the frame?”
Choosing A Generalist Model Railroad Layout or Specialist Layout?
A specialist model train layout is where there’s one major source of traffic. A good example would be a steel mill, brewery or saw mill. When designing a specialist layout you will need to study the subject in order to model it correctly. Specialist model railroad layouts can be very effective and a lot of fun to build especially if you have a keen interest in the subject or location.
A generalist model train layout is where almost anything goes. A sea port for example could realistically be expected to send and recieve almost all kinds of freight cars whereas a specialist layout might have a port specifically for exporting coal. A generalist model train layout allows for flexibilty, which for many railroaders, is a good reason to choose a generalist model railroad layout.
Different Perspective On Train Scales
Here is an email I received from a reader that I thought I would share with you. He has a different view on scales that might create some discusion or get you thinking differently. Here is what the reader said:
“My own response to the question of which scale to go into is ,…. WHY CHOSE O N L Y ONE?? Why not be the Artist that I am and do a “FORCED PERSPECTIVE” layout in which a train enters a tunnel in say – HO, and exits as if it is further away – in “N”, choosing to go even further with the illusion, do the same thing again, transfering the same train into Z scale! This adds a multitude of challenges to the hobby!
1) You have to figure out how to “match” all features of a given train in EACH scale! Not an easy task!
2) Layout planning takes on an entirely new “perspective” !
3) Power Management is certainly going to be interesting! This approach to model railroading adds alot of dimension to things,…INCLUDING the FUN!…….ALL ABOARD!!!!”
Whether you agree with that readers view or not, you might like to post your views by clicking the green comments tag below.
Share Your Model Railroading Knowledge
This is your opportunity to help others in the hobby. Here are three questions from fellow model railroaders who would like your suggestions. Simply click on the green comments tag below to offer an answer.
“I have a 6×10 train o gauge layout. When it comes around the far end of the layout the trains get very slow and sometimes almost stop. What can I do to fix this problem. How can I fix a Lionel coal tender it has a whistle on it, but it rattles & whistles. I see a wheel under neath the goal tender, should I spray WD-40 in the wheel that spins? Please can your readers let me know their ideas. Also I have built a lot of houses and different things out of cardboard, with paint they look pretty good instead of spending money on plastic models. The videos are great thanks a lot!”
“I am having difficulty in finding a book that contains layout plans (particularly n-scale) that includes a track materials list along with the plan. Otherwise it’s just a big guess on what to purchase. I received layout books from Kalumbach ( 101 plans & 48 top-noch plans) but they didn’t help. Any suggestions from your blog readers?”
“I’m doing a landscape design project for a class I am taking and would like to use a railroad flatbed as a bridge over a small creek. Do your readers know where I can get some drawings of flatbeds? I’d like to be as accurate as possible. Thanks for any help your readers can give me.”
To offer your suggestions or thoughts, simply click on the green comments tag below.
Why Scales And Gauges Cause Confusion
The terms scale and gauge are two of the most confused terms in the model railroad hobby.
The SCALE proportion is expressed as a fraction of a real life-sized railroad. As an example, HO scale is 1/87 the size of real life-sized railroads.
For model trains, track GAUGE is the width between the inside running edge of the rails. For toy trains, gauge is the measurement from the center of the two outside rails.
Do Tracks Have The Same Gauge?
No they don’t, but there are two main types: standard gauge and narrow gauge. In the US, Canada and most European countries, trains run on standard gauge.
Here is an email I got from a reader:
“I am continually frustrated with retailers who are either unaware, or refuse to recognise the difference, for commercial reasons. Whilst most English manufacturers of OO SCALE models now match HO model manufacturers and use HO GAUGE wheel sets, the scale size difference still remains. I take umbrage with those who list their English models as OO/HO. You can maybe get away with buildings and lineside models, but not rolling stock!
Put an HO SCALE loco alongside a OO SCALE loco of the same prototype and the difference in size sticks out like a sore thumb. I got caught again recently and bought a remarkably well-made model of a New Zealand 2-6-4 Tank, advertised as HO SCALE. It is not, despite the retailers avowed belief that it was, in fact, HO. It seemed massive alonside my Bachmann HO SCALE 2-8-4’s and 4-8-4’s.
It is in fact OO SCALE on an HO GAUGE chassis and this is the common cause of much confusion by many ill-informed sellers. Please use your influence to try and help ‘eradicate’ this problem.”
Thanks to Edwyn for that contribution on scales and gauges.
Two Model Railroad Videos
The new series of 42 model railroad videos is proving popular. They are not flashy productions, but the content of each video is helpful. The videos can be downloaded over the Internet. Here is a little bit of information about two of the model railroad videos:
Video #5.
‘My Railroad’ (Part 3)
On this video John shows his electrical setup and explains scenery construction techniques. He demonstrates a working crane and gives an interesting tutorial on lubricating a locomotive and how to use conducta lubricants for cleaning and lubricating commutators.
Video #6.
‘Trains In The Tropics’
The Cairns/Kuranda Scenic Railway in Queensland, Australia is an amazing example of engineering achievement. This is a fascinating look at the prototype and HO layout including the Skyrail and unique ‘Aussie style’ buildings. Very interesting!
Click here for more information about the model railroad videos.
Amateur Model Railroad Videos Prove Popular
Thank you for all the positive feedback on my new model railroading video series. I am certainly no Steven Spielberg, and don’t pretend to be. It seems that the content of the videos is what people have been asking for, so that perhaps explains all the excellent feedback.
For those who haven’t yet seen any of the 42 videos here is a summary of what’s on the first four in the series:
Video #1. ‘My Railroad’ (Part 1)
75 year old John takes you on a tour of his HO layout. It’s remarkable how John has compacted so many ideas and featuresinto a small 10 foot x 8 foot room. If you are pushed for space,then you’ll be inspired by what John has achieved. Without giving too much away, I can reveal that John will tell you about the monorail he built, he’ll ‘double head’ a couple of steam locos and add smoke oil.He’ll also operate the ‘Big Boy’ locomotive and take you on a tour around the entire layout.
Video #2. ‘Baseboard Construction’ (Part 1)
The C&SFT layout is modular, being made up of modules no more than 6 feet long. This makes it easy to add extra length at either end or anywhere in the middle by adding modules. Watch, as experienced model railroader James, shows you step-by-step how to construct a baseboard.
Video #3. ‘My Railroad’ (Part 2)
John has a lot for you in this video including his: GG1 locomotive, a level crossing, the 300kph Eurostar, a Union Pacific diesel, Stephenson’s Rocket, the John Bull steam engine, a service vehicle that gets stuck in a tunnel (and how he removes it), a jigger and crew, an SD70MAC loco and the engine shed. John also shows how he cleans dust from the track.
Video #4. ‘Baseboard Construction’ (Part 2)
James shows how to align the tracks between modules to avoid problems with erratic running and derailments caused by poorly aligned track. He explains how to test track alignment before ballasting.
For full details on what is included on all 42 model railroading videos have a look here http://www.model-train-help.com/member-only-videos.html
42 Amateur Model Railroad Videos Released
After a year in the making a series of 42 amateur model railroading videos were finally released today.
These videos do not pretend to be Hollywood productions as they focus more on providing good content rather than flashy presentation.
The 42 model train videos cover a range of model railroading topics and include tours of several private layouts… not normally open to the public.
These videos, available by download, also feature visits to some train shows and include lots of useful ideas and tips to help hobbyists build, or improve their own model railroad. Other video topics cover baseboard construction, electrics, foliage making, DC and DCC operation. The series even includes three videos about building a garden railroad.
These videos range in length but average around nine or ten minutes each. The step-by-step tutorials in the videos provide answers to many common (and not so common) model railroading problems.
Access to these videos is by “membership only” so is restricted to a limited number of keen model railroaders.
To find out more about these model train videos and to read the list of contents and see a sample video click on this model train video link.
Happy railroading!
Layout With Turntable and Roundhouse
One of our readers would like your feedback regarding using a ceiling tile rail. If you would like to answer or offer some suggestions, simply click the comments tag below. Here is his model railroading question:
“I have started on my layout and I’m using Sievers Benchwork. I have started with a turntable and Roundhouse. The turntable is Walthers 130′ and I will sit it in 2″ foam and will use 1/4″ plywood/w/1/2″ Homasote. I will use ceiling tile rail to hold in place. That way I will be able to lift out and clean or preform maintenance when necessary. I just wanted to know if your readers think that should work?”
HO Modular Railroad Question
Here is a question submitted by a reader regarding building a modular railroad.
If you wish to contribute your answer and share your ideas, simply click the comments link below and follow the simple instructions.
Here is what the reader has to say:
“I am about to start building a modular railroad. I planned on using a couple of dowels for lining up the modules together with hooks and eyes to keep the modules separating, or using flat or bent brackets with bolts and wing nuts in order to prevent movement. So far it has worked efficiently on my n-scale train.”
“I am about to build an HO scale modular set with 4 modules (due to space) and have been advised not to use dowels, but rather BRASS door slidingbolts. Is this a good way? What I am trying to describe is what is placed on the inside of a door to keep it closed and locked. It is NOT the mechanism wherein a key is required. Have your readers got any ideas on the matter?”
To offer a suggestion simply click the comments tag below and follow the simple instructions.
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