Model Railway Layouts

"Hiya Albert,

I convey warmest greetings from the Republic of Ireland. I've been invigorated by your Model Railroad "mini-course" E-letters, which were formatted into easily understood guidance.

I've been away from the Model Railroad hobby for over thirty five years and much within the genre has progressed, especially within the Digital Control/Multi train and modern wiring technique.

Thanks to your de-mystifying common sense and sagacious lifelong experience within model railway design, running and practical applications, I wholeheartedly endorse both your E-book and requisite FREE "ten day mini-course E-mails"!

Your 'bible' of Model Railroad wisdom should be a mainstay part of any creative hobbyist's code library! An excellent achievement Albert - your publications banish those "mind-miasmic techno-geeks" and allow us enthusiasts fully enjoy our beloved Model Railroading!

Heartfelt Congratulations,

My Kind Regards,"

- Jeremy B Shipton, County Cork, Republic of Ireland

"Hey Albert..

Martin Flynn, I live in Orillia Ont., I have been in the hobby for years, the last 2-3 a lot more. I have learnt a lot through trial and error, very frustrating..I have had several layouts from 4x8 to now 17x12 around the room. I have read many articles on model railroading and all the tips and techniques.. Alberts newsletters, and links, downloaded books, really saved me the time and frustration of making, even veteran mistakes. He advises patience, and that is as true as trains. Taking your time the first time can save you some very messy hassles.. or frustrating train derailments, all mentioned in the newsletters..

I have found many tips to better looking scenery, to wiring, and weathering. Over the years products change and people find new ways of modelling, Albert keeps you up to date on the latest modelling skills, and ease of use, or more realistic applications... Also reading allows you to keep all the little details fresh in your mind during your railraoding adventure.

Thanks Albert"

- Martin

Some pictures he sent:

"Hello To All The Real Model RailRoaders...

I have read and watched all most all train related this Hobby. As I looked and hunted for more to stimulate the need for Nscale trains. When I found the Model Railwaytrains.org.. I was a little scaptical of what they were selling and as I read the material I was impressed so I took a chance and never looked back...The material you get is of straight forward and for the up & up. I like the link's that follow the info that Albert gives you. Some a little long then others, but books that are for sale as ebooks and pfd files are great. I have bought quite a few and they are helpful, but we are always learning and should never turn a deaf ear to it.

My favorite line is the North Folk Southern. I'am in love with the horse & black paint. The shinny out line of the horse.. The book's give me great ideas for expansion and building ideas.

I have built a very nice bridge and some building. but what I like most is knowing that I can count the info being checked for acutely. As adults we must take a child and show them what model railroads are all about and they can learn more in a club... Lets keep our kids of drugs!

Sincerely,"

- Daniel A. Dembinski

"Good afternoon Albert.

I am retired now, never owned or wanted to own a model railway, just woke up one morning and thought, I want to build a large layout. Googled model railways and stumbled across your site. First thing I found on your page was the chance to download the seven common mistakes to be avoided, so I did, and learned from them.

Sub consiously I began to feel I had a buddy to assist me, then came the regular newsletters, because, and I am not being modest here, I have absolutely no model railway knowledge, I found all of your newsletters thought provoking and inspirational. Such, that last week, I put a hatch and ladder into part of my roof space, and built a walkway around the perimeter.

This week I built a 16 feet by 8 feet skeleton frame for my baseboard. Next week I will use the frame as scaffold, and line the ceiling and walls. Then install light and power. I intend to start laying track in about three weeks. I live in a predominantley ex mining community, so my layout will be based on the topography, clay and coal industry, and breweries of the area,and the rail links they generated.

Consequently I have joined an archiavist society to research the topic.

See what you started.

Regards"

- Christopher Jackson

"Hi Albert,

I am very pleased with the discovery of your website and subscription I did a "Model Trains newsletter". I learned many things and in particular, I have really enjoyed their work "FAQ And Common Mistakes" and "Quick Starting Guide To Model Trains." I also find very interesting all the advice I get in your messages. Some of them I will put into practice immediately, and I'm starting to build an H0 scale model in a rectangle of 350 cm by 220 cm and three levels.

There are tips in your posts that I find very useful, especially as regards access to all parts of the model, the most convenient height, etc.

The material I have is Märklin brand, and is fully digital and AC. My intention is to mount a digitally controlled circuit, both as a Central Station via a computer. At the moment I have drawn the plans and am meeting the tracks that are downstairs. From that moment I begin construction first and then the circuit benchwork.

Meanwhile, in order to play, I set up a simple circuit on a ping pong table, for up to five convoys moving there and I'm learning the use of Central Station.

Here you can see a virtual image of what will be the circuit. The decor will be different, for the time served to get an idea of ​​the result.

See you soon."

- Toni

"Dear Albert,

Thank you very much for the opportunity to thank you for your great tips. By profession I was a full time model maker specializing in large models (known in the business as Mr Big). I started railway modelling because A. I never had a trait set as a child, and B. have 9 grand children.

