Thread: Model railways

G'day Drivesafe and welcome to the forum.

Did you build these model trains? If so, what a great job, if not what fantastic looking models anyway!

I am not in to model trains, either indoors or outdoors, but I notice that there quite a few model train magazines on the news stands these days, even a few specialising in garden railways!

I would have thought with all that interest in model trains there would already be some forums, either in Oz or OS, that cater for this interest?

I'd support a model train thread.

My new shed has a 4m x 3.6m room sectioned off for a N guage layout.

Nice models

Hello drivesafe, I have a large 00 layout in my loft built nearly 25 years ago, unfortunately the electrics (Hornby Zero1, the first computerised system? has now gone katput) have failed. However I am quite happy to look at the layout as a static and recall the many hours spent on construction (7 years)

The best layout I have seen in my travels around the world are at a museum named Pendon museum.

http://www.pendonmuseum.com/index.jsp

which I am sure you would enjoy.

There are railway enthusiasts here on this forum also.

Originally Posted by Big Shed

G'day Drivesafe and welcome to the forum.

Did you build these model trains? If so, what a great job, if not what fantastic looking models anyway!

If only I had the skills to do that sort of work.

The larger model is an Aristocraft Alco FA3 and the small one is an Athearn HO model of an Alco PA1.

I have heaps of rolling stock but my carpentry skills do not exist and tis is why I posted the idea to get some info on how to go about building a modular style layout.

I have tried twice to build wood frame work for a layout, the first was so flimsy I couldn’t really use it and the second attempt, this time trying a modular type framework ended up as a total overkill with the two modules being quite ridged but so heavy that 15 years later, both are still in use as workshop benches.

Originally Posted by Ashes

My new shed has a 4m x 3.6m room sectioned off for a N guage layout.

While I do have some N scale and like it, I had to make a decision on what scale to concentrate on but still ended up with two.

Originally Posted by jow104

Hello drivesafe, I have a large 00 layout in my loft built nearly 25 years ago, unfortunately the electrics (Hornby Zero1, the first computerised system? has now gone katput) have failed. However I am quite happy to look at the layout as a static and recall the many hours spent on construction (7 years)

Thats sacrilege, you have to get it up and running.

Thanks for that link, I hope to get to the UK one day and that looks interesting.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

I have tried twice to build wood frame work for a layout, the first was so flimsy I couldn’t really use it and the second attempt, this time trying a modular type framework ended up as a total overkill with the two modules being quite ridged but so heavy that 15 years later, both are still in use as workshop benches.

From what I can gather (I just got my first OO set) The usual method is one sheet of MDF at least 6MM think. Edge with 19MM stock, about 200MM wide (with the 19mm facing up), and with batterns running underneath to stiffen (again 19MM stock. The bonus of using 200MM wide stock to edge is that you can attatch the legs to it easily. Can be done using but joints (or mitres if you want it to look fancy) so easy to construct and you can pick up all the supplies from Bunnings if you desire.

Hi Gra, I have some articles on framework BUT they're all from USA rail mags so the timber is unfamiliar to me.

As posted, carpentry is not one of my skills.

Cheers and thanks for the timber sizes, I just need to work out a convenient module size ( long way off yet ).

Have a look at some table tennis tables for ideas. I'm not sure what you think would be a good size for a panel, but a common off eth shelf size would be the way to go.
I would say 90 x 19 would be enough for the framing maybe even 42 x 19, although that might flex too much. Then make 2 long trestle legs, That would save having to mount the legs on the table itself. and would aloow it to sit on top of large tables (table tennis tables?)

Hi Brian, not a bad idea.

I’m trying to track down what size the yanks use. I think they have a set size to make all modules compatible.

I think it’s something like 2 foot by 6 foot and they even have a specific location for the position of the track at each end of each module.

I’m looking back through some of my Yankee model rail mags to see if I can find the exact measurements.

I’ve had a look for relevant info here but can’t find anything.

Maybe someone out there knows of an Australian module standard?

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Hi Brian, not a bad idea.

I’m trying to track down what size the yanks use. I think they have a set size to make all modules compatible.

I think it’s something like 2 foot by 6 foot and they even have a specific location for the position of the track at each end of each module.

I’m looking back through some of my Yankee model rail mags to see if I can find the exact measurements.

I’ve had a look for relevant info here but can’t find anything.

Maybe someone out there knows of an Australian module standard?

I do not know of any standard but many model railway clubs have modular set-ups where members can mix and match.
Suggest you check out Australian Model Railway Magazine which contains adverts for all the model shops where you should be able to get books or magazine to help you. Most of them do mail order if you need it.
Train Hobby in Brighton, Vic has probably the largest selection of books on the subject. You can look them up on the web where you should find their complete list.
Kalmach used to publish books on model railway baseboard construction but am not sure whether they are still available
Hope that helps

[QUOTE=jow104;916406]Hello drivesafe, I have a large 00 layout in my loft built nearly 25 years ago, unfortunately the electrics (Hornby Zero1, the first computerised system? has now gone katput) have failed. However I am quite happy to look at the layout as a static and recall the many hours spent on construction (7 years)

Hi Woody

I too have the Hornby Zero 1 system which is still going strong.
An enthusiast here built a booster for many of us. This increased the power and reliability.

[quote=Chesand;919643]

Originally Posted by jow104

Hello drivesafe, I have a large 00 layout in my loft built nearly 25 years ago, unfortunately the electrics (Hornby Zero1, the first computerised system? has now gone katput) have failed. However I am quite happy to look at the layout as a static and recall the many hours spent on construction (7 years)

Hi Woody

I too have the Hornby Zero 1 system which is still going strong.
An enthusiast here built a booster for many of us. This increased the power and reliability.

Yes the Hornby Zero 1 is still been run in the UK by enthusiasts but my problem it is also down to my eyesight, older age has meant that I cannot see small things at close range, therefore wiring up of chips and doing the mechanical servicing is over the top for me personally. But I am still quite happy to look at my layout which over the years just grew and grew.

OK folks, the link below is to the NMRA ( National Model Railroad Association ) web site and to the Module Standards web page.

I’m going to have a go at using their specs to develop my own module sizes.

Any suggestions, as pre timber sizes and the like, are welcome.


http://www.nmra.org/standards/modules/ms_intro.html