i would like something going around 2 or 3 of the walls. any idea's?
2007-08-18 05:47:36 · 9 answers · asked by D 2 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
The layout doesnt have to be a loop - it can be an end-to end design. eg two termini and some shunting yards Make sure you build the shelves or boards first, THEN add the track, with easily disconnected joins - it makes opening it up and foilding it away much easier. Perhaps some of it would be stored under the bed ?
If you used N or Z gauge it would be a lot more compact.
2007-08-18 05:53:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look into the O scale railroad. Like Lionel, Mike train House, made trains. These trains are a scale that most kids can relate to.You know pick up and play with, have sounds,smoke,lights.
Then go to a hobby shop or a place that sells a magazine called Classic Toy Trains. I found old issues at a hobby store for 50 cents. Inside of November 2004 issue, they show a layout using only 6 by 12 feet. They also showed all the items you need, track , buildings, and a color picture of the finished product.
In December of 2005 they had a layout that grows as your needs do.
They show the various track manufactures, with track plans.
If you get too small of a train, the kids have a harder time for on hands time. I have found if they can touch them and run the trains, they get involved an have a lot of fun with them.
Are there any clubs in your area? Some allow you to bring your trains and the kids to run the trains. You get chance to see what works,and ask questions.
Main thing is have fun and share the time with your children.
2007-08-18 15:31:08 · answer #2 · answered by Dana G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two questions first: Is the railway for YOU or the KIDS? Age of the Kids?
Kids under 12 or so would probably be happy with a high-shelf loop around the room in a LARGER scale: You can buy suspended O scale track from any place selling Lionel trains.
Older kids would probably enjoy a layout that requires actual "operations" such as others have mentioned (two yards and some mainline) to keep things interesting.
I myself built a 2 ft wide shelf at 52 inches from the floor that goes around ALL four walls in MY 10' x 12' bedroom. I went with N-scale because I get almost TWICE the track and area as I would with HO-scale.
One thing I WILL STRONGLY suggest... get some graph paper and sketch out the room... xerox about 50-100 copies and then do numerous different layouts on PAPER.
If you're seeking to build a realistic layout.. go to your hobby shop or search online for "Realistic Operations on Your Model Railroad" by Tony Koester !! If I'd had that book, I could have saved myself HUNDREDS of hours as I corrected track layout issues.
GOOD luck and enjoy !!
2007-08-18 14:43:45 · answer #3 · answered by mariner31 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Looks like a country branch line terminus would be your best bet. Run the scenic section along the long wall and a fiddle yard at right angles to it. Alternatively, consider the "Minories" theme if you prefer an urban setting. Have you decided upon gauge yet? You could have a cracker of a layout in N-gauge sitting on top of bookcases: about 18" wide and 11' long including a traverser. In N-gauge, the traverser would be relatively light so one of them could hold stock for steam and another for early diesel.
Check out:
http://www.rmweb.co.uk/forum/index.php
2007-08-18 13:52:45 · answer #4 · answered by Jellicoe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I vote for a shelf near the top of the ceiling, or you could do a Murphy Bed-style layout, hinged on the wall to "open" when they want to play and "close" when they are done. Have a shelf (with some track) nearby to store the cars on.
2007-08-18 13:50:13 · answer #5 · answered by scraporquilt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go around the walls and hang some of the rails from the cieling u know suspended this is what im going to do for my 6 year old. use plexiglass to lay the track on then suspend it from the cieling have the control box on the wall
2007-08-18 12:57:48 · answer #6 · answered by edward m 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could put up some shelves around the walls for an interesting effect!
Or do what my stepdad did - he pinned his onto a board then set up a system of pulleys so he could raise and lower it from the ceiling...
2007-08-18 12:57:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to know more about model trains and you are looking for a step by step guide to get started with your dream model railroad you might find this site http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=416 very interesting.
Good Bye
2014-08-08 00:13:15 · answer #8 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have a small urban terminus. Lots of tracks close together, plus as it's a mainline you can run practically any train you want. Lots of operating potential, means your kids won't get bored of it easily.
2007-08-20 05:12:36 · answer #9 · answered by The Tenth Duke of Chalfont 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