Model-Train-Help

Cover

All Aboard!

Start With The Basics

Why The Track Is So Important

How Does The Power Supply Work?

Analog and DCC Explained

Layout Options Explained

Locomotives And Rolling Stock

What Should You Start With?

How Do You Create A Good Layout

More On Layouts and LDE

How to Create Realistic Scenery

Explain Weathering Techniques

How To Repair Problems

BONUS SECTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Glossary of Important Terms

Model Railroad Yard Design Explained Step-By-Step

Model Train Layout Track Plans

Garden Railroads

Mastering An Airbrush Step-By-Step

More Model Railroad Resources

How Do You Create A Good Layout

Should You Alter Your Layout?

How Do You Create A Good Layout?

What you create (or recreate) is really over to you. You ideas can and probably will change and evolve as your knowledge expands. That's why you need to be prepared to make changes and add new elements as you go along.

Here are some basic layout options to consider:

Regardless of whether you are replicating a modern day section of railroad or a scene from yesteryear, it's best to research the section of full-size railroad that you will be modeling. Document it physically and operationally, and then scale it down to fit in a reasonable space. The section could be almost anything: shunting yards, a horseshoe curve, engine terminal, industrial theme, town scene, or even an important location from history.

The objective is to then closely replicate the originals or real thing in terms of dimensions and authenticity. In other words, creating a scale rendition of real full size (prototype) trains and surroundings. The huge advantage in this approach is that it can help you to do a better job. By replicating a section, or all of a model railroad, you'll know it will look and operate just like the real thing.

Research the era and location of the scene you are modeling. Take a look at magazines that feature sets from that time period to get your creative ideas flowing. Select the time setting in which you’re most interested. The steam era, the transition era from steam to diesel, or maybe a modern day theme…what is your passion?

Whatever you choose, the interesting aspects that caught your eye in the first place can be scaled down - selectively compressed - simply by following the full-sized (prototype) example.

Quick Tip:

Sometimes real full-sized railroads have unusual features and things are not always arranged in a way that you would expect them to be. Despite your research, you may not be able to find out why the track and buildings were arranged as they were. Nevertheless, if that's the way the thing are (or were), then proceed to model it in the way it is (or was) in real life. As youlearn more, you'll simply confirm that what you already decided to model can be operated realistically.

Return to top of page

Should You Alter Your Layout?

Layouts, like full-size railroads, aren't cast in concrete. You can construct them using relatively easy-to-change materials like wood, plaster and foam. You need to allow for future growth. It is usually best to start off small. That way you can test as you build, and make changes when needed to improve operation or appearance of your layout.

Layout design and construction are both continuous learning processes. In reality, most model railroads are the result of an ongoing series of changes and additions to the original design efforts. Some even undergo an extreme makeover and are completely rebuilt from the ground up to embrace a new theme.

So, it's best to learn as much as you can so that you can make well-informed decisions during the planning and building process. In this way you'll be able to build a layout in the knowledge that you can still adapt and improve on it as time goes on.

Quick Tip:

Safety First For Model Train Layouts In Lofts

When space is limited in the family home, model railroaders of try and think outside the square when locating layouts. A lot of people decide that a loft is a great 'out of the way' place to set up a model train set. Yes, a loft can be a good solution, but be careful and do your homework first.

Unless the loft has been properly converted there is a danger that you may overload the ceiling joists (resulting in cracked ceilings in the room below). There could also be the possibility of overloading the entire roof trusses resulting in a collapse... far worse scenario.

Always seek professional advice, because some roofs cannot be modified safely to accommodate a load bearing down from "inside" the roof. If in doubt consult an engineer, or at least an architect before locating your train set in a loft.