Little Things That Make a Big Difference on Your Layout

amsOGR Forum Member

Not a day goes by that I don't see people here coming up with creative ideas. Considering the length of time many here have been in the hobby and the number of layouts we've all built, I'd imagine there are a lot of innovative solutions out there that don't involve a significant investment. Making ties with Popsicle sticks, using zip bands to secure track, cat litter for ballast, etc...

What's something you do or have done with your trains/layout that costs less than $10 but adds a lot in either looks or performance?

Here's my contribution... every time I purchase a hopper with a coal load, I spray the (usually shiny) load flat black, and it immediately adds some depth. I've done dozens of cars with one can, so less than three dollars invested.

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6/12/1511:59 AM

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Gary GravesOGR Forum Member

Good topic. I think painting road lines for lanes, stop lines, RR's, etc. makes a big difference, especially if the layout has auto's or trucks on it. It is painstaking but not expensive.

6/12/152:00 PM

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RussellOGR Forum Member

OK, How about this:

For my Christmas Layout I go to Wall-Mart and buy a bag of Quilt batting for under $10.

This is much more robust than "buffalo snow" so the little ones have trouble ruining it on day one. It's 81" x 96" so you can choose to trim the excess or pile it in spots for snowbanks. I do a bit of both.

It is also a lot fluffier and lower cost than Felt, Which I have also used.

6/12/152:07 PM

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scale railOGR Forum Member

Street lights. Train guys always want to know where I got them. There are three different types I use. All are HO