You don’t have to believe me, but I’m 12 years old. I’ve been subscribed to Classic Toy Trains for about 5 years now. I’ve been a train fan ever since I was born, and started playing with Thomas and Friends as a toddler. In 2004, I think., (I forget) I recived my first model train. It was Lionel’s ‘The Polar Express’ train set. I instantly set it up. Since then I’ve bought lots of things, such as Lemax’s Halloween and Chirstmas villages and acessories. I have a few boards set up in the basement. It’s 4x12. I’ve decided to re do it. I want it to be half Halloween and half Christmas themed. Does anyone have any help, tips, and ideas of what I should do? I’d like to make it the best as possible, as long it’s affordable. I have about $100 right now, and I’ll be getting at least another $100 in June for my birthday, so any ideas?
You certainly have a great interest in railroads and you seem to have made a good start with your modelling. I am not sure which scale you are going to follow but maybe it is HO and which outline USA or another counrty? If so you should check in to the Model Railroader Forum - if you haven’t already done so.
I am into large scale garden railroading but I did have a lot of OO/HO stock for many years. My OO/HO layout never was built as there was never any free space at my home - the kids and now grandkids - always need to use the spare rooms you see. So I say to you get going while you can and I am sure there will be much help for you on the model Forums.
I covered a sheet of newspaper with paste made from flour and water, then with another sheet of newspaper, to make a limp paper-paste sandwich. I piled up boxes and other junk on my layout in the rough shape of the mountain I wanted, then draped over that as many of these paper sandwiches as it took to cover it and let them dry. When it dried, it wrinkled up in a realistic way and looked much more like a mountain. I removed the stuff from underneath and made a few props from sticks where the mountain wanted to sag. Then I painted it. It was cheap and easy and very light in weight; and it looked pretty good, if I do say so myself.
There are lots of ways to build a mountain depending on how much yout want to spend, and how important it is for the mountain to look real.
Bob’s method (paper mache) is a great way to build a mountain without spending a lot of money (leaving more money for buildings, trains, people, cars).
A paper mache mountain can be made to look very real if you are willing to take some time working on the base form, painting the formed mountain, etc.
If you aren’t interesting in a mountain that looks very realistic, then paper mache also lets you build a simple mountain quickly.
Search the internet for paper mache and you will get lots of hits to different recipies, ideas on how to build bases, and so on.
I started with trains at a young age too. When i was your age, not that long ago either, i set stuff up and never left it permanent, have fun, and don’t limit your options by nailing the track down right away. You will always want to change it. Good luck, and enjoy.
I’ve always built mountains using scrap wood frame and stapled bulap over it. Then mix a loose Plaster of Paris and paint with an old brush. Do a couple of applications and you have light tough thin skin to work with.
Tips to remember:
keep the backs open and you can wire house lights and reach trains in case of derailments.
Allow extra room for tunnel entrances and clearance to run trains under your mountains.
Don’t think of your layout as a plane… Plan ahead for elevated tracks and multiple levels. If your into trains this much at 12 you’ll need more room to run in the years ahead.
Don’t be afraid to add Items not produced by train companies to your layout, Through the years I’ve found all kinds of cheap gimicks that work. I’ve got cave men, jungle animals, strange cars and statues… During the seasons you want to model a flood of Hong Kong trinkets show up in variety stores.
Most of all have fun… The layout is the world you create…