You can build a great HO gauge model railroad in four by eight feet of space. Use these five easy steps and you're on your way. Start with a reasonable track plan. Purchase HO gauge track and accessories. Choose the best table-top materials. Assemble your track. Wire your layout and run your trains! Start With …
The first step in creating your dream HO scale model railroad is building strong benchwork. Solid wall brackets are the key to strength and safety for a shelf-style train layout. The Benefits of a Shelf-Style Train Layout You have easy access to the layout. Front legs are not required. Storage space is created under the …
Continue reading Easy Wall Brackets for Strong Shelf-Style Benchwork
Are you dreaming of building an amazing HO scale model railroad? If so, I can help you get started on a great shelf-style layout to make your dream a reality. In this post, you will learn important steps for building a strong foundation for your layout. There are several styles of benchwork used in model …
I want every square inch of the Maple Valley Short Line Model Railroad to be a story in a scene. I am way beyond watching two trains travel on a continuous loop through trees, mountains, and buildings. I want to know what people are talking about as they stand outside the Ya'll Sit Cafe. Maybe …
I have to admit, I have been working on my Maple Valley Short Line Model Railroad control panel for more than two years. I can run the layout just fine using Atlas Selectors to control power to the blocks, but I really want a panel with a layout diagram to make operations easier. Plus, I …
Continue reading I Use DPDT Switches for AC and DC Power on my Model Railroad Control Panel
My wife and I love watching HGTV network. I am amazed by the vision of the designers featured on the shows. Without exception, they exhibit an incredible ability to see what a space can be and share it with hopeful homeowners, long before the first board is nailed in place. Vision gives life to imagination. …
Continue reading Before and After on The Maple Valley Model Railroad
I enjoy looking behind the obvious scenes, which is why details are so important. More things are happening than we can see at first glance. A lot of life takes place in hiding. Maybe the good folks of Maple Valley aren't hiding on purpose, but not everyone sees everything they're doing. That's good. No one …
I have to admit, even though I don't want to, this winter darkness has not had as much of a detrimental effect on my mental state as in other years. At least it doesn't seem so. But winter isn't over. There is another hype-filled round of snowpocalyptic prognostications beginning to fill the air, even as …
Continue reading Winter Therapy: Building My Maple Valley Railroad
I have to admit, even though I don't want to, this winter darkness has not had as much of a detrimental effect on my mental state as in other years. At least it doesn't seem so. But winter isn't over. There is another hype-filled round of snowpocalyptic prognostications beginning to fill the air, even as …
Continue reading Model Railroad Scenery, Coffee, Earl Klugh, and a Sunlight Therapy Lamp
Maple Valley is a small tourist town in Kertok County, Missouri. The claim to fame in this tiny place is The Old General, a Civil War era steam locomotive that carries visitors to Maple Valley. Maple Valley has been here a lot longer than The Old General has been bringing folks to see it. Years …
Continue reading Discover Maple Valley: Small Town with Big Personalities
A Coffee State of Mind 