Building a simple figure-8 test track using Kato's Unitrack.

This last installment focuses on creating the atmosphere in the main street and the dockside fish warehouse complex. It covers how one might design structure layout by constructing temporary cardboard mockups. Many close-up photos.

Building a vertical elevator that delivers loaded cars to the top and empty cars at the bottom, so that the visible operations look real. Identical locomotives are required. Excellent example of how to build switchback track. Includes technical drawing of the elevator.

The author talks about the demise of his previous layout, why the new layout, and the things he wants to do different this time. Obviously the layout is quite far along, because it includes lots of nice close-up photos of the new layout.

This installment covers the construction of the benchwork on top of shelf system brackets. The author attempts to use the minimal number of tools showing that in two weeks the "dirty" job of benchwork can be completed.

In this installment of the author's layout construction project he discusses track planning and track laying.

This article discusses the idea of using photos of models as backdrops. A large part of the article covers how to do the photography.

A basic hand-holding article starting with the train set loop track and adding turnouts, flexible track, and dealing with derailments and buying new equipment.

This articles covers how to build a backdrop using 0.060" styrene and painting it with just some basic sky colors.

Covers why and how to build a backdrop, including painting and applying stencils or paper cut-outs.

This installment covers the basic construction of the layout, such as benchwork, track laying, and wiring. Many construction photos are included.

The author provides a series of photos showing the current progress on his new layout. He talks about the skyboards and the insulation foam used to start the basis of his scenery.

This installment covers building, installing, and painting the backdrops.

Building a light-weight plywood shadow-box style modular layout for easy transportation.

In 2002 Model Railroader ran a series of articles building a 4x8 foot layout. This series of articles will add a 2' x 6' extension to that layout. However, the article includes diagrams of how just using this branch line module only, one could have operations.This installment covers the trackplan, the benchwork construction, and using foam to build the scenery foundation.

Using magnets to hold a lift-out section in place and using it to conduct trackpower, so that when the magnets are disconnected, trackpower is removed.

The author describes how he built his angled liftout to help prevent problems related to alignment due to expansion and contraction.

The author is a professional layout builder, and will cover the construction of this layout. This installment covers the table top frame and its legs.

This installment covers laying the track and installing the wiring of this layout.

In this installment the author covers grass, rocks, and roads. Topics included are adding a stream and bridge, building a tunnel, filling up scenery areas with chunks of foam, creating roads, varnishing the layout's fascia, creating rocks from molds, and placing ground cover.

David introduces his "domino" layout design, a modular design that makes each module 18" by 48". The focus of the his layout design is operations, and the track plan included is an L-shaped layout with lots of switching opportunity in a relatively small space. The article covers the complete construction of one such domino with lots of diagrams, construction photos, and a materials list. Roadbed installation is also covered.

The final installment discusses choosing the right rolling stock and setting up for operations.

Choosing a theme, benchwork, backdrop, building hills, roadbed, painting the sky, distant hills, laying track, highway overpass, paving highways, coloring rock castings, culverts.

Ground cover, ballast track, bushes and trees, water, grain elevator, depot, town structures, streets, grade crossings, sidewalks, and line poles and street lights.

The objective of this project was to build an HO-scale layout that uses only simple construction techniques, no messy materials, no power tools, lightweight materials, and all materials must be transportable in a small car. This installment covers the construction of the table, the "legs", and installing Unitrak track.

The author introduces the standard for HO-scale module construction. The article introduces the F&S Junction 2x4-foot module. Includes photos, a trackplan of the module, a sidebar on the module construction standard, and diagrams for creating handlaid turnouts and slide switch turnout control.

The trackplan for this layout, which was presented in the October 1995 issue, is now being implemented. Construction details as well as final layout photos accompany the article. The entire front fascia of this layout functions are the control panel.

This installment covers creating the scenery, bridge construction (detail drawings show how to build a deck girder bridge under curved track), construction of the upper level, building the wharf, and construction the backdrops (including curves). Close-up photos of Malcolm's beautiful work are, of course, included.

This 7'9" by 7'9" layout features a simple trackplan, yet very interesting and involved scenery. The author starts a series of articles on how to build this L-shaped layout, without damaging the home's walls. Full drawings of the benchwork are included, trachwork is started (a simple figure-8), control panel designed, and wiring.

This part discusses building bridges, structures, installing water, and fascias.

Building a simple 4'x8' starter layout. This installment covers the styrofoam base, track, roadbed, and wiring.

Building a starter 4x8 layout for less than $300 (1984) dollars. Includes benchwork construction, track parts, structures, laying track, ballasting, installing electronics, and scenery work.

A 4x8 layout built by the entire family. The article shows diagrams of the benchwork, scenery forms, and block wiring.

This installment covers the roadbed made out of Homasote© and styrofoam slopes. Foam and cork are also discussed. A handy tool for creating foam slopes for the roadbed is described, as well as a tool for sanding handlaid wooden ties.

Laying track and building foam hills.

This photo essay article describes the author's recently completed Vance Junction on his layout. He completely finishes one scene before even laying track in the next area. It is a 9' x 24', double-deck layout where the upper level has already been completed, as described in the July/August, 2006 issue of NGSLG. The article includes construction photos.

This article describes how the author built a removable section of scenery that hides, but yet remains accessible, a set of storage tracks.

Using strings to line up the two sides of a future bridge span.

Building recessed controls for turnouts.

Using a slide switch to control turnouts manually through cabinet knobs that stick out through the front fascia. Includes wiring diagrams for controlling the power to the turnout's frog.

The basics about what can be incorporated into a layout's fascia.

This article includes diagrams and photos of a two-track shelving system that the author uses to move trains onto and off of his layout.

Inspired by a sea-side vacation the author built this 2'6" by 6' diorama using N-scale track. Includes prototype and model photos, as well as possible trackplans for a layout within which this diorama fits.

Building a box that can hold a fold-down table so that the layout can be flipped out of the way when not in use.

The author discusses how he designs, builds, and then operates his tiny G-scale layout that covers only one square foot. Includes design and construction photos. There is a side bar called "Games People Play" that covers some other small layouts that can keep operators busy, such as the famous TimeSaver.

Installing the electrical wiring and train control for these modules.

This article describes how the author built a table for the Woodland Scenics Scenic Ridge layout.

In this installment of the author's now-famous layout, he shows the trackplan, develops the reason for the layout's excistance, describes the why behind the era and area, lists the trains to be operated, and develops plans for operating sessions.

The first part of this series covers how the decision was made to build this N-scale layout, who was involved, and what was to be modeled. Includes a track plan, many photos of the layout and some prototype photos of the area.

The Model Railroader magazine's staff is starting a new project. The article discusses who worked on the project, research information about the prototype (including prototype photos and a map of the modeled area), what key features they wanted in the layout, and a diagram of the 9' by 16' layout.

The author built a 17" x 56" switching layout representing the end of a short line in the Great Plains.

Lots of photos accompany this article about how Mike built this large and very nice-looking layout. He describes how he built the lower level first, and after testing all track, moved on to the upper level, including the helix. He used the cookie-cutter method and Peco code 55 track in the visible areas. A description of how he installs Tortoise switch machines is also included.

This installment discusses the virtues of having nice scenery to help set the tone for operations.

The author shows how he installed valances and room lighting following the outer contour of his (future) layout. Includes many construction photos.

This installment covers laying the girder rail and flextrack for trolley. Includes many construction photos, wiring diagram, and a sidebar on control panel construction.

In this installment the article covers installing the paving and scenery of the Boston MTA layout. The street paving is done with patching plaster because of its longer working time. The article also covers ballasting, installing back drops, building landforms, and making culverts and a reservoir. Includes many construction photos.

An epoxy body kit and an NWSL drive make for smooth-running PCC. Mechanical installation photos. Scale drawings. Prototype photos.

Installing catenary.

A few easy scratchbuilt buildings firmly root the layout in the prototype.

This installment talks about how to keep roadbed and track in good shape. It covers creating removable section of scenery to access turnout machines, creating track cleaner cars using the John Allen method, creating a magnet car for pickup metal parts, and creating your own rerailer.

The author describes how he was committed to modeling this town using the actual trackplan. Prototype and model photos are includes, as well as prototype trackplans for the diesel house and the depot area. The layout trackplan is also included. Finally, he covers the three "jobs" in how the layout (and the prototype) is operated.

This one-page article describes how the author build a 24" x 40" table for his son's Brio (wooden trains) layout.

This first installment discusses the how and why of building an O-scale layout in a garage shared with the family car. Layout photos, trackplan, and sidebars are includes. One sidebar is about On3 v.s On2-1/2, and another is on converting a Bachmann 2-6-0 to On3. There are several more on On3 trucks, and adding DCC to an On2-1/2 Porter.

This installment covers building benchwork, with specific focus on the tight constraints and sloping floor of a garage. It also covers backdrop construction, and building storage shelves upon which the layout rests.

This installment covers installing DCC, installing roadbed on the new layout, and installing Tortoise switch motors using the NCE decoders.

The Model Railroader magazine staff built this layout in front of a live audience at the 50th anniversary of the NMRA. The new 4'-7" x 8'-6" layout is intended to extend the Kitty Hawk Central they covered starting with the December, 1981 issue of MR. The article includes behind-the-scenes photos, a track plan, and discusses the construction of the bench work, track and wiring. It also includes sidebars on creating and installing end-of-train devices, and the construction of their simple switch machine.

Making basic rectangular open frame boxes (carcases) upon which the layout is constructed, and then covering it all with wood paneling.

This module has lots of track and serves at least five industries. This installment covers cutting up commercial turnouts to make them fit, how to deal with rail size differences (code 100 to 83), wiring, switch stands, how to make roads, and how to have track buries in pavement.

