All about the Cascade & Timber Trail Ry.

The goal of this six-part layout construction series is to provide new hobbyists with a 4 x 8-foot permanent O gauge layout using contemporary tracklaying, wiring, and scenery-making techniques.

Since a toy train set can be a wonderful entry point for new hobbyists, the origins of this logging-themed layout stem from a current Lionel starter set.

Operators can tire of watching a train continually traverse a basic oval. The C&TT Ry. represents movement beyond a simple loop of track to explore the thrills and skills of building a permanent toy train layout.

Photo-guided instructions will teach readers how to use accessible products, materials, and modeling techniques to shape a layout with character, options for operation/action, and even potential for expansion.

The railroad rests on 2-inch-thick foam insulation board found at most home improvement centers, so woodworking skills or tools aren’t required, and features ready-to-use products and supplies from Atlas O, Bachmann, Lionel, MTH, Woodland Scenics, and others.

Even if you’re familiar with these products and materials, you’ll still find interest in the non-intimidating techniques used to build a small, yet intriguing, layout that features authentic scenery and plenty of railroading action!

Cascade & Timber Trail Ry. layout template

After preparing the Cascade & Timber Trail Ry. layout framework and tabletop, you’re ready to determine where the tracks will route. Many builders use actual track section to test the design. Instead, we used a computer-generated track plan to perform a virtual test-fit. By printing out a full-scale (1 inch equals 1 inch) version of our plan, we could easily identify issues regarding placement – without having the components on hand.

Simply download the PDF template, print out all 65 pages, and affix them to the 4 x 8-foot tabletop, as described in Part 2 (January 2009) of CTT’s 4-part series on constructing the C&TT Ry. O gauge project layout.

Logging is a rough-and-tumble industry that requires tough machinery that can operate in extreme conditions. Here we’ll use real dirt and gravel to make die-cast trucks and logging vehicles appear as if they’re right at home in our formidable forest setting.

In this video, Kent Johnson demonstrates how to realistically weather vehicles for believable logging scenes.

To celebrate, we made an action video available to show additional footage of our logging railroad in action.

Read more

For the complete series on building the Cascade & Timber Trail Ry., here is a list of the issues and which topic was covered in each one. Visit our archive to view any or all of these back issues.

December 2008 We introduced the track plan with schematic drawings and components listings for use by either Lionel FasTrack, or Atlas O, or MTH RealTrax.

January 2009 We built the layout framework in this installment, and included a supply list of materials and tools you need to complete this part of the project.

February 2009 Here we added the track and installed the wiring, again giving you a supply list of everything you’ll need.

March 2009 We brought our layout to life by creating realistic scenery with rocks, roads, and tall trees. a supply list and overview with callouts lets you see how we did it.

May 2009 We showed you how to use details that make a difference with figures, critters, and O scale vehicles that Kent Johnson demonstrated how to weather realistically.

July 2009 Still happy with our layout we wanted to do more, so this bonus coverage illustrated how to add a working log dump to our lumber camp. We tell you what to buy and show you how to install and wire a servicing track.