Adapting an architectural model to your layout?

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Would you put this on your layout? It is built in 1/8" to the foot scale (.125" vs .138" for HO).

Don Z.

2

if you have the room and it fits tour scene, go for it.

3

Like he said, if you have room. It might be better if it was back away from the front of the layout. Will add to the illusion of size by creating a forced perspective.

4

I was going to say the same thing as Chip. One modeler that I read about does this. He uses N-scale buildings and structures at the back of his layout to accomplish this illusion. I’ve never tried it but it makes sense.

Tom

5

Great looking model. I can see why you’re eager to use it.

I agree on placing it near the back, but from a purley visual point, you wouldn’t want to hide it or obscure it too much.

6

I had a friend in architecture school who built all his models at 1/8" scale so he could use them on his layout. It will work as the scales are really close, but you might not want to put them right up to the tracks where the scale difference could be percieved. That building looks really big…do you have the room?

7

Well, it is built in 1/8" scale…and it is big! The building is 32" long, 13" deep and 15" tall. I’m hoping it is built in a manner that would allow me to cut it and use just a section of the building. I could fit the entire thing into my downtown area, but I’m afraid it would overpower the scene. On the other hand, it could serve as a scenery block from each side of the downtown area as my downtown area sits on an island table.

Don Z.

8

Don - The difference between 1/8" scale and HO is virtually indistinguishable with regard to such large structures when placed on the layout. For many years several companies offering HO structure kits did them to 1/8" scale, rather than the more exact 1:87, so there is absolutely no reason not to employ such a building provided that you have appropriate space for it and some additional, reasonably large, surrounding structures so as to make it not look too out of place.

CNJ831

9

CNJ831,

I appreciate the detailed information. As much as I would love to incorporate the model onto my layout, I fear it would dominate and overpower my ‘downtown’ area…so I guess it’s best if I temper my wanton lust for that building and stick with my plan.

Thanks to all for their input and suggestions.

Don Z.