Creating realistic effects in a model railroad layout can add considerable reality and really bring a scene to life. The best part is; building structures, creating sets, and applying weathering techniques are some of the most fun things to do in a layout (besides running the trains). Here are 4 quick model train tips to try:
1. Add weeds and bushes along the track
To shape weeds, hay, straw, and grass, get some “binder twine” from a farmer or horse owner. Twine is a natural material (unlike new plastic material) and takes paint and stains well. The binder twine also wears naturally. Hang a little outside for a year and it will look like fall weeds. You could let it sit on the ground and it will turn a grayish color over time. Twine can be cut into very short lengths and used as ground cover.
2. Make Paths for a Model Train Layout
The Model Train Help PDF book describes several clever ways to build roads. However, if you’re working on a tight budget, this is an inexpensive idea for you. It’s not as effective as some of the other methods, but it’s cheap. Purchase anti-slip tape (2 or 6 inches wide) that can be used for a paved road. Then use a white car detailing tape for the white line down the center of the road. Get fast and cheap roads for your model railway design.
3. Add pavement effects
This is an easy way to age up the paved streets in your model railroad layout. Use a fine point pen to create cracks. Just drive around your neighborhood or areas similar to the one you are modeling and see how the sidewalks age. A word of warning though: your model railway design needs to look authentic, so don’t go crazy.
4. Passenger car windows
Many model train passenger cars sold at retail do not have interiors. As a result, when you look inside them, they look like a toy train. A simple solution is to purchase commercial window tint film at a hobby, hardware, or auto accessory store. A small strip of the tinted film can be placed on the inside of the clear plastic that forms the windows of most passenger cars. The tinting film can look like tinted glass, which is very difficult to see through.