I have mentioned that I am both a (currently) budgeted model railroader, and that I also enjoy classic HO-scale train stuff (especially from Life-Like, Atlas, Tyco and Bachmann.) So I thought that for my basement model train layout I can use a lot of that stuff, yet still continuously update it for the new millenium. So far, I have my trains running on Atlas Code-83 True-Track (I'm not going to bother with Bachmann's E-Z track or Life-Like's Power-Loc track for the layout anymore, and I'm staying away from any of those other companies' brass and steel track sections), which I think turns out to be the most realistic roadbed track I've ever seen.
Because I will keep continuously adding onto the layout, currently not many things are permanently attached, except for some pieces of lichen. Here is what it currently looks like...
Full overview. In the rear I have some old Atlas Code-100 non-powered track to display any locomotives and rolling stock I am currently not using. The train I was running at the time these pics were taken consists entirely of Life-Like rolling stock. The lo-nose ATSF GP38-2 behind the lead locomotive is a non-powered "dummy" model, the "classic" way of modeling a double-header train! The grass is a Life-Like grass mat that was cut to fit and stapled onto the plywood.
Residential section. For now I also am using some of my brother's old Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars on the layout.
Life-Like modular stock pen. I plan to decorate a few of the cows and pics, and paint a few more of the included figures. Also note the train having a Life-Like bi-level auto carrier car.
The police station did need a bit of fixing up at the time this photo was taken. I plan to add some road to the layout as well.
Snap-Loc train station building kit that Life-Like includes with some of their train sets (like the "Rail Blaster" and "Freight Runner.")
Life-Like Downtown Business Center, and the Plasticville school building (I also added a couple school buses to the front for a nice touch!) I plan to install a small playground for the school as well...
Life-Like operating log dump station accessory.
Life-Like operating railroad crossing accessory. I recently replaced the rusted old steel rails with new nickel-silver rails, and it really made a difference. I may eventually motorize the gate and/or actually make the lights flash in the future...
Used car lot next to an apple orchard.
I am planning on expanding the tracks so that the layout will match the track plan the Tyco Track Layout Expander was designed for, and then eventually expand THAT even more. I also got a Tyco operating crossing signal (with flashing lights and wind-up bell) that I will replace the bulbs in (I ordered a couple of red Model Power grain-of-wheat bulbs that run on the proper voltage), and I also plan to replace the bulb that came with the Bachmann flashing oil tank seen in the first picture (any idea on where I can find replacement bulbs for those?)
Because I will keep continuously adding onto the layout, currently not many things are permanently attached, except for some pieces of lichen. Here is what it currently looks like...
Full overview. In the rear I have some old Atlas Code-100 non-powered track to display any locomotives and rolling stock I am currently not using. The train I was running at the time these pics were taken consists entirely of Life-Like rolling stock. The lo-nose ATSF GP38-2 behind the lead locomotive is a non-powered "dummy" model, the "classic" way of modeling a double-header train! The grass is a Life-Like grass mat that was cut to fit and stapled onto the plywood.
Residential section. For now I also am using some of my brother's old Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars on the layout.
Life-Like modular stock pen. I plan to decorate a few of the cows and pics, and paint a few more of the included figures. Also note the train having a Life-Like bi-level auto carrier car.
The police station did need a bit of fixing up at the time this photo was taken. I plan to add some road to the layout as well.
Snap-Loc train station building kit that Life-Like includes with some of their train sets (like the "Rail Blaster" and "Freight Runner.")
Life-Like Downtown Business Center, and the Plasticville school building (I also added a couple school buses to the front for a nice touch!) I plan to install a small playground for the school as well...
Life-Like operating log dump station accessory.
Life-Like operating railroad crossing accessory. I recently replaced the rusted old steel rails with new nickel-silver rails, and it really made a difference. I may eventually motorize the gate and/or actually make the lights flash in the future...
Used car lot next to an apple orchard.
I am planning on expanding the tracks so that the layout will match the track plan the Tyco Track Layout Expander was designed for, and then eventually expand THAT even more. I also got a Tyco operating crossing signal (with flashing lights and wind-up bell) that I will replace the bulbs in (I ordered a couple of red Model Power grain-of-wheat bulbs that run on the proper voltage), and I also plan to replace the bulb that came with the Bachmann flashing oil tank seen in the first picture (any idea on where I can find replacement bulbs for those?)
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