How to Build a Model Train Layout

How to Build a Model Train Layout

• 1

  Select a location in your garage or shop next to a side wall or corner to build your model train layout. Area can be as big or small as you would like. For the sake of this article, we are going to build a 4-x-8 foot train layout. Clear away any obstacles that would prohibit you from complete access to this area.

• 2

  Locate wall studs with stud finder for reference points. Measure wall of area you have selected from the floor to a height of 44 inches and mark it with a pencil. Attach 2-x-4 stud to the wall with a nail about 3 inches from end of stud with the top of the stud even with the mark you made on the wall. Make sure you nail into a wall stud that you located with your stud finder. Raise the other end of the stud so it is about the same height from the floor as the other end. Place a level on top of the stud and move stud until it is even. Mark the wall at the top of the stud where it is showing level. Secure loose end of stud by nailing into previously located wall stud. Nail into remaining wall studs to secure horizontal stud.

• 3

  Cut 4-x-4 inch post into two pieces of 44-inch high posts and lay posts about 4 feet from wall where you secured 2-x-4 inch stud. Lay 4-x-8 foot plywood out with one side resting on top of your horizontal stud. Stand 4-x-4 inch post up, placing it under outside corner of plywood to use as a leg for your new table. Move to opposite end and repeat process with the other 4-x-4 post. Secure side of plywood to horizontal stud with nails. This will be the platform for your model train layout.

• 4

  Pour a 6-inch wide strip of Gorilla Glue along 4-foot edge of plywood and spread out with old paint brush. Roll green Astroturf up with bottom of turf on the outside. Taking one end of the Astroturf, lay it out on the edge of the plywood on top of the glue, making sure to keep turf even with the plywood. Holding the Astroturf in place, spread another 6 inches of glue across width of table and roll out Astroturf over plywood. Continue process until Astroturf is completely covering plywood. Smooth out any wrinkles as you go and trim if necessary. Allow glue to dry.

• 5

  Lay out model train track on platform the way you desire. Once you have the layout you like, secure track to platform with 1/2-inch finish nails. Secure trains power supply box to outside corner of platform nearest to wall outlets. Decorate platform with model trees, landscape, scenery, factories, mountains, villages and residents. Secure pieces with Gorilla Glue and allow to dry. Your model train layout is complete and ready for you to enjoy.