Hello everyone, I'm new to these forums and this is my first post ever! I just wanted to share with you guys the building of my first (true) layout. First off, iv been into HO trains since I was age 6 as my uncle got me into model trains. Now 25, it wasn't till the last 3 years I started displaying some of my train collections to my friends, most never knew I was into trains! I'm more into building cars (as I am a field technician and do car prep logistics for Nissan) but 3 years ago I displayed a train under my Christmas tree which the layout was nothing more than laid out flex track on a foam board and a few generic christmas trees around it. You can see it on youtube under 9720680 christmas tree train layout. Anyhow, this year I decided to share some love with my trains and dedicate to a real layout which will depict some mountains, tunnels, waterfalls, lakes & rivers, bridges, tons of trees, and animal figures; All under a blanket of snow! Since space is limited, I decided to keep the turn radius down to 13inches. Bare with me as I'm not familiar with modeling terminology so ill do my best lol. Their will be 2 main lines, one upper and one lower. All will be powered by DC. I will be posting pictures in a bit so keep posted!
Welcome to the forums.
13" radius is very tight. Not sure what you can get to work on it. A 4 axle diesel may go, but it may pull the cars off due to limited coupler swing. 18"r is usually the minimum recommended. There is 15"r sectional track made, but the only place I have seen it used is in industrial districts where short cars and short locos go.
What we have for a Christmas layout is a 4'x4' piece of 1/2" plywood with a simple frame under it. You can build on it and have room in the center for the tree, if that is what you want. It sounds like you were not planning to connect your two levels. With this size base you could have a loop of 22" r on the base and a loop of 18"r raised up as the inside loop.
The one problem I have heard of with winter layouts is that it doesn't take long for the snow to get dirty. No real experience with the winter layout. (Winter I experience annually) Dust can be an issue on any layout, just doesn't show so much in other seasons.
If you have been on the fringes of modeling the last few years, you might ask Santa for some books to catch you up with some of the new materials and ideas that have come along.
Good luck,
Hi Bartolo92: Welcome to the forums. You will find a lot of very helpful people here.
I have one question. You said you want to model in HO but you mention a 13" radius on your 'turns'. is that a typo? All the advice I have seen here and elsewhere suggests that the minimum for HO is 18" and 24" would be much prefered. If you can give us an idea of what type of locos and trains you want to run someone will be able to suggest a minimum radius for problem free operation. Also, if you could post a drawing of the room you will be modelling in and a track plan you will get lots of good advice. I just posted my own track plan and immediately got two responses that showed significant flaws in the design. I'm glad I did it!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
high guys! thanks for the welcome! well the turns are nearly close to a 14' radius. iv messed with flex track before to see how narrow these locos can handle and believe me, they can go around tighter turns! the rolling stock as well can handle just fine, already test and done and no derailments what so ever. the locos i will be using are 1 0-4-0 and 1 emd40 critter. up top on the main line will be more of a sighting seeing/passenger type train and down below, some what of a coal train. im not really trying to be specific as far as road name goes because since its going to be a tiny layout, its something for the nephews to control and enjoy so names wont really bother me right now.
the layout is on a 2 x 4 2inch thick foam board. sturdy enough for what i will be doing. im trying to post pics of what i have done so far but i dont know how? help on posting pics please thanks! lol
trying to see if this works as im trying to load images! lol
started crubling all the newspaper last night to start the mountains
test fitting as to where i want my bridges
running a few cars to test if anything touches
started laying down the woodland scenic plaster cloth! love this stuff!
little corner work getting done
almost done!
what you guys think? not to shabby eh?
starting to add a little more wood to the bridge
and started some painting of the terrain! thats all i got done for now. will continue later today after work and squeeze in much as i can!
started to add some trees
my little emd 40 getting around finally! also starting on one of the waterfalls
got the coal depot up as well as a freight depot up top
overall view of layout so far. i was thinking of putting a tiny christmas tree in the bare open spot up top on the right and have the top train line go around it. just a thought! we see how it turns out
started on adding some lights and wiring it all up!
green light for the 0-4-0 down below!
also added some exterior lighting for the coal depot! dont mind the wires over the rails, was only temperory
little day shot. dont mind the plaster holes, they are going to be filled
little day shot. dont mind the plaster holes, they are going to be filled as well as some gaps in the bridge
more trees are growing!
top view of my progress. what you guys think? ...still not finished yet!
added bunch more tree's, decided to fill the opening up top on the right with more trees instead of a christmas tree
added some water effects to the river, some deer, rolling rocks, grass, and more snow! i believe there will be more snow on the way!!!
and here is some shots of the final touches! hope you guys like it! cant believe i havent gotten any comments yet lol
cleaned up the layouts boarders with black lining. some of the train collection down below that i wish i can run but since space is an issue, only some of the large locos such as my SP AC-6 Cab Forward and UP FEF are static display's when on the rails, running their idle sounds and smoke. I also picked up my first DCC unit as well. its the newer Digitrak Zephyr with the 13.8 volts. i have plans to expand and add onto this layout but for now, it will do