Stuff I need to build a layout

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I’m building a Wilmington, DE Based NEC Layout, and I have Midwest Corkbed, and I’m going to use Atlas Flex track and Switches, What else should I get? I know I need Ballast, and I have Catenary covered(However I’m not sure where to get 12 Guage Brass wire for them) I know that I’m probably going to go Woodland Scenics for ballast (Maybe even use ballast cars!) I’m going to add a MOW Office/storage track for MOW, a transfer Table for the main building, and potentially a TOFC yard somewhere. Any idea of what I’ll need?

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You mentioned you were going to use Woodland Scenics ballast. For starters, I Iove just about everything Woodland Scenics from their figures to their built up structures, trees and ground terrain. But I was not happy with their ballast because it’s ground up walnut shells (or some hard nuts). The problem with that is it floats! Some may say they don’t plan to run their trains underwater, and I agree with that. But the best way to ballast your track is to get a small squeeze bottle of isopropyl alcohol and gently soak the ballasted track with the alcohol. Then using the same type of squeeze bottle, fill it with 50/50 white glue and alcohol. Then the glue settles down into the ballast real nice. Sometimes the nut shells wanted to float away on me. So, I found a company called Arizona Rock & Ballast. Their ballast is actual ground rock and is available in different sizes and colors. I’d look at your local railroad tracks (if you’re modeling locally) and match that color. Just a thought. Good luck with your layout.

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3

12 gauge?

Seems a bit overkill for catenary. Are we talking HO here?

Tichy sells three foot lengths of hard bronze wire. I don’t think you’d be very happy trying to work with 12 gauge, though. That is .080 inch. I would think a compromise would have to be found and you would probably want to start somewhere around .020 to .025 inches. Tichy has both those in hard bronze.

https://www.tichytraingroup.com/Shop/tabid/91/c/ho_wire/p/1114-020-pb-wire-3-ft-long-brass-wire/Default.aspx

Put me in the ‘have no use’ for the fluffy W-S ballast. Arizona or Scenic Express are my go-to suppliers now. I’m actually still using up some Highball and Smith & Sons I bought years ago.
Good Luck, Ed

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I fully agree with the Arizona Rock & Mineral recommendation. That’s what i have on my layout as well. (Actually two different products but that’s another story.) I would suggest a ballast applicator of some sort. It makes spreading the ballast a lot easier.
Not that i solder but if you’re going to solder your wires, consider getting a soldering fixture. From what I’ve seen and read, it makes the process easier.

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I don’t like to give advice since each modeler has to do things they want to do.

However … here goes.

If I were you, I wouldn’t worry about getting everything first. I’d start with getting wood for the benchwork. Then the track and switches. I wouldn’t buy much else until part of the actual layout is built.

But, that’s just what I would do. :nerd_face:

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6

I’m considering a Pinecil currently https://a.co/d/2hpM8Ef

I mean I’ve got a big rock in my yard haha, wonder if i could crush some down

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Great advice. I will add, try Scenic Express for ballast (real rock, doesn’t float). Also, skip the white glue and use matte medium (1 part to 4 parts water). As KH says, apply isopropyl alcohol first with an eye dropper.

Rich

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Before starting out with building, perhaps reading and researching makes more sense. Perhaps visit a local library for MR books or go online to look at how others create a library. Plenty of useful books to read and use.

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“Stuff I need to build a layout…”

That “green stuff”.
Plenty of it… :smiley:

(couldn’t resist)

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10

This work?

Nuclear-Waste-Barrels
Nuclear-Waste-Barrels2000×1333 324 KB

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11

get the track down and make sure you can run trains without derailments or stalls before doing anything that might need to be removed to fix track.

Tony Koester often said an operating session is a good way to uncover flaws in the trackwork.

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12

probably need tools (many which you have, many you don’t)

  • flush cut pliers only to be used for cutting track.
  • needle nose pliers for track nails
  • 6" mill file to square up the ends of rails after being cut
  • Tee Pins to temporarily hold cork and train down
  • Atlas track nails to hold down more permanently while testing
  • Atlas rail joiners for the flex track
  • razor blades for cutting cork, ties under the rails of flex track for rail joiners and many other things
  • soldering iron with a holder
  • diagonal cutters for wires
  • multi-gauge wire strippers
  • small tray to hold tools as you move around the layout
  • drills for drilling holes in Atlas track (look on bottom for partial holes) and for drilling holes thru benchwork
  • battery powered drill
  • portable light
  • straight edges
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Money

14

So, True.

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If you can afford it, rather than these, I would actually suggest looking into getting a cordless Dremel-type tool. It may take a bit of practice but a cutting disc also can be used to smooth the end of a rail. It comes in handy for cutting other things beside rail. E.g. GOXAWEE 18W Mini Corded Rotary Tool Kit with 118 Accessories for DREMEL, Ideal for DIY & Hobby Projects - Walmart.com

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I actually got a dremel for Christmas, and i have some discs for it