Creating Realistic Model Train Scenery

When it comes to designing model train scenery, there are two main options: you can either purchase prefabricated scenery or create your own. Most model railroad layouts actually rely on both options, but there are some important advantages to learning how to craft your own scenery items using items found at home and outdoors.

To start, creating your own model train scenery can save you a considerable amount of money over purchased scenery items. You will also have a lot more freedom and flexibility in your model train layout creations, since you will not be constrained by what is on the shelf, and will instead be able to create more historically authentic and unique scenery layouts.

One of the best ways to create the most realistic model railroad scenery items possible is to incorporate real life elements of that item into the model. For example, if you are creating pine trees for your model railroad layout, you should use real pine needles in the tree construction. These trees will be inherently superior to any plastic modeled pine trees. Similarly, real clothing can be sewn for model railroad figurines, rocks can be turned into mountains, and twigs, herbs, flower petals and other natural items can be used to create a beautiful, realistic model railroad layout.

True model railroad enthusiasts will soon find themselves scouring their surroundings for items they can use to create realistic scenery models. With some creativity and a careful eye to detail, home made scenery items can easily surpass the realism offered from store bought models, and be much more affordable as well.

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Model Train Scenery - Tips For Using Block Foam in Your Model Railroad Layout

One of the most often used items in model train scenery is Styrofoam. It is so light it doesn't add any weight to your setup, and that comes in handy when you move your layout around for display. The composition makes it very easy to whittle into any shape you want for rolling hills, mountains, cliffs, and all sorts of items that require bulking up.

There are two drawbacks to Styrofoam. First, it doesn't hold up to certain chemicals and can dissolve under the right conditions. Don't even think about touching it with fire because it produces a deadly gas. The second strike against it is how easily it can be broken, and it will crumble easily if not protected and cared for properly.

Even with these few concerns, Styrofoam is the best product for many of your scenery undercover needs. Attachment of foam to your benchwork involves the use of construction type adhesives. Liquid Nails or other similar products will work, but check at your local hardware store to see what they have.

When gluing foam to anything, use broad beads of glue and flatten them so you have as much surface contact as possible. Do not try to skimp with the glue because the foam will slip and cause headaches with the entire setup.

Always cover foam with something else to help preserve it. You can seal it with some types of glazing that do not react negatively with the Styrofoam. You can use craft adhesive spray to attach other things like paper, cloth, or plastic to cover the foam and form a base for coloring or finishing.

Plaster of Paris makes a good coat for the foam, and it will leave a paintable surface for finishing that can mimic dirt, wood, or rock. One small problem with using foam underneath a hard finish is the different shrinking properties that exist. This causes cracking of scenery on occasion.

When making tunnels, a thick block of foam is ideal. If your tunnel has a curve in it, you can easily style the foam where the hole should be. Lay the foam over the track and align it the way you want and push down on the track hard enough to form an imprint in the bottom of the foam.

This gives you a perfect pattern of where to cut the foam for the tunnel. When you have the hole the way you want it, spray a sealer on the hewed out area and paint it with black paint.

One thing that foam is not the best suited for is the underlayment of your train tracks. Something more substantial that will not give under the weight of the train is better. Wood is a better product underneath the tracks, even on grade changes. A carpenter with a table saw can make the grade changes easily.

The worst thing about using foam is the mess that cutting it makes. The little beads go everywhere and want to stick to you and everything else. Always have a vacuum cleaner handy to clean up while you work. Model train scenery is a lot of work, but Styrofoam makes some of the behind the scenes work much easier.

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Ho Model Train Layout - Tools and Tips For Planning Your Train Track and Scenery

When designing your HO model train layout, you might want to consider some tools other than a measuring tape and a piece of paper. The software available today for planning your track and scenery design is easy to use and affordable. The hardest decision might be deciding on which product to go with.

Where can you find this software, and how much should you pay? The first place to look for train layout software is the place where you purchase your train. Most model suppliers have connections with computer programmers, especially the larger shops. If you have a contact person in the business, ask him or her for their opinion on the best package.

A $50 software called "3D Railroad Concept and Design" offers the power of detailed track information with input of the dimensions and design you choose. It has a catalog listing of manufacturer products and, of course, 3D graphics. Your design can include grade changes in the track and terrain.

Some layout software is free to download. This might be sufficient for your needs, but read the ads carefully. Some software works only for certain hardware or brands of train products and might not work with what you have. Quality software will give you a materials list of the items you need.

No matter what you use to layout your train track and setup, you will need to know some things about your train to be able to create a working design. Software may not help if you design a steep grade that your train cannot climb or a curve that is too sharp. The speed the train is going is also a factor when it comes to curves and grades.

Always check a layout in the real world to be sure it is not a mistake before you devote a lot of time to the project. When you have roughed in your design, lay the track in the configuration you want and run the train with cars to see how well it works.

If the track layout is temporary, there may be problems at transitions that can cause your train to flip or jump off. You will need to determine if these are caused by the design or just the need to work on the temporary connections.

When checking your design, it's good to have the complete train set. Even though you may want to expand your count of boxcars at a future time, you should test with the number of cars that will be the normal operating quantity of your original setup.

A locomotive going around a track on its own might work very well, but it may behave differently with 40 cars tied to it. It is very important to know what the pulling ability is going to be on grade changes based on the length of your train.

Your HO model train layout should be a creation solely your own, and anything that is unique may have some design flaws. Make sure you get the kinks out of your design before you spend countless hours assembling your design. Always test the train for an extended run, not just two or three laps around the track.

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