I started building my layout for the holidays under our Christmas tree but I decided to do something a little different since its just for fun.
I will be running 2 simple HO ovals on a 4’w x 5’3"L platform built out of 1/2 plywood and 1x3 lumber. I will be modeling a winter scene on the entire layout using Windham Heights ceramic village houses once available at the dollar tree store around my area. I decided to use these houses because of the $1 a piece price and the size is near scale. I will be using a covered bridge on the outside loop that my wife bought me last year for Christmas as well as a little scratch built bridge from balsa wood I made on the inside loop. I will be running Atlas code 83 flex track, DC operation.
My dad and I built the platform in mid Oct and I have been working on it little by little since. I finished the foam contours, creek bed, bridges, and added trim to the fascia stained it with minwax cherry and put 3 coats of varnish on it and it came out terrifiic but it took a little longer then I would have liked.
I finished my 6 & 1/2" bridge track that will span my 5" scratch built bridge made from balsa wood Tuesday night. I used a piece of code 83 flex track and cut the tie joiners to slide the ties closer together and glued the tie gaps on the bottom side with jet glue. I also fabricated a set of guard rails for the bridge track too out of code 83 flex rail bent into v’s at the end and soldered together, I glued the guard rails to the ties with the Jet glue. I’m pretty happy with it for a 2 hour project, I basically mimicked walthers bridge track with the design of my bridge and track. The whole thing only cost about $8 to build.
Wenesday I put 2 coats of semi gloss white on everything as a base color since it will be modeled in winter, I need to go over a few areas with a 3rd coat then I am done with the paint.
I had the lemax village pebble stone roa