| If you love model trains but you are limited on | | | | will now need to sketch your train layout onto the |
| space you will have to consider trying something | | | | plywood and see how it is going to fit. Make sure |
| a bit different. Why not build a compact model | | | | that you are adding enough parts such like |
| train layout? A compact layout will allow you to | | | | switches and interconnecting loops. Once you |
| still enjoy the model trains you love so much while | | | | have it all laid out you will be ready to prepare |
| not taking up too much space. The first thing you | | | | your rail bed materials. You can glue these into |
| will need to figure out exactly how much space | | | | place with white glue. |
| you will have to dedicate to your layout. If it is | | | | If you will use road bed material made out of |
| going under a bed or any place similar you should | | | | cork board will help to keep your train much more |
| consider keeping it within a 4x6 area. This will still | | | | quiet. It can be a lot of work to do, but it is not |
| give you a layout you can enjoy while keeping it | | | | really essential so if you do want to skip this step |
| from within reason. | | | | then you will not be losing anything important. You |
| If you are looking for a scale that is easy to | | | | can now begin to attach your rail components. |
| handle for young children then you should choose | | | | You should use small nails to do this. Make sure |
| HO scale. It will keep it at a manageable size | | | | that you are using insulated track connectors to |
| without getting too large. If you are looking for | | | | keep track sections that have switched polarity |
| one for yourself then the N scale trains have a | | | | separated. |
| track that usually runs about 9mm apart and cars | | | | Your next step will be to attach the wires to their |
| that are about 3 to 5 inches in length. The first | | | | correct places. You will need to drill all the |
| thing you will need will be your board for the train | | | | necessary holes through the base and you can |
| to be mounted to. A piece of plywood that is 1/2 | | | | then begin to attach all their components in the |
| inch thick and cut to your necessary dimensions | | | | correct places. Once you have all these installed in |
| will do perfectly. You will also need a sheet of | | | | the right places then you are ready to attach |
| Styrofoam that is 2 inches thick and the same | | | | your power supply and try it out. If everything is |
| dimensions as well. | | | | working right then you have installed it all properly |
| When these are glued together you will then have | | | | and you are finished. Your train should still be light |
| a solid base for your train that at the same time | | | | enough to handle yet large enough to be able to |
| will be protecting your carpet with the foam. You | | | | enjoy. Have fun! |