How Do I Build a Train Tunnel

[Anonymous]

Hello. We have just recently started a train collection for my son. I would like to build him a tunnel and a bridge. I assume that they are usually made from Papier Mache. Can anyone give me any advice or instructions as to how it is done ? I am very new at this and don't really know a lot about it yet.

Any information would be helpful !

[wrmcclellan]

Gagesmommy,

Welcome to the CTT forum!

Paper Mache would be a good way for you to go.

Depending upon the size of your son's trains, you can start with a cardboard box that will act as the "core" for your tunnel. Set the basic box (remove the flaps from the top) over the track and cut a hole in each end to clear all the trains and track your son uses to make sure they do not hit anything.

Make a base for your tunnel that captures the "footprint" you want to have for the tunnel/mountain. You can either make your tunnel so you can lift it off without touching the train track or you can make the base continuous under the tunnel/mountain so you have to disconnect and remove the track before removing or lifting the tunnel.

Once you have the tunnel core and base in place, you can use a hot glue gun and cardboard strips to glue the tunnel core to the tunnel base and then to make a lattice of cardboard strips (1 inch wide strips of cardboard) that assume the shape of the mountain you want. You may wi***o coat the cardboard lattice with a spray urethane paint to "waterproof" the lattice before applying the paper mache.

Now you should be able to apply paper mache to the lattice and build your mountain and tunnel.

Good luck!

Regards,
Roy

[poppyl]

There are several methods for building a tunnel but Roy's approach is the simplest for a one level starter layout. Make sure that your lattice of cardboard is closely spaced for structural strength. If you find that your lattice is sagging in places that you don't want it to sag, you can stuff balled up newsprint behind the lattice to bolster it until the papier mache' hardens up. The key is to create the inside framework of the tunnel using the box or another mechanism.

In terms of bridges I would recommend visiting your nearest train store. They should carry some relatively inexpensive single track deck bridges.

By the way, what kind of track are you planning to use?

I almost forgot, welcome to the forum!

[wrmcclellan]

poppy - good points!

Here is a quick scan of a doc I created to help. Quality is not so good since it is a scan to get it to a JPG for posting.

[daan]

Though paper mache is a good way, you could also use foam sheets, glued upon eachother and with a hole in the middle for the trains.
It's easy to shape, leightweight and very sturdy.

[Anonymous]

If you are not building a permanent layout right now, you should look into the styrofoam ready-made ones at train stores. They are fine for small layouts, especially for kids. They don't look great as-is, but paint and some "greens" will greatly improve them.

[poppyl]

Daan -- That's a good approach, too, particularly when combined with the cardboard lattice. I've done that a few times with good results. There is a little learning curve with learning how to cut the foam and I don't know if she has a good cutting knife or hot wire cutter.

Joe -- You have offered the easiest solution if she isn't interested in the fun of doing it herself.

I'm assuming that we are talking about O Gauge here but she never specifically mentioned the gauge in her post.

Poppyl