Article by Tom Taggart
Well, it's not exclusively about the trains, you know? The locomotives are what pull us in in the beginning but as we begin to imagine a world for our track plans to run through, we find that this world becomes just as interesting. The miniature denizens, the buildings, the streets and the other motor vehicles start to absorb an equal amount of our imagination as the trains when it comes down to it. Not only that but the enjoyment of painting, detailing and putting together these accessories adds a whole new venue to our model training experience. Here are some suggestions on how to develop your unique HO model train railroad city:
Begin by deciding on a specific time period for your metropolis that accords the locomotives you will be using:
You don't have to have your historical detail accurate but it doesn't hurt to try. If you can keep your topographical details in accord with your style of train it will draw in other fans who pay attention to that sort of detail. There are countless possibilities for you to choose from when it comes to time period and scenery. If you got a Cowboy motif stay with Apaches and cacti and leave out cobblestone paths and rain forests.
Buildings and paths take priority in planning:
In a perfect world your lanes will crisscross your metropolis and some will lead back to and cross over the railroad tracks. Once you have these thought out you might construct your other less important buildings and vehicles around these main choices.
Consider including nature into you metropolitan border:
Bushes and other sorts of natural aspects should also be included in your town. A miniature amusement park at the center of your city can really add interest to your landscape. I once experienced a magnificent lay out that had the town on the side of a hill in the style of an Italian villa. Let your creativity be your guide.
Be sure to detail and weather your village:
Tiny details are at the center of good model railroad town. Make your cityscape as intricate as you can imagine. The more effort you use on these tiny details the more enchanting the spell of your fiction will be.
This is a great aspect of the model training world that you can involve the whole household in. Almost all youngsters love painting and coloring. Even the most cynical misanthrope can get into the craft of pasting and coloring. Now's the opportunity to get that fledgling artist in the family involved with your cherished pastime. There is also the added benefit that the kids of the family might indirectly glean a little bit of history. This is a great way of creating lasting family recollections and customs.