Designing your Model Railway Train Layout

If you are new to model railway train collecting, you may wonder how enthusiasts create such elaborate layouts.

Constructing a model railroad layout comprises sculpting, model building, painting, and some electronic engineering.

Photographies can play a big part in the preparation when modelling a real location.

Many collectors find that the trains themselves become almost secondary as they work to perfect their scenic layouts.

Rivers, and the bridges that cross them, are popular scenes on many model railroad train layouts.

Just as important for model layouts, the change in elevation helps eliminate that “tabletop” look and makes the entire platform more natural and realistic.

Paved roads are a common sight from cities to the countryside and will add life to your scenes.

When researching which scale model railway layout to buy first consider where your model train will go. An empty bedroom 3m (10′) by 3.6m (12′), a table in the corner of a room 1.8m (6’) by 1.2m (4’) or maybe the garage 18m (60’) by 9m (30’)

Whatever space you may have, there are several factors to keep in mind:

1. Will you walk around the layout to get to all parts or will you walk into it?
2. How far are you able to reach? This will also depend on how high the model train layout is off the floor. No track should be more than 600mm (24″) from the edge of a table.
3. If you are new to model trains, it is usually best to recreate an existing railway versus creating your very own unique railway. It is much easier to stay focused and not be overwhelmed with decisions when first starting out.
4. Once you have figured out exactly how much space is available, take a little time and look at layout designs produced by model railway manufacturers.
5. Model railway track with integrated roadbed makes assembling a track layout much easier than using the standard track. The integrated roadbed track is perfect for beginners and children because it’s easy to assemble and take apart, and it works much better on carpets than the standard track.
6. Model Railway track curves on railroad layouts require some planning. Model train track curves are sold in various radii so that tracks can run parallel to each other.

Make sure that your train will be able to handle any steep grades or hairpin turns you are planning to add before you actually do any building.

What You’ll Need:

• Carpenter tools
• Electric drill and drill bits
• Permanent Marker
• Foam Tape
• Drywall Joint Compound (dry mix – 30-45 minute set time)
• Water
• Mixing Tray / Bowl
• Putty Knife – Choose a size appropriate for your project.
• Sponge
• Paper Towels
• Paints