Ok, This is my absolute first layout i have ever attempted. Learning as i go, The layout is a HCD 36"x80". After i get the "basic" landscaping scenery completed i will move on to the track. I am going to add 1 possibly 2 tunnels at the top left and right corners I am thinking of splitting the tracks on the top of the hill. I am also planning on building the railyard and industrial area on the left side. The layout is roughly based on the Atlas N-505 Nauset Valley Railway model. I do plan on adding a small river feature from the bridge at the top and bring it around near the town. Like I said, I have never built a layout before, but i got a Bachman explorer n scale set last year and decided it was time to start up a hobby i've wanted to join in on for 10+ years... Any advice for installing the track (atlas code 80 flextrac, I'm thinking) is welcome. I also expect to have about 6 switches and a small turntable for a the railyard, so a controller and switchboard will be needed. I dont know about the "power" abilities of different Locos, vs. controllers (which upgrades the pulling power more?) Anyway i will follow up with more pics and probably a thousand more questions! Thanks for the advice in advance! -Trey
I'd say you're off to a good start. Looks great! What are those buildings...I mean what kits are they?
it looks like a very good start, i would just be worried about that grade. Even a rise of a 1/4" for a foot is about 2%. Are you going to run a track under the bridge?
I was worried about that, but i tested with 12 cars and 1 loco pulling and it made it up fine. I think with 2 locos it should be fine. However, I am considering adding a river or swamp area along the front with a bridge that spans the gap between the two grades lowering it by about 1.5% to make it a 1.5% grade on each side. I'm not sure how it will look but i think it could look neat. Thanks, Trey
They are Woodland Scenics "Design Preservation Models" Gottem off the clearance rack at Hobby Lobby. All of their buildings were at $3.00 - $4.00. Figures at about the same. I bought all they had of the different structures. There were only about 6 different designs but a lot of duplicates.
Very nice...... love the selection of greenery, Trey. You might need to have some track nails to hold the track in place while the glue sets.
Partial Quote: Based on the photos, since you have an actual water supply setup in the background you can not only have a real river, but actual hot and cold running water in your buildings! What a concept! I'm sorry, it's been a long and tiring day and I simply could not resist.
Glidden flat paint from Home Depot. I go get the paint testers they are like 2-3 $$ and they last forever. They are water base so they are easy cleanup too. Plus you can get just about ANY color you could possible imagine. I buy colors and mix myself but they will mix for you at the HD. Thanks, Trey
HaHa! I've been waiting for someone to comment on that.... I just remodeled and built a laundry room, So I got the space the machines used to be in to start up a long awaited hobby... There will be a background put up to cover that "Fresh, hot/cold water spring" though...:tb-err:
I agree completely. I really like the colors and textures in your vegetation. Looking very good- keep the updates coming! Jamie
Alrighty, Today I attempted rock.... I know its not great, but i don't think it's the worst i've ever seen either. I still need to airbrush some brown/tan color into the rock, but i think it came out pretty good. I also bought some atlas code80 track today. Seriously, I think i got a deal but i need someone to confirm. There are 64 straights about 5" long, 79 curves about 5" long, 23 rerailers, 3 bumpers, 3 manual switches (2 right & 1 left), 3 bridges with track and a variety of smaller track pieces. All for $34.33! Somebody tell me that's not a rip off. Thats like 60' of track. heres some of my progress pictures.
I think you got a great deal on everything so far! I'd be all over the $3 figure and buildings. Keep up the good work. I'm still working on my first layout as well.
Here are a couple more pics of what i worked on last night. I mocked up a little bit of track (EZ track that will not be used) just to see how it will look. Also to figure out my exact route. Im thinking there will be a river coming from the bridge to the front right of the layout with a looowww bridge on the mainline to go over it and help lower the grade on the right side hill. I am also going to put in a rail yard with loco houses and a turn table in the left valley.