This final installment covers installing the removable liquid bulk terminal, adding details, using European kits, fencing, dirt, ballast, backdrop installation, and a sidebar on painting and weathering.

To avoid damaging the plugs of throttles, the author shows how he built recessed fascia panels.

Converting a HOn3 modular layout into an N-scale layout with some switching.

The layout is housed in a 12 by 42 feet room, with a 12-foot square workshop. The author describes some of the early stages of the construction after switching from HOn3 to On3.

In this installment Malcolm describes how he builds scenery using layers of insulation foam. Lots of final photos as well as construction photos show how he does it. He covers foam rocks, coloring foam rocks, adding ground cover, grass, and weeds, creating roads, modeling Caspia Pine trees and Caspia Aspen trees, and modeling water.

Building a frame to cover a small layout protecting it from dust.

Manual turnout control using slide switches, that still look right.

Building the plywood support for a slip-switch.

The idea is to build your control panel on a slide-out drawer. The author describes how he built his with several photos and detail drawings.

The author was looking for a lower-cost and lighter-weight solution than the typical wooden benchwork. He discovered that steel studs for home building worked just fine for him. The layout is covered with 2-inch thick foam as the layout subsurface.

Using steel to construction a layout benchwork. Includes oil pits for walking under the layout.

"Notrack" (a play on NTrak) storage cabinets. These cabinets were built by club members to more easily move their rolling stock and other equipment needed to set up for shows. A 3-D diagram of the cabinets is included, along with a parts list and a cutting diagram to build one from a single 4'x8' sheet of plywood.

The article describes how the layout owner built a closet to give the illusion of a great distance travelled by the trains. A wall-mounted photo serves as indicator board for timing the duration of the stay in the closet.

The article covers working with styrene, creating a free-standing styrene backdrop, framing a styrene backdrop, and painting clouds with an airbrush.

This installment focuses on how one can capture the atmosphere of an area being modeled. It is amazing how many details the authors squeezed into this small layout.

This installment covers backdrops, including construction, photo backdrops, and painting the backdrop.

This installment covers how to build the switches using Fast Tracks' kits.

This installment covers wiring the layout. It includes the standards the author followed on his layout, and which DCC system he chose and why.

This installment of the series covers scenery. It includes plastering the "ground", installing rock castings, ground foam, trees, roads, and pathways.

This installment covers scratchbuilt bridges and using Wooland Scenic Realistic Water.

The author describes the common problems encountered when placing your layout in a garage, such as bugs and dust. His weathering approach accounts for the standard shade of dust collecting in his garage.

The author and another modeler were asked by a wife to build a model railroad that shows off some of the industries owned by her husband... no monetary restrictions. They designed and built a 43" by 10' 4" layout in just three months, which included scratchbuilt structures.

This installment focuses on laying track and ballasting. Turnout control is discussed as well as a small car he built to mark off track-side ditches accurately.

The author describes how he built his 2' by 4' layout. It includes detailed information about the benchwork, the legs, Woodland Scenics' foam roadbed, track installation, wiring, and some structure information and scenery details.

A 4' by 8' layout built by the Youth Group of the NMRA's South Central Wisconsin Division. The layout has a simple main line, with two spurs for some switching.

Laying track and building hills. Includes the track wiring diagram, how to lay track and deal with easements, preparing turnouts, and creating bridges

Jim focuses on building the cookie-cutter benchwork for this 3.5' x 8' layout. Includes benchwork diagrams and trackplan. Looks like a nice design that can later be integrated into a larger layout.

The author covers building a 4' x 8' layout from benchwork design through scenery. Includes parts list, trackplan, and layout photos. Steps covered are: benchwork, tracklaying, adding turnouts, painting track, constructing scenic ridge, adding scenery, rock casting, streets and roads, and details. Includes a sidebar on flextrack.

Building a 4 by 6 foot layout. This installment covers how the project came about, building the benchwork and scenic dividers, installing track, completing the backdrop, and installing the rough scenery.

This installment covers installing DCC, wiring the railroad, using DCC for turnout control with Digitrax' DS64, and some more scenery work. The last part of the article covers the fifth day of construction and the fact that the layout is used in shows.

Wood construction, making space for a bridge, ballasting, track wiring.

Installing and test bridge piers.

In this installment the author covers laying the track (including tuning turnouts), installing two-cab control, building the control panel, wiring philosophies, and wiring switch machines. There are many close-up photos of the progress, complete electrical diagrams, and a scaled image of the control panel.

This installment of the sectional layout construction covers the scenery base, tracklaying using sectional track, wiring, and rail command control

In this installment the author discusses how to lay track, build a bridge, and cast rocks.

Building a transfer table that can also be flipped down so as to be out of the way. Many construction photos, a diagram, and descriptive text.

In this part of the construction series the author builds the coal mine kitbashed from two kits, and adds other details. This is the last installment of this series.