Dave Durling’s O gauge layout

A Lionel starter set purchased for Christmas led to this great compact layout. Dave Durling has modeled favorite places from his life in New England, complemented by several stunning scratchbuilt structures. […]

Read More…

Janis Roguskie’s Christmas Lionel Display

Janis Roguskie's Christmas Lionel Display

The layout is 5 x 9 feet. It features a postwar freight powered by Lionel’s 726 Berk and an MPC Congressional set powered by my custom painted GG-1. This is the first time a “G” has been on my Christmas Layout. This passenger train is one serious holiday train. The layout is minus the snow […]

Read More…

Starter set expansion plans (FasTrack)

Starter set expansion plans (Lionel O gauge tubular track)

  Layout designer: Kent Johnson Scale: O Layout size: 5 x 8 feet Track type: Lionel FasTrack Minimum curve: O-36 Originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Starter set expansion plans (FasTrack) components Starter set expansion plans (FasTrack) […]

Read More…

HO scale Rice Harbor

RiceHarbor

Name: Rice Harbor Layout designer: David Popp Scale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 5 x 8 feet, plus a 9″ x 40″ folding carfloat extension Prototype: freelanced short line Locale: coastal South Carolina Era: 1930s Style: island, portable Mainline run: 18 feet Minimum radius: 18″ Minimum turnout: no. 5 (main), Atlas 18″ radius Snap-Switch (spurs) Maximum grade: none […]

Read More…

Thin Branch Series: Buried track

Buried track

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page David uses our HO scale Thin Branch project layout to show you a simple technique for modeling an industrial track laid into gravel or dirt, which makes it easy for vehicles to drive over the rails. […]

Read More…

Family Train Layout: episode 2 – install foam scenery board

Family Train Layout install foam scenery board

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page After building a 40 x 60-inch lightweight base for our family-friendly layout, David demonstrates how to fill the interior of the frame with foam insulation board used to support the train set tracks and scenery. Would you like to learn more about how to […]

Read More…

Family Train Layout: episode 1 – building the frame

Family Train Layout building the frame

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Ready to build a model railroad the entire family can enjoy? Starting with a basic train set, David guides you through the materials, tools, and step-by-step instructions needed to build a simple 40 x 60 inch base for a lightweight and family-friendly layout. Would […]

Read More…

N scale Spokane International Ry.

SpokaneInternationalRy

Name: Spokane International Ry. Layout designer: Mike Pagano Scale: N (1:160) Size: 6 x 13 feet Prototype: Spokane International Ry., Northern Pacific, and Great Northern Locale: Northern Idaho Era: 1954 to 1962 Style: Sectional island Mainline run: 78 feet Minimum radius: 12-1⁄2″ Minimum turnout: no. 4 Maximum grade: 3 percent (main), 4 percent (logging branch) […]

Read More…