Free Layout

[GMRCNut868]

I was talking to an old friend of mine the other day, then the topic if duscussion turned to trains. I soon found out that my friend had a 4X8 layout sitting in his garage along with a couple boxes of rolling stock, locos, building etc. He said he had a desire to learn how to build scenery, run trains etc.; so we decided to build the layout he already had in his garage as a joint project. So he gave me the layout, and all the accessories, and in return i agreed to teach him the ways of model railroading, and allow him to work on the layout. Good deal eh? I got the layout and everything home this weekedn and set it all up in my basement, i cleaned up the old scenery and got the electrics working. I have attached some pictures of everything. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for the layout as far as scenery and everything goes. Any input would be appreciated!!
The layout before clean-up

A box of rolling stock

The locos

All of the gear together

 

[MasonJar]

Model Railroader has several project layouts based on the 4x8 table top. You could start there.

http://www.trains.com/maghomepage/maghomepage.asp?idMagazine=3

One of the best references for small layouts though has got to be Gateway NMRA. Here is their site:

http://www.gatewaynmra.org/

It looks from the pictures that you might even have a trackplan from one of the above sources.

Sounds like a great project, and a good way to have fun with a friend.

Good luck!

Andrew

 

[shaygetz]

:thumb: :thumb: I would scenic the far end with a tree lined ridge (no tunnels) for a divider. I'd run the front as a clasification or thru yard rather than a destination, scenicing it as though it were on the edge of town, with no more than one small industry and a small passenger depot. Operations would be trains in/out, breaking them up and sending them on their way. You have a turntable so I would have a deisel servicing facility there as well. Too cool whatever you do.:thumb: :thumb: