Build a model train

Rob’s – actually Barbara’s – HO model train layout continues to evolve.  What is a model railroad without a tunnel?  Again, Rob used left over building materials to create one.

A piece of leftover blown foam insulation was cut to fit the end of the table.   Glued down to cut sections of 2 inch pink insulation to raise it up, it was then scooped out to create a tunnel.  A section in the back was cut out to allow easy access in case of a derailment and the underside was painted black where it could be seen when in place.

The painted tunnel ready for placement

Once the floor of the tunnel was painted black as well, the mountain was glued in place and held down with bricks until the glue dried.

The mountain with tunnel being glued down

Rob is considering using the leftover tile adhesive and/or wallboard compound to create a pasture area the Mrs wants to have on top.

Barbara has decided to delete most of her Old West style structures in place of new ones.  In the two photos below it is indicated where she plans to add some structures.

Meanwhile, Rob has cut out the tarpaper used for road base and is holding it flat with bricks until he can mix up the goop to cover it.  Soon the roads will wander across the layout!

Further development of the HO model train layout

Another view of the HO layout

I am getting closer to diving in on my own Z scale model train project.  Perhaps next week!

My brother, Rob, while stating that his N scale model train scenes may not reflect the detail his artistic talent is capable of (time will tell if they do or not), does believe that scenes should bear some appearance of realism.  This includes allowing for space and not crowding a scene into an “unrealistic” area.

The Early HO layout as Rob envisioned it

In planning his wife Barbara’s HO table, he designated an area for her lumber mill which included road access for lumber trucks.  She decided to move the mill into a much smaller space at another location where there was no way for a lumber truck to get to it.  Does a scale model really need such access?  Of course not!  It’s a model.

Rob went on to note that Barbara “squished 3 mobile homes between two curved tracks with hardly any room for the little folk to hang their laundry”.  Her answer… “They live on the wrong side of the tracks.”  Again, he was opting for “realism” while she was approaching it from a viewpoint that would satisfy her.

What I see in these examples is the wonderful capacity of model railroading to appeal to different preferences.  Whether one aims for duplication of actual locations, imaginary but realistic scenes, flights of fantasy without ties to the real world, or just a display for an engine and a couple of cars… a model train layout is a very personal proposition and there is no right or wrong way to build it.  It only needs to satisfy the one who owns it.

The current HO model train layout

As Rob mused, “Hey, what can I say (let alone do), it is HER layout, right!?!?  Guess I’ll be thankful she is interested.”  In planning and building a model train layout, the best advice is be yourself and have fun.

Rob wanted to include an old Route 66 type highway in his model train layout, one which showed weathering and a few potholes.  To create this he mixed some ceramic tile adhesive and cement grout, both available from any hardware store, with Elmer’s White Glue and spread it on a piece of tar paper.  Once it had dried, he rolled it every which way until cracks and potholes appeared.  The results speak for themselves.

He is still experimenting with the concept, looking to reduce the number of “potholes”.  With strips of the proper width and center lines added, one can see from the photos that it will give a good appearance of weathered tarmac.

Once again, he is using left over building materials.  He shows how, with a bit of ingenuity, you can have fun creating realistic scenery for minimum cost for your model train layout.