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Last Updated, Jan 26, 2023, 6:49 PM
4 Ways To Increase the Realism of Your Model Train Layout


Many model railroaders love to create layouts that resemble real moments in history. Whether you’re interested in modern freight trains or stylish passenger trains of the early twentieth century, realism can make a huge difference. Keep reading to discover four ways to increase the realism of your model train layout.

Weather Your Models

Weathering is a technique in model painting where you make figures look old and worn. It could mean adding rust spots to a rolling stock car or making it look like the paint on a building is chipping. Some popular types of weathering effects include:

  • Snow
  • Dirt
  • Grease spots
  • Rust marks
  • Chipped paint
  • Repairs/mismatched paint
  • Leaves/debris

The easiest way to weather your trains is by applying very thin coats of paint with a brush. You can also use a sponge to dab on dirt and grease spots.

Install Lighting

Lighting is a key strategy for increasing the realism of your model train layout. No street or train yard in the real world is ever without lighting. While installing electrical pieces can be intimidating for new model railroaders, there are plenty of lighting tips and tricks to help you get started. The most important tip is to wire your lights in zones to simplify troubleshooting problems.

Hilly Terrain

If you look at a real landscape, you’ll notice that the ground is hardly ever flat. However, if you build your layout on a flat surface, you’ll end up with flat ground. To fix this, try adding height variations with pink XPS insulation foam sculpted with a hot wire cutter. Of course, keep the area flat where you want to run your track pieces.

Use Trains With Sound

The other thing you’ll notice about trains in the real world is that they make a lot of noise. You can buy locomotives that come equipped with all kinds of bells and whistles to make your scene more realistic. Be aware that some trains require a DCC power console to access all the different sounds available. DCC is a more expensive console to operate, but it allows for far more customization.

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