Does anybody have a suggestion for the best options for a HO scale model train layout?

LTC Stephen F. — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 13:59:51 -0400

I started building HO scale models when I was a child in the 1960's. My focus was on armored and military vehicles and aircraft and included assembling a few buildings, etc. Some of my models were 1/35 scale particularly WWII armored vehicles. A contact asked a similar question under model railroading and I am hopeful somebody in Model Building has experience in model train layouts and can offer advice.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Sep 8 at 2015 3:01 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 15:01:05 -0400

I have never been interested in Model trains but Im sure if you searched the web you would find something

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Oct 24 at 2015 6:21 PM

SFC Boots Attaway — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 18:21:17 -0400

Sir, if you are doing a WWII layout have one track and bridge "BOMED OUT" and bypassed.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Oct 24 at 2015 8:19 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 20:19:51 -0400

I used to model buildings and my own rolling stock in HO scale when I was young. I used photos and looked for objects to provide a sense of size so that I could recreate them to scale (a scale ruler was extremely useful). I purchased the trucks and couplers for my rolling stock but built everything else by hand. Since most of the rolling stock built from balsa was lighter than the rolling stock that you purchased, I found it helpful to add ballast (lead plates) to every car. For realism, it helps to "weather" or "stress" the finish on your models. Shiny buildings and rolling stock don't look realistic. Good luck