I am a model railroader from the UK, i model UK O scale but wanted to make a portable layout but of a US prototype. Space in the UK is limited for everything especially model railroads. So i designed my layout so it could be cut from one sheet of 8x4.
Attached is a track plan and a few photos of the build so far can be found here http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/98410-georgetown-ct-o-scale-2-rail-layout/
I am hoping to extend the track plan to become part of much larger layout in my basement eventually.
I would welcome your comments and feedback. Is this totally crazy? By the way as you will see this layouts getting put together in about 8 weeks as I am hoping to start getting it out to shows promoting O scale 2 rail in July.
A few pics from the Layout Planning
Track Laying
Time for the ground work to start and also some shots of the Coal Yard area developement, there was lots of discussion about getting this looking right. What do you think?
Just a few shots to show how the workshop area developed. The back of any workshop area becomes a bit of a junk yard and its a great excuse to add detail.
Factory Area
Test Fit
Ballasting and track weathering
dock area detail
finished dock area
I think it's looking very promising Gordon, very promising. For gritty ballast/cinders/dirt I have used finely sifted fireplace ash. What is it that you use?
Dave Nelson (Milwaukee WI)
Hi Dave
The ingredients are extra fine ballast, sand and fine coal dust
Apply the ballast first then sprinkle sand in as it drys, then a coat of sleeper grime, then a sprinkle of coal dust into the paint as it drys then a fine sprinkle of sand after
The Depot is now installed
The whole left hand side of the railroad is taking shape now, remember this half of it is only 4'x3'.
And a few more shots from around the Coal Yard and scrap piles behind the Gas Station.
Another update, what do you think of the Pumpkin field.
Nice work, Gordon. This shows what can be done in a small space, and O scale yet!
Mike
Thanks Mike, i came across the Pond to the O Scale March Meet in Chicago this year and i think theres a myth that you need lots of space for O. You can do something very detailed in O scale in the same space as HO. Hence why this is from one sheet of 8x4.
I am glad you like it, thanks for the feedback
Gordon
Just another update, its starting to come together now with some details. I am working on my scale track and adding leaves on the ground for that New England Fall look.
my backscene arrived, what do you think? still lots of details to add yet.
Now adding trees and the small scenes are coming together. The trees are a product called seafoam.
Beautiful work Gordon! Very impressive!
some more pictures, nearly finished now, time for more details
thanks for the feedback I am glad you like the layout
End Boards are now on
Gordon, can you tell me where you obtained your backdrop?
Bentley
"I am a model railroader from the UK, i model UK O scale but wanted to make a portable layout but of a US prototype. Space in the UK is limited for everything especially model railroads. So i designed my layout so it could be cut from one sheet of 8x4."
I see these post all the time and wonder what makes Europeans and especially those from the UK, believe that every one in the us and Canada, that has a model train layout, has huge amounts of space? Most houses built in North America, since the 1950's are on a concrete slab.No basement and one story. Only in the last, oh, maybe 35 or so years has the McMansion, two story house, with two or three car garage, three or four bedrooms, no basement, been built. Even in the UK these larger houses in the suburbs are being built.
Until 2005 I never had a large space for a layout. Small living space of 500 sq ft though. I just cleared the garage and never use it for automobiles, only pantry, storage and the layout in between. Though N-Scale does give a lot of great running in even small spaces.
Ken G Price My N-Scale Layout
Digitrax Super Empire Builder Radio System. South Valley Texas Railroad. SVTRR
N-Scale out west. 1996-1998 or so! UP, SP, Missouri Pacific, C&NW.