Small Beginnings

trainsbybob Sep 20, 2020

  1. trainsbybob

    trainsbybob TrainBoard Member

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    [​IMG]

    Been lurking on these forums for years, but never really posted, until now... This modest layout will hopefully become a useful test bed for honing my model railroading skills.

    A recent move and downsizing yielded this desk top that was no longer needed for its intended purpose. The panel is roughly 24”x 36” give or take a bit. The goal is to build a small n scale layout that I can enjoy with my son and daughter.

    Since the track I ordered came in I figured an initial test run was in order. So far, so good!


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  2. logging loco

    logging loco TrainBoard Supporter

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    Great way to start out.
     
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  3. JimJ

    JimJ Staff Member

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    Excellent! I’m in the (slow) process of dismantling my home layout and reverting to a small micro layout of sorts. You look to be well on the way.
     
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  4. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    Welcome to the world of posting. Careful it can be addictive!!

    If you need ideas for a small layout check out Steve's Trains on YouTube, he builds small layouts and has some really good track plans. I am planning on a variation of one of his designs for my next layout.
     
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  5. trainsbybob

    trainsbybob TrainBoard Member

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    Funny you should say that! I’ve been watching his channel for a while now and it’s his layouts that have given me the inspiration to build mine. The track plan I settled on I found on Mike’s Small Track Plans website. I had to adapt it a bit for use with Unitrack.


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  6. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    Awesome!

    I am adapting his 24x30 twice around layout making it slightly bigger to accommodate one of my passenger trains. I know there is a tram on the upper level but this is a bit bigger I want to run my HB-E300 on it.
     
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  7. Run8Racing

    Run8Racing TrainBoard Member

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    I use the same types of buildings you do, but mine are a bit more detailed. I have an Old Style can for my brewery. Somehow, it always gets emptied and needs to be replaced !!! An empty Pennzoil bottle is the refinery, a real RR spike is the steel mill, a glass elephant from an ex-ex-ex- GF is a silica plant, a right rear tire from a 1/25 scale Sprint Car kit is a Goodyear distributer, empty CLR bottle is a chemical plant, etc, etc. Empty jewel cases have been a plastics plant a few times !!! I can change my industries any time I want !!! :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
     
  8. trainsbybob

    trainsbybob TrainBoard Member

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    HELL YEAH!!

    Who needs expensive craftsman kits when there’s plenty stuff just laying around the train room?! And as an added bonus most objects come painted with realistic decals...


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  9. Run8Racing

    Run8Racing TrainBoard Member

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    Probably be a good idea if neither of us start hauling cattle. That may get a bit too authentic !!!
     
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  10. trainsbybob

    trainsbybob TrainBoard Member

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    Considering the size of n scale equipment, we’d probably get buried under too much “work” and start costing the shippers money.
     
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  11. trainsbybob

    trainsbybob TrainBoard Member

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    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Still no permanent scenery yet, but it seems as if a small city has sprung up over night!


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    Last edited: Dec 2, 2020
  12. Bookbear1

    Bookbear1 TrainBoard Supporter

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    Here's to beginnings! <clink>
     
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  13. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Simple and effective. Let the fun begin!
     
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  14. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    Very nice, small, but interesting layout. Lots to see and do!

    Enjoy it with your kids!
     
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  15. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    Funny how some buildings and a few trees can make a layout 'come alive'. (y)(y):):D
     
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  16. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    I couldn't help but notice the Graco box under the layout. Brings back fond memories!

    Like when the nurse snapped my first-born, already in her infant carrier, into it's rear seat receptacle in my car, and said "You're good to go!"

    She had absolutely no idea how inadequate I felt, driving my daughter home for the first time.

    My daughter's 26 now.
     
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  17. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    Very nice start, enjoy.
     
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