Model Train Advice

Buildings

The buildings on a model train layout should reflect the industries and businesses of that era. Modern buildings, such as a plastic pellet plant, would not look at home on a layout during the 1920's. Some buildings appear throughout many decades and would like fine on a layout. Diners are buildings that are still around and have been standing for a long time. They would look nicely on many different layouts. Also, industrial buildings are essential to provide rail service and switching action.

It is important, when assembling buildings, to make the corners square. If they are not, then the building will look off balance and crooked. There are devices to help make the corners square. Use model cement to attach the pieces together. To make the roofs, use sandpaper on styrene to represent gravel roofs. After the building is complete, paint it in realistic colors. For brick buildings, red or tan looks good. Make sure that the trim of the building doesn't clash with the building color. Observe real buildings to see the paint schemes. After painting it, weather the buildings to make them more realistic. Brush a solution of india ink onto the sides of brick buildings. This will fill in the cracks to make the building more believable.

Here is a brick city street building that is under construction. It has been partially assembled and has a quick first coat of paint on the ends. This building will be with other shops and stores along a main street in the center of a town.

City-Street Building

Links:

Model Railroader official website

Fallen flags railroad photos

Walthers official website

NMRA website

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