My Grandpa and I have sketched a layout that we are going to build in the bonus room above my garage. We don’t use it alot, so it has been designated my train room.
The Main part of the Layout is 8x8, another is 4x8. Both are seperated, but connected by a 3 track duckunder, with one loop, going all the way around the 8x8, crossing to the 4x8, turns, goes over a one track Bridge, ends up back at the 8x8. One Loop goes to the 4x8, turnds around at the end, goes back to the 4x8.
More on that Later
Where is the best and cheapest place to get wood and all that good stuff, as well a sceanery for the layout. I have 2 bags worth a lichean and about 6 trees salvaged from a 4x4 HO layout that has been gone for about 5 years.
I buy all my lumber, foam board, and all building supplies from Home Depot, its only about a mile from my house. They also have in the paint section, returned or wrong mixed paint for $1 a quart and $5 a gallon. I check this often for greens and browns.
Home Depot, Lowes, local lumber yards.
Don’t forget if you want to scrounge. Builders in the area are sometimes glad to give all sorts of scrap wood away. All you have to do is ask the contractor.
laz57
I built my entire layout table from scrap and salvaged wood. Didn’t cost me a cent. I recyled much of it from my deck, which was being rebuilt. The only real cost was the 2" foam boards I used on top of the plywood. 4 of those cost a total of $54.
I always pass the Home Depot and go to the local lumberyard or small, independent Do-It Center myself. You can make some great finds and save a bundle there. A #2 pine board can be bought for the price of a utility board, if you don’t mind the water stains or weathered look. Or building board, (Homasote), at half price if you can use the busted or damaged pieces. As mentioned above, mis-tint paints are great bargains anywhere.
I’ve found it boils down to this. If you have the time to look around, and use your imagination, you can build a layout inexpensively.