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Ready to build a model railroad the entire family can enjoy? Starting with a basic train set, David guides you through the materials, tools, and step-by-step instructions needed to build a simple 40 x 60 inch base for a lightweight and family-friendly layout. Would you like to learn more about how to get started in the great hobby of model railroading?
The felt pads are a good idea, I’m building a 2×4 N scale layout with two tracks I’ll keep that in mind as well as the siding so the trains don’t run off the rails, Keep Building e’m layouts! 😀 Love this series!
These are very easy to follow instructions and being able to watch him do it adds to the experience.
I like the sticky felt pads idea.
Easy to understand
Hello all. Thank you for following the series. I'll try to answer as many questions as I can on the Family Layout Project.
This video series was designed to be an out-reach program for parents and grandparents with young family members who are interested in trains. As a result, the videos are free for all to watch, and as Dana has already mentioned, we've posted them on YouTube as well.
There are 5 videos in the series, and we will put them up at a rate of 1 per week from now until Christmas. We also shot a 6th video about building your first (very basic) plastic kit, and that should run during New Year's week.
The layout measures 40 x 60 inches, which is just big enough for an oval of track and a couple of turnouts for interest. Most families already have a houseful of toys and gadgets, so it was important to design the layout to be as compact as possible. The layout is made to slide under a bed or lean against the wall of a closet.
While N scale is more compact, HO scale is easier for little hands to play with, so that's how it ended up.
The frame, hardboard base, and foam are all glued together to make a rigid base. If I had it to do over again, I might consider gluing the frame to a thicker foam base and not use hardboard again, it makes the layout heavy and hard for 1 person to move easily.
You could easily make a larger layout by building a series of small bases like this and clamp them together when in use. You could support them on a banquet table, card tables, plastic milk crates, or just set them on the floor.
I got the idea by watching families at Trainfest in Milwaukee last year, and at the National Train Show in Atlanta this summer. I saw one family at the Atlanta show where the dad was carrying a kid under each arm and mom was pushing the stroller packed full with a train set and accessories. They were in for a fun afternoon!
This is not the usual layout for MR readers, and it won't win any awards for design or scenery. However, I can tell you that the kids we used for the ad photo shoots a couple of weeks ago loved playing with it. And, I've since learned that their family is following the series and building one for themselves – that was the entire point of project!
Thank you for following the series, and enjoy the holidays!
David
MR Video Plus
David,
I think you are exactly right about the thinking and reasoning for this series. It is a great way to inntoduce the younger generation to model railroading.
Your thoughts about weight are also right on target. I have just been finishing a 60" x 18" N scale switching layout. I used a base of 1/2" plywood with 1 x 2 edging and 1" foam top. It is rather heavy for one person to move. I think next time I would use the 1 x 2 and 2" foam for lighter weight.
Hello Peter and Ken,
This video series as well as the other basic training videos are open to everyone as well as on YouTube just for that reason.
Thanks for watching,
Dana Kawala
Senior editor
Another great video, I agree with Ken Biholar that the basic series should be available for the masses. This gets the children interested in running trains and as they grow, would be more likely to want to build more substantial layouts.
Simple construction lends itself to a family build, ie: get train for Christmas, Play a bit, get hooked, build base for quicker play time. Its small size may fit under a bed or likewise, minimising the required space for storage.
Looking forward to the next one, keep them coming.
Peter
This is a great video series, and obviously a well planned and timed release. However, for this particular video series.. what will be the time interval you folks plan to post each "Part" video? I ask because it is already really close to the Christmas Holiday season and if these are spaced where you post one every week there will not be enough time to complete this before Christmas, when you consider that the folks following along have to order the train/scenery items needed for the build. Definitely looking forward to the remaining videos in this series though.
thanks David looks like I have a list of things to get over to next 12 weeks I would like to show my layout to my nephew all I am using is cork board and nails because I need it to be portable
This little layout, complete with the Thomas train, was part of Kalmbach's display at this year's Trainfest in Milwaukee, rather than the usual project layout seen in the magazine. It seemed sturdy enough, but to address Solomon's question, I think the use of un-supported Masonite and light 1×2 framing would be just too flimsy for a 4×8 holding Lionel trains.
But I could imagine two 4×4 tables using this method that are in some manner clamped or otherwise temporarily attached depending on what the base support is (two card tables of the same height?). That would also be easier to store and to move.
Perhaps David Popp will weigh in with a reply based on experience rather than my speculations.
Good idea for a simple table. However, I wonder if it would be better to make this available as a free video on the MR site, available to people who are new to Model Railroading. I know a number of friends with young children who might consider building it, but aren't subscribers to Model Railroader or MRVP.
Also – David said that 48" was too big for this project, but he didn't explain why.
nice idea
Would this sort of construction work for a 4×8? I've been planning on doing just this sort of thing for my little guy, only in O instead of HO. If I can do this I don't have to hit up my in-laws for woodworking help…
Interesting idea for getting young children interested in model railroading. Saves time from having to reassemble your track each time you want to run trains. Most Home Centers will cut all your materials for you including the Masonite. Looking forward to the rest of the series. I will probable build one or two for the grand-kids..
Why don't you put it all on a dvd and sell it that way, Instead of me spending more money for a video subscription.