Cal’s 8×4 HO track plan really does fit a lot in to small space – but I think it works really well.
You can see his layout pics here.
For this layout, I used Atlas code 83 track.
Below are the part numbers (I forgot about the buffers in the track plan diagram).
Now let’s have a look at the scenery for this layout.
If you look at Cal’s pics, you can see the landscaping is made up of a lake, mountains, a bridge and tunnels.
On the track plan, it looks something like this:
There are lots of different ways to make mountains – but lets look at a method that would suit this track plan.
Here, Arnie shows how he makes his mountains. It really is a wonderful ‘how to’, as his pics show.
The tunnels are simple enough. But if there’s one comment or pearls of wisdom that always crops up, it’s this: a derailed train in the middle of a tunnel is no fun at all.
Make sure to build your mountains so it’s easy to into the tunnel from behind the scene.
Now on to the bridge. You can just buy one. There’s also some very good ones on ebay that are cheap and custom made. Have a look at the ones Mike found on ebay.
Or you can make your own – just like Ben did – have a look at his pic.
Lastly, there’s the bushes and scrub. Again, there’s a gazillion different ways of creating this.
But John’s technique really is so simple and realistic, as you can see from his pics.
Now let’s get on to the water – it’s the part that trips up most folk.
Again, there’s lots of ways to do it, and it usually takes a bit of trial and error.
Here’s one way, from Rob that works a treat.
Now that just leaves us with the buildings. There aren’t any on the track plan, but where you put them is entirely up to you.
What would look good? Well for me, there’s lots of places to put an engine shed like this:
The engine shed is made from a plan that is downloaded – you just print it out, stick it to card, and then stick it together.
There’s lots of other building – all print outs – that would go on this layout.
But that’s enough for today.
Don’t forget, you can see Cals’ layout pics of this track plan here.
Best
Al