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. […]
Tag: Small Layouts
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 […]
Starter set expansion plans (FasTrack)
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) […]
Starter set expansion plans (Lionel O gauge tubular track)
Layout designer: Kent Johnson Scale: O Layout size: 5 x 8 feet Track type: Lionel O gauge tubular Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Starter set expansion plans (Lionel O gauge tubular track) […]
Starter set expansion plans (MTH RealTrax)
Layout designer: Kent Johnson Scale: O Layout size: 5 x 8 feet Track type: MTH RealTrax Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Starter set expansion plans (MTH RealTrax) […]
HO scale Rice Harbor
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 […]
Thin Branch Series: 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. […]
Family Train Layout: episode 2 – 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 […]
Family Train Layout: episode 1 – 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 […]
Thin Branch Series: Foam scenery part 3 – filling gaps
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Once your foam scenery is in place, you need to smooth out the bumps and fill in the gaps. David shows you how he did just that on our Thin Branch project railroad, including putting on the base coat of paint. […]
N scale Spokane International Ry.
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) […]
Pennsylvania RR Juniata Division
Name: Pennsylvania RR Juniata Division Layout designer: Dave Vollmer Scale: N (1:160) Size: 6′-8″ x 8′-8″ Prototype: Pennsylvania RR Middle Division Locale: central Pennsylvania Period: 1956 Style: island Mainline run: 15.4 feet Minimum radius: 13.5″ Minimum turnout: no. 5 Maximum grade: none Originally appeared in the Great Model Railroads 2014. Click on the link to […]
