Getting Started

RR Layout

When planning construction of a model railroad there are all sorts of possible track configurations and plans to consider. It really depends on the space you have at your disposal and what type of train operation you would most enjoy.

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Use your space wisely when planning, here are some tips:

·          Real railroads (prototype) run from one destination to another rather than go around in a circle.

·          Full size trains often run for long stretches over monotonous landscape, which if reconstructed on a model layout, would be rather boring.

·          Although a point-to-point layout is necessary on real railroads, the format is not generally practical for the average home (or club) model train layout.

·          To make things a little more practical (and interesting), prototype railroads have branch lines, sidings and other subsidiary systems.

·          Before departure, the trains are turned around at terminals using yards, loops, wyes, and turntables.

·          Most small layouts would not have enough space for two terminals, so use an "out-and-home" track configuration.

·          Constructing an out-and-home layout usually enables a little more mileage between terminals.

·          You could add more realism and interest by combining an out-and-home, and point-to-point, format with continuous pikes.

·          The hardest thing about construction planning on model railroad layouts is where to start. The project can seem so huge, it can seem daunting.

Construction Planning

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Best Guide To Model RR

The hardest thing about construction planning on model railroad layouts is where to start. The project can seem so huge, it can seem daunting. Well, as the old Chinese proverb goes, "there is only one way to eat an elephant - just one bite at a time." Constructing model train layouts is just like that. Take little steps at a time and do not bite off more than you can chew!

·          Model railroading is not a fad that you will grow out of in a few weeks. It will become a lifetime passion.

·          Start by researching the section of full-size railroad that you will be modeling.

·          There is no point in trying to replicate hundreds of miles of mainline track if you only have limited space available.

·          Popular themes to consider include: an engine terminal, shunting yards, a horseshoe curve, town scene, industrial theme, or even an important railroading location from history.

·          Careful planning may lead to better or even best results. Constructing a layout for a model railroad may be tough.

·          A model railroad layout needs to look good at a first glance, but it also needs to stand up to close inspection and scrutiny. The point is; spectators will get up close to your model train layout and they will start to spot the small details the longer they stay.

Landscaping

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One of the most exciting aspects of model railroading is creating the scenery to enhance the landscape of a layout. There are all sorts of scenery accessories you can purchase from online model train stores, but many things can be made from everyday items around the home.

·          Twigs from your back yard are a good example. They can be used for making small trees and shrubs, or be cut to resemble logs.

·          The same goes for adding grass to your layout.

·          Gather some fresh mulberry leaves and dry them in a microwave oven. After they are dried out, drop them in a kitchen blender and you have instant ground cover.

·          The only disadvantage with making your own ground cover is you will not necessarily know how long it will last when compared to the bought stuff.

·          A lot of model railroaders use dried kitchen herbs for leaves and ground cover. They mix different herbs (e.g. thyme, oregano and parsley) for different effects.

·          Sea Foam (also called "Forest in a Box") is a popular material for making small inexpensive trees.

·          Fine brass wire can be used to strengthen the trunks and branches.

·          You can even add sprinklings of kitchen herbs as mentioned earlier.

·          Lichen is also ideal for making shrubs and trees. It is very versatile and looks good as mass foliage and undergrowth on a train layout.

·          So, there are many, many ways to make ground cover and trees for your model railroad layout. It is a lot of fun and you might want to try some different options to see what works best for you.

Create Realistic Scenery

Creating realistic scenery is the part that pulls your model railroad layout together and brings it to life. Little details can make a big difference, as many spectators will spend a lot of time watching the trains operate, so they will get to notice the little things that add to the overall effect. Your visitors will get see the vegetation that grows alongside the track and notice the signs on the buildings and the weathering techniques used on the trains.

·          Tunnels and a bridge will add interest to a model train layout. You will need a rail station too.

·          Other ideas like a working grain elevator, water tower, coal loaders, or a control towers help complete a scene.

·          Make sure any vehicles and rail crossings are from the right era. One idea is black washing the grilles and hubcaps to add depth and realism to the scene.

·          You can purchase miniature figures in male, female and child variations all molded in 'flesh' color. The arms must be attached by gluing.

·          When buying adhesives for joining scenery, there are several choices in hardware stores and hobby shops.

·          When building scenery try using an acrylic matte medium or white glue as both of these modeling adhesives are water soluble.

·          If you are going to use white glue, you may want to dilute it with water using 2 parts glue to 1 part water, or a 1 to 1 ratio, depending on its application.

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Care For Your RR

Model railway locomotives and rolling stock all need to be kept clean and well-maintained, as does the track-work and layout in general. It can be a constant job to keep things operating efficiently and protecting trains and structures from dirt, grime and dust build up.

·          One of the most important accessories in the model train hobby has to be model train storage boxes.

·          There are various options, the first being to make your own storage system.

·          You can also buy customized storage boxes equipped to fit various railroad scales whether it is: N scale, HO Scale, O Scale, S scale, On30 or G scale.

·          Most importantly you want your railroad cars to be in the best condition that they can be every time that you use them.

·          Organization of your train can be difficult, especially if you do not have enough space to leave the train on display for long periods of time. You will need proper forms of storage to keep the train until you can leave it on display.

·          There are several companies that make parts for model trains along with boxes to store them in. Axian is one of these companies that make specific model train storage boxes.

·          Each box should come with foam strips to lay your train on and keep organized.

·          Decide how many trains or cars you want to store in each box.

·          Are the boxes suited for passenger cars?

·          Will the boxes fit on any storage shelf neatly and in a tidy fashion?

·          Make certain you do not experience any rattling or movement of the cars when lifting the cases from one place to another.

·          You might also consider placing some paper between the cars and the foam for long periods of storage, because certain paints can stick to foam.

·          Many model train hobbyists recommend that you find model train storage boxes that fit the dimensions of your cars.

·          Remember, you don't need to buy everything ready-made; you may prefer to improvise by using containers made for other uses, or to make your own.

More Later, GW

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