How To Create A Successful Model Train Layout

One of the more enjoyable aspects of model railroading is preparing and executing the scenery and landscaping for your model railroad layout. For many individuals it is nearly like playing The almighty in that you can choose and produce any scene that you desire.

From fanciful hobbit themes, alien worlds or natural re-creations there's absolutely nothing that you cannot create and display, all it takes is a plan, some materials, a little talent and some available time.

First and foremost you'll need a plan or at minimum a concept for your model train layout.

- Would you like to replicate a pre-existing landscape?
- Are you interested in an accurate historical re-creation of a place now lost in time?
- Are you more llikely to create a never-before seen or unlikely scenario to wow the masses?

Making a choice on one style for your layout and staying true to that theme is possibly the most essential key to good results. Should you alter your techniques and design in the middle of your landscaping the result will be inconsistencies which will take away from the general impact you are attempting to create.

Ideally individuals you invite to check out your layout will see a delightful scene and the closer they look the more detail they will see. Absolutely nothing is more enjoyable then hearing those delighted squeals as an audience sees ever more subtle particulars as they move closer and closer; and the key to that is consistency.

Once you have a strategy for the style you'll need to determine track positioning and terrain. Countless modelers produce the terrain and then try to force the track to follow through. This strategy (of course) happens in real life. But one of the benefits of modeling vs. real life is that you can consider all elements and requirements up front. Should you understand you'll have a bend or a switch at a certain place why design difficult terrain that you will then attempt to get over with 'grading' in your models.

Next you ought to collect your materials: some products can be discovered around the house, others you may need to acquire from dealers on the internet.  Just because you find an incredible little miniature you've been searching for does not mean it belongs in this design!

Common materials you'll require consist of:

1.. Plywood for the foundation if utilizing stands

2. Tables or Platforms

3. Styrofoam blocks and sheets for shaping material

4.. Glues and bonds

5. Paints and stains of various types

6. Twigs, gravel, crushed or powdered stones, herbs and so on for vegetation and ground cover
 
7. Poster board, tin foil,  wax paper, tissues and so on for texturing and shaping
 

Optional items you may desire to use consist of:

8. Roofing repair tar (for road surfaces and so on.)

9. Plaster of Paris and / or fiberglass

10. Corkboard and cork 'paper'

11. Talcum powder, pepper and salt, cayenne pepper for texturing and colorants

12. Paintable caulks and adhesives for securing items in place

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