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How to Make a Ramp for HO Trains

The appeal of an HO scale-model train primarily rests on its relatively small size compared to other scales. An HO train set, its layout and accessories can be constructed on a 6- by 8-foot or smaller piece of plywood, manageable to slide under a bed or to lean on its side. A truly elaborate HO train layout, however, must include much more than track. Landscape, houses, roads, factories, bridges and ramps are just a few of the details that contribute to the joy of railroading, no matter what the size.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/8-inch square wood dowels
  • Craft knife or saw
  • Felt markers
  • White glue
  • 2 cups of soil or sand
  • Small spray bottle
  • Liquid dish detergent
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Instructions

  1. Build a Loading and Unloading Ramp for an HO Train

    • 1

      Cut 1/8-inch square wood dowels into lengths the same as the ties under the rails of the train layout. Cut at least 10, but leave some material uncut in case more are needed.

    • 2

      Stain the new ties with a felt marker intended for staining miniature furniture. Usually old ties, most often used for ramp construction, are uneven in color and can be approximated by using two or more colors.

    • 3

      Begin placing one row of ties parallel to the track at the low end of the planned ramp, keeping the ties about l/2 inch from the track. Check to be sure the freight cars and others will pass the ramp without touching it. Continue placing ties on the surface until the bottom layer is as long as the new ramp. When the placement is correct, secure the ties to the surface underneath with dots of white glue.

    • 4

      Continue building the ramp with the second layer of ties placed on top of the first, just overlapping the ends of the first ties. This will create graduated steps made of ties. Place the ties over each other until the last layer is about 4-ties high. Secure the wood pieces with dots of glue and allow to dry.

    • 5

      Construct the second row of ties parallel to the first and separated by the width of an HO scale truck, or about 2 inches. Use the same number of pieces of wood so the parallel walls of the ramp are identical.

    • 6

      Stack 3 ties together to form a support for the upper end of the ramp. Secure these with glue also.

    • 7

      Sift a cup or two of garden soil or sand with a piece of screening, metal or plastic, into a small container. Using a spoon, carefully deposit the soil between the walls of the ramp. Use a flat object to smooth the surface.

    • 8

      Mix a combination of 1-part white glue and 1-part water in a small spray bottle. Add three or more drops of liquid dish detergent. Lightly spray the soil or sand with the mixture and allow to dry. When it dries, the soil will not shift easily.


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