Bachmann Trains & Accessories

O Scale Tunnels Portal
O Scale Tunnels Portal

Model trains and train layouts need to present well at a first glance. However they also need to stand up to close inspection and scrutiny from onlookers. Spectators will get up close to your model railroad layout and they will start to spot the small details the longer they stay. Adding detail to your model railroad layout can be the difference between an average layout and an impressive layout.

Here are two simple ideas to add reality to your model train layout.

1. Buy tunnel portals. They look much more realistic at a tunnel entrance than a rough-cut hole. You can ‘weather’ them with gray-wash, chalk, etc.

2. Use darker colored ballast in middle of your train track. Most real railroads have ballast that is naturally darkened in the center of the track – from oil drippings. Use dark ballast around tunnel entrances, too.

The more detail on your layout the better, but avoid making it too busy. Too much activity is distracting and ruins the image of your train traveling great distances.

Do some research and have a good long think before getting started on building a model railroad layout.

What you create (or recreate) is really over to you. You ideas can and probably will change and evolve as your knowledge of the hobby expands.

Most model railroaders make changes to their model railroad layout and add new elements as they progress.

Start by researching the section of full-size railroad that you will be modeling. Document it physically and operationally, and then scale it down to fit in a reasonable layout space.

The options are endless, but you will need to take the available space you have into consideration.

Mike is a keen railway modeller and recommends Robert Anderson’s Model Train Help PDF book on model railroad layouts. It has more than 200 pages of helpful information for the beginner and experience Model Railroader.

O Scale Ionia Sub Tour