Category: Layout Planning

Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning Book2 Comments

Standards on germaN160

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While waiting for the weekend to come and my second batch of plywoods (order sent), I decided to put down on print the standards that I am adopting on my layout – both as a reference for myself and for those who would like to adopt some forms of standards. I am following the recommendations from NEM as well as the best practices (after consulting many expert modellers in both HO- and N-scale). You might be wondering why all the fuss over conforming to some standards and take the fun off model railroading. Well, better to take the fun off now … Continue reading Standards on germaN160

Benchwork, Layout Construction, Layout Planning, Planning Book3 Comments

Build #02: Lots of Measuring and Cutting for Module Parts

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This year’s weather was rather unusual. It was a relatively “warm” winter, between 5C and 12C, and occasional shower. The last 2 weekends were wet; thus, disrupting my plan to work outdoor. I do not have a proper workshop (note to self: make sure there is a small room for workshop when looking for new house) so I have to be satisfied with a makeshift workshop under 5C. In 3 hours, I managed to measure and saw module parts for Segment F, G and H and base for Segment A. This was my second time using Dremel DSM20, still more … Continue reading Build #02: Lots of Measuring and Cutting for Module Parts

Diorama Development, Layout Planning, Planning Book, Product Review3 Comments

Dremel DSM20 Compact Saw – A Product Review

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I was fortunate to be one of the 200 selected test users from Germany to test Dremel’s latest compact saw Dremel DSM20. I was surprised and excited when I received the package last week, just as I was starting my Christmas holidays. I wanted to use this time to complete my ICE diorama rework, which you all know, has been moving rather slowly. Besides finding some time to work on it, I was also looking for the right tools. My colleague lent me his jigsaw, which is helpful for cutting curved shapes but to do straight cuts a circular saw could be helpful. … Continue reading Dremel DSM20 Compact Saw – A Product Review

Benchwork, Diorama Development, German Railways, Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

Teaser Photos from ICE Diorama Rework

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While finding the time to write more about my ICE diorama rework progress, I thought it would be nice to share some photos since Day 1, from to to Hey, what is that American doing on a German track? Importing US technology to Germany, a reversal from the ICE 1 Amtrak in the 1990s? Facebook Album (public view): germaN160 Model Railway Diorama Continue reading Teaser Photos from ICE Diorama Rework

Benchwork, German Railways, Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

Layout Progress: Preparing the Base for Module A

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After 2 weeks of non-activity (since the Modell Süd show in Stuttgart), I kicked myself on the butt (hmm how did I do that??!! :p) and started doing some work on my layout. Finally!! Last Saturday I sent to IKEA shopping and got myself a MALM chest of drawers with 4 drawers for 69 Euros. It fits nicely to the corner that I wanted for Module A, which will be the central railway station (Hauptbahnhof) and a siding for industry (Industrie Anschluss). Just in case you forgotten about my track plan, here it is again. Vacuumed clean and ready for … Continue reading Layout Progress: Preparing the Base for Module A

Diorama Development, Layout Planning, Planning Book6 Comments

Track Laying – ICE Diorama Rework

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I am spending only 3-4 hours per week on model railway. Not a progress I would like to see especially if I am going to build a large layout. Last week, I marked all the drilling positions on the plywoods and determined the track centres on the baseboard. This week, I drilled the holes for the marked positions and completed the frame. As I am using 6mm thick, poplar plywood for my diorama, I had to use 2.5mm thick wood screws. I taped a small piece of sticker on the drill bit to mark the 16mm depth. And the finished product is … Continue reading Track Laying – ICE Diorama Rework

Layout Planning, Planning Book, Product ReviewLeave a comment

2D-Turnout Rapid Prototyping with 3D Effect

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As you can see I am picking up speed with my layout. The track plan is decided and fixed. Yesterday I had a good chat with Dirk over parts of the track plan and we looking into many areas such as positions and configurations of turnouts, positioning of signals and turnout mechanisms, how to build the layout and special considerations for vertical distances, tight curves and superelevation. As explained before in my earlier post on turnouts jigsaw puzzle, I printed out all the 45 Peco turnouts for my layout from their drawings and cut them to shape. I tested with … Continue reading 2D-Turnout Rapid Prototyping with 3D Effect

Benchwork, German Railways, Layout Planning, Planning Book4 Comments

“Somewhere in Germany” Trackplan – Final Version

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As promised, here is my updated “Somewhere in Germany” (“Irgendwo in Deutschland”) trackplan. I would call this the final version since for the past 2 weeks I have discussed and finetuned with a fellow N-scale modeler from Germany this trackplan. He has been kind and helpful to translate my 1st version paper drawing into a digital plan using SCARM. A BIG DANKE SCHÖN, DIRK! Basically, he took my requirements and wishes (what John Armstrong would call as “Givens and Druthers“) and made some modifications to my trackplan while still retaining my basic concept. I am pleased with the final result. In my initial plan, I had some … Continue reading “Somewhere in Germany” Trackplan – Final Version

Benchwork, Diorama Development, German Railways, Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

Experimenting with Module Building – ICE Diorama Rework

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For the last 2 weeks I have not been active in this blog instead have been active in a German model railway forum, developing my track plan together with a few modelers. I will get back to that topic at a later date. In the meantime, I have visited a large handy mart Hornbach and searched almost every row and corner for something useful for my layout and diorama. I got most of the tools I needed for model railway construction as I have zero to start with. So the initial investment in tools will make a major dent in … Continue reading Experimenting with Module Building – ICE Diorama Rework

German Railways, Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

“Somewhere in Germany” Trackplan – 1st Version

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I have finally put my thoughts on paper. The theme of my layout is “Somewhere in Germany” (“Irgendwo in Deutschland”). Over 11m double-track, I want to capture the atmosphere and the feeling of somewhere in Germany without being specific where in Germany. Let me give you a short intro of the space and my benchwork/trackplan concept. Feel free to comment. Tell me what you like and dislike about the trackplan. – I have been given an enclosed balcony 3.7m (12ft) x 1.4m (4.6ft). The layout will be “around the wall” concept with 30cm (11.8in) width on the long side and 60cm … Continue reading “Somewhere in Germany” Trackplan – 1st Version