It was with great anticipation that I learned my brother, Rob, was going to build a model train room as part of his art studio. While he says this project will be for fun and not to expect much, Rob is a very talented and creative artist. I can only presume that what he constructs will be very interesting. This blog will follow his progress in the buildout.
As Rob’s interests lie with N scale trains and his wife’s interests lie with HO scale trains, there will actually be two model train layouts in the room. Barbara’s will be freestanding, and Rob’s will be against the wall. As with any typical marital relationship where each partner gives in to the other’s wishes, Barbara’s set up will be worked on first.
The planned layout will have some interesting features. Being movie buffs, there are a few scenes from movies planned. I will reveal these as the tables develop. Space will be an issue, but I hope new and would-be model train builders will be motivated by seeing what can be done with limited space and a bit of creativity.
As with any project, I am sure changes will be made as problems arise and new ideas come to mind.
Having just built his studio and an adjoining residence, Rob had lots of left over scrap lumber with which to build his tables. While you can purchase a table prebuilt for a model train layout, such as what I had as a kid in New Jersey, a nice base for a layout can be built inexpensively from scrap lumber.
One of the first things received was a truckload of foam from the same company who supplied the insulating foam for the studio. This is is to be used for building up the topography or landscape on both layouts. It will be carved and treated for realistic appearance.
The following are some pictures of the layout so far. There are some questions as to the scene elements, but they will be worked out as the layout develops.
September 27th, 2010 at 9:02 am
I just started myself and really would like to see the progress with some follow-up pics if you have any.
September 27th, 2010 at 11:00 am
This site is following the development, pretty much as it occurs. If you want follow-up pics, just keep returning every once in a while or, better yet, subscribe to the RSS feed. As I get more on the development of the train room, I will post it.
November 24th, 2010 at 8:53 am
This is like a proper little layout factory. Your bench room is almost as big as my flat!
February 24th, 2011 at 8:22 am
How come Rob gets a little shelf and wife gets a monster table? =). Looks like you have the start of a great set up.
February 25th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
Jamie, I can only suggest that you have not been married. The table was a matter of keeping tranquility in the home. Barbara wanted to pursue HO scale requiring more room while Rob, pursuing N scale, is able to get by with the shelves along the wall.
February 25th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
Rob built the train room in the lower level of the studio he built for his art work/painting. Samples of his artwork and can be viewed at http://cederstrand.homestead.com/cederstrandstudio.html. You are not the only one who wishes for more room for trains.