How to Make a Realistic Model Train Layout

Who says toy trains are just for kids or the kids at heart? Anyone can play them and anyone can enjoy playing with them. It has been a long standing notion that toys are only for little boys or little cute girls. As you grow up, you tend to do things that adults around you do. You sort of just blend in with the crowd and forget your old habits or wants. However, toy trains never go out of fashion and will never be mocked as a hobby or toy for kids especially if you have a realistic model train layout.

Here, you will know how to build a model train layout that will surely impress anyone who sees it. Let us get you started. There are two major manufacturers of train tracks and these are Hornby and Peco. You can use both brands if you like but using only one brand will be better for your layout to be more unified. Moreover, decide on which kind of track you want to use: coated steel or nickel silver rails? Both can be used also but deciding on only one will be better. Note: coated steel rails require a lot more maintaining. Let us start.

Step 1: Plan and design. Virtually everything that you want to do has a process and that process usually starts with a plan. In this case, you will have to imagine and actually write down a design for the layout. The track layout is really important because it is where your train will be, where you will be showcasing your artistic side. There are a few things that you need to know regarding the design.

First is the gauge. This is just the distance between the rails. The main gauges are O, OO, HO, and N (in descending order). British train modelers use the OO gauge. You need to check out your train’s gauge before you continue or if you do not have a train yet and is about to, decide on which gauge to get. If you have a smaller room then getting the N gauge will be a wise decision. An O gauge is much to big for an indoor train layout that you want to build.

Second is track. Putting and assembling tracks is the trickiest part of building a train layout and many things can go wrong in this. There are things to consider like building the tunnels and the inclines.

Layout and design is the third thing to consider. Plan a very good layout that will match your wants. If you want it for yourself then go ahead and design it whichever way you want it to look like. If you plan to give it as a surprise gift to someone, make sure that the concept of the layout will be more or less acceptable to that special someone.

Also consider the station. What train railroad does not have a station at some point? You may have to consider this when you are just beginning your layout. If you want to put in a bigger station then you need to position it on the board at the same time as you start on the track. You need to have ample room for it in the track for it to be placed.

Lastly, you also need to consider the length of the train, points, sidings, roads, and the number of trains. The length of the train is important to note just so to ensure that the sidings will fit them. Also, decide on the number of trains you want to put in for it will be used as a consideration for the number of roads you will put in.

Step 2: Build a baseboard. Since you already have a design, you will have to make the baseboard based on it. You should know by now what type of board you are going to need and also the size of the board.

Step 3: Pick your ballast. Lay down the ballast before you start laying down the tracks because there might be some preparation needed to be done first to the board. You need to lay down the ballast to fit both the functional needs of the train layout and also its physical appearance. There are several methods of laying the ballast. Search the Internet for more techniques.

Step 4: Lay down the track. It is a very simple process but can be very time consuming. When you have your tracks, simply lay them down in an oval (start from the basic shape before moving on to more complex ones). It is a good practice to lay all of the tracks down first before pinning them with track pins. In this way, you can do adjustments easily. It is also senseless to pin every hole there is in a track. Pin every other whole or even lesser when the track is longer. This will shorten your time considerably. Also, you might want to use pliers instead of a hammer for it will be easier and more convenient. Lastly, consider drilling in holes for point motors, track power cables and signals before you finalize the track.

Step 5: Install other accessories that are needed by trains in real life such as power source, point motors, and signals. Place them in appropriate areas and secure them.

Step 6: Test. Before you add some visual drama to the layout, test it first. If all the electronics like the points, signals and many other things are installed already, do a test run. Check to see if they are working properly or if your train travels smoothly on the track.

Step 7: Finishing touches. You are almost done with the layout now. You only need to add some bushes, buildings, lamp posts, mountains, and many other things that will fit your layout theme. You can buy accessories online or on specialty shops or make your own.

Step 8: Enjoy your layout. If you had fun with that, you can try and expand the whole train layout if you want.