Build a better layout

Build a better layout

A decade ago, Dick Christianson, the founding editor of Classic Toy Trains, and I began work on what became the O gauge Lionel Lines/Santa Fe layout. With help from CTT staff members, who dutifully ventured to Dick’s suburban basement every Tuesday night, we spent countless hours planning, thinking, changing our minds, and making false starts […]

Read More…

Canadian Canyons Series: Part 21 – Mounting the fascia and staging yard panel

David Popp next to layout

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Nothing conveys the appearance of a finished layout more than smooth-flowing hardboard fascia! But even though our N scale Canadian Canyons layout isn’t completed quite yet, David shows you how to measure, cut, and secure fascia around the curvaceous perimeter of our project […]

Read More…

Canadian Canyons Series: Part 20 – Adding the upper deck 2

David Popp holding plywood next to layout

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page With the upper level framing in place, it’s now time for David to build out the plywood platform for our N scale Canadian Canyons layout. Once in this subroadbed is attached, David can then turn his attention to completing the trackwork and installing […]

Read More…

Canadian Canyons Series: Part 21 – Mounting the fascia and staging yard panel

David Popp next to layout

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Nothing conveys the appearance of a finished layout more than smooth-flowing hardboard fascia! But even though our N scale Canadian Canyons layout isn’t completed quite yet, David shows you how to measure, cut, and secure fascia around the curvaceous perimeter of our project […]

Read More…

Canadian Canyons Series: Part 18 – Building the helix connection

David Popp next to layout

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The track, wiring, and electronics are finally in place for the lower (hidden) level of our Canadian Canyons N scale layout! In this video, David raises his game to build the benchwork for the upper (visible) level of the layout. The first order […]

Read More…