I chose to build an N - gauge layout to give me the widest scope for a theme. But alas I would then not allow the small kids to touch the trains. So I switched to G - gauge and had great success (even a 3 year old could re-rail a piece ) but with all my years of experience I have been able to grab some really good ideas from your news letter .........Please NEVER stop , and remember

"HE WHO DIES WITH THE MOST TRAINS WINS"

Yours truly,"

- Kevin Thomas

Casino N.S.W.
Australia

"Albert,

As a kid, I was into model railroading. As time went by, other things took precidence to model railroading. I am currently in the military, as such, I began looking for a hobby and I immediately began looking to get back into railroading. While searching the internet, I came across your web page. Your free daily newsletters have really renewed my interest in this great hobby. It wasn't long before I downloaded your e-book. It was an easy read, not filled with all the technical stuff that would make me loose interest.

Since my family and I move every few years, I need a "portable" set up. Once our Christmas decorations are down, with your book in hand and your encouraging newsletters, it won't be long before I begin getting started on a layout, and what I am sure will be a lifelong hobby that my family will also enjoy getting involved in.

Thanks so much, Albert, for your dedication to this great hobby and getting the word out."

- Craig M. Pache, Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico

"Hi,

As avid wargamers we have branched out into model railroading and have found this comprehensive guide outstanding. We have all subscribed and to say the least we love it. We thoroughly enjoyed this short and concise guide which outlined everything we needed to know. Whilst it is not reams of pages long why should it be? It has everything you need to get your loco moving!"

- Jaimie Patel
Managing Director @ Tank To Tank
tank-to-tank.co.nr

"Albert,

I do not have a layout as of yet. I am in the beginning staes and just deciding the scale I plan to use. I have also been reviewing layout and trying to decide what I want in mine. I have so very old 1960-1970 equipment and trackage which I now realize I need to scrap or use just for effect and not really operate. So this is my jumping off point.

I am a 71 year old one legged old man on a fixed income, so I am going to have to be very careful with my plans. So far I have decided on HO for the scale, Atlas code 100 for the track. For locomotion, I think Atlas is my first choice with other manufacturer as a second. So far I have pretty well decided I do not want to use Bachmann unless someone conviences me that they do produce a pretty trouble free product. I have made a lot of use of your's and other 's newsletters or posting to reach the decisions I have reached so far. You gave me good info on where to start and what to look for in locomotion and rolling stock.

Thanks for all the infomation and hints. Keep up the good work."

- Larry Gibson

"Hi.

I am new to this. 3 months ago it started with buying a box of n scale train (45 train cars) with no track for $10 a week or two. Later I bought some track and convinced my wife to let me put a small track in our bedroom. I think it was around 20 pieces.

That only lasted for a week, now I have over 300 pieces of track, 22 remote turn outs, 8 manual turn outs, 7 locomotives and its all starting to come together, but with me being so new to this there is a lot I don't know. Your free newsletter has helped me out greatly.

The most recent that saved me was “Adjusting the grading of your track”, and also the size and planning of track and room it’s in. Big thanks, I have really enjoyed this hobby and I owe a part of that to you and your newsletter."

- Jeremy Minnoch, The Beginner

"Albert,

I have read, with interest, your above named guide. As a novice to this field it has certainly given me insight as to how to proceed as well as forewarning of some of the misadventures one could encounter without having the benefit of the assembled material.

Given the limited space available you have certainly included a wealth of information gathered from your personal involvement in model railroading. The guide certainly is an interest and enthusiasm builder! The guide will give anyone who reads it the basics for starting in this hobby as well as ideas to be followed up elsewhere to advance their knowledge.

I would also comment that I believe anyone interested in starting a model railroad hobby subscribe to your "Secrets to Successful Model Railroading" as well as to obtain your "The Essential Guide to Model Trains."

Good Railroading to you."

- Ross LeMonnier, Mississauga, Ontario

"Hi Albert

Being very new to model trains i had no idea where to start. My son said i should just google model trains, which i did and i'm so glad i did. I signed up for your newsletter and bought your guide. What a fantastic move that was. I have just completed my first HO scale and thanks to your tips, advice and extremley easy to follow guide ... it looks awesome. Any beginner should sign up for your newsletter and purchase your guide as their number one priority... then they too like myself will beable to really get their teeth into model railway with the minimun fuss. Thanks again for a fantastic guide and very informative newsletter and follow up emails... keep up the great work of helping us beginer modelers.

Kindest regards,"

- John Janic
Melbourne, Australia

"Hi Albert

Just a quick reply to respond with a few words about the information that you send on. First of all I'm a complete novice and exploring the possibilities of building a railway layout. Through accessing the Internet I came across your site and accepted your offer of a newsletter. I do enjoy reading them and have found some things helpful such as aspects of gradients, scale and gauge, track materials, etc. I do appreciate the newsletter and will continue to look forward to them so thank you very much.

Happy New Year.

Cheers"

- Mike Beale

"Albert,

I am a novice when it comes to model trains. By reading your newsletter I've gained so much knowledge about the hobby. There are some things I've learned over the past few weeks from the newsletter that I've never heard of. I particularly found the article about the difference between scale and gauge very interesting.

Another article that I found interesting was about using a product called homasote on top of the plywood board. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the product in the region where I live, which is in South Florida.

There are many more things that I've learned from the newsletter. In closing, I found the article about planning your layout extremely helpful and finding the right location for the layout.

I just finished building my 4x8 plywood table for the layout. I'm extremely proud of it because it is solid and strong. Well, keep those newsletters coming and thanks for all you do."

- Roma Roberts

"Dear Albert,

I am a Brazilian model railroader. I am currently building my second model railroad layout. I made so many errors when I built my first layout that I decided to remake it entirely. Of course, I am still making errors. Although there are thousands of model railroaders in Brazil, we are not so many as you are in the US. Besides, there are a few publications on the hobby available to us in contrast to the enormous amount of information about model railroading as you have in the US. Therefore, the advice of an expert is gold. Because of that, I decided to join your mailing list: to learn more. I have received a variety of very useful tips that surely are of great interest to every beginner to the hobby. Beginners will get information about the diverse model train scales available, to choose the appropriate benchwork material as well as the proper layout size. In addition, beginners will learn how to keep track conditions just right by leaning tracks properly to avoid dust and oxidation, fixing bad joints and bumps to avoid derailments, keeping both locomotives and rolling stock running properly, and even how to build climbs. I am sure that I have much to learn with your valuable tips and advice. Thanks!

You have my permission to publish my testimonial on your website if you consider it valuable. Please, feel free to correct my English.

Sincerely yours"

- Paulo
Americana (SP), Brazil.

"Dear Albert,

I have found all of you tips very useful, and I have learned quite a bit from them. Myself being a beginning collector with not a lot of information on where to start or what to do. I have started with collecting train sets. I will worry about layout and other things at a later date. I look forward to a lot more advice and little tricks and tips to collecting over the coming years, and how better to learn than from your newsletters. I read each and every one of them and I also save them in case of future questions. Have yourself a great day and thank you so much for this service!!"

- Denis Cyr

"Hi Albert,

Having just retired and looking for a hobby i decided on model trains, it has been many years since had model trains and the difference is simply amazing.

Any help that i can get is really appreciated your letter each day always throws up something else i had not thought of, please keep up the good work.

Regards."

- Brian Taylor

"Albert,

Thanks for your continuing supply of emails.

I am still trying to sort out a suitable layout. I have Peco, Fleischmann, Minitrix, and Goods Yard track layouts and am unsure which to adopt.

My layout will be n gauge set on an 8' x 4' base As a surveyor my joinery skills are adequate to do the woodwork myself, but I must make sure which layout to adopt and indeed adapt.

I find your emails very helpful and am keeping copies for later reference.

I appreciate your help.

Regards"

- Tony

"Hi Albert,

Just wanted to say "Thanks!" for all of the helpful information you provide. It has been several decades since I was an active model railroad enthusiast.

That changed about six years ago when my grandson became interested in "Thomas the Train". Now he is ate up with enthusiasm regarding all trains. Our current Thomas layout is ever changing, but typically covers an area approximately 12' long X 8' wide when most all track & accessories are used.

He will be ten years old in July and I want to have a HO train layout completed in time for his birthday. Still working on the plans at this point, but with your tips and facts it has become somewhat simpler. Once it is complete I'll email you a digital picture with some details to share.

I prefer building scenery and accessories over bought items for two reasons...obviously less expensive and the other is the sheer joy and admiration on my grandson's face when he sees what "new" accessory "Paw-Paw" made for him. I have made numerous items to accompany his Thomas train set. Some made for future use with the HO gauge.
All have been made with recycled/refurbished/reused materials and principles. (I want to instill in our future generations the importance of taking care of our planet and to not be wasteful.)

I'm sure we will stay in touch as we delve deeper into the hobby and deeper in my budget eventually.

Thanks again and keep up the good work!

Best regards,

- Brian

"Hi,

I'm unpacking my N gauge collection after 12 + years of storage and starting up a layout. I found 3 train sets, Amtrak, Penny B&O plus a B&O doodlebug and a PTC trolley. Your newsletters are right sized messages have been not only helpful but looked forward to. In part because they are well written reminders but also because they shed light on areas that I will need to address as I build a layout.

Right now I am clearing space and have a test track area (1 1/2 " foam board) that I can use to tryout new ideas for what will become a 12' by 4' layout. The test track can be placed on top of the the final foam board

I started with the review of common mistakes. That lead to purchase of cleaner and an uncoupler I know that this is pretty basic stuff but that's very important. The most difficult part is curbing my enthusiasm and staying in budget. The emails with news letters and quick start guide have made that easier as I can test each step on the way. Whether it is making snow with gypsum or fields with coffee grounds or ballast. It is all there for starting and testing.

I look forward to more news letters as I move ahead in testing and building.

Thank you

- Del

"I'm a beginner in the model train arena, I have found your emails and books very informative and also good reading, if you have not covered the topic then there is also links which you build into the information which again is good value and expands the topic.

Making the decision of which way to go is the hard part i.e. N or HO - DC or DCC.

Best Regards"

- Tom