2011 Christmas-Hobby Ideas

Here are 3 handy tips kindly supplied by
members of the Online Model Train Club:

1. Toning Down Colors Here's something I've discovered. I no longer use white or black paint on my layout without mixing in other tones. I find pure white and pure black a little stark and unreal as those colors stand out too much! I also stick with matt paints (not gloss) on most things. Gloss might look ok on a shiny new loco, but it looks too unreal on most things. To tone down black or white paint I usually add a small drop of another color such as diluted brown just to take the starkness away. Remember with white to just add a tiny dab of another color, because if you add too much you'll have to add a big quantity of white to overcome the problem. If you add too much brown for example, you might be best to pour it out and start mixing again.

2. Making Buildings Look Real I took some digital photos of the displays in some local shop windows and reduced them on my computer and printed them out so they fit the scale of my buildings. I glued them in place and covered them with some clear acetate to represent windows - you could use recycled clear plastic lids. They look so real! Join the online Model Train Club for

SURPRISE GIFT FOR ALL CURRENT AND NEW MEMBERS TO THE ONLINE MODEL TRAIN CLUB If you're a member of the online Model Train Club (or you're about to join) you'll get a surprise this Christmas! Because, just before Christmas, you'll get an email giving you special private access to download an exciting Christmas Gift... absolutely free! If you are not yet a member of the club... NOW is the time to join. You'll not only get access to hundreds of great tips, monthly tutorials, and ideas to help you build the layout of your dreams...you'll also still get the 4 advertised bonuses, plus the surprise Christmas Gift!  Now is the best time to join! CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS

3. Building A Shelf Layout
Here are my essentials for building a shelf type layout:
1. I install track re-railers following every turn. This assists to re-rail the cars which can come off the track around the curves.
2. I think it is a good idea to install a wire guard rail or flex glass to protect the trains from serious damage as they could accidentally derail and smash to pieces on the floor. OOOCH!!
3. Running the trains often helps keep the track clean, as will a track cleaning car. High level layouts can be harder to clean and can accumulate dust and even rust more quickly.
4. I painted my baseboard black. This way everything is highlighted on my black baseboard.