Q: I recall an article from a few years back that was about setting up a minimalist layout set on a bookshelf or board. It was intended as a quick and easy way to get started in the hobby, especially for those who don’t have a lot of space. I believe it used an NCE DCC system and maybe just one or two turnouts. I’ve gone through the magazine archives on Trains.com and can’t seem to find it, so perhaps it was in a special issue. Either way, any help locating that article would be appreciated! — Mike Collins
A: The article you’re describing sounds like “All you need to know, in four squarefeet” by Lance Mindheim. The story, about an HO scale skill-building layout, was published on pages 48 through 51 of the August 2020 Model Railroader.
In the article, Lance showed how a simple plank of 1 x 8 lumber, 6 feet long, is more than adequate for developing necessary hobby skills. Among the modeling projects that can be practiced on the “board of education” are laying cork roadbed; laying, painting, and ballasting track; wiring; setting up a control system; basic scenery skills; and structure building.
Because of the board’s size, it can be set on top of a bookcase, on a banquet-style table, or any other place that’s convenient for work sessions. When you’re done, the plank can be stored in a closet or under a bed. “These relatively few techniques will serve you well when the time arrives to build a larger model railroad,” Lance wrote. “It’s just a matter of repeating them on a larger scale.”
Send us your questions
Have a question about model trains, full-size trains, or toy trains? Send it to AskTrains@Trains.com.
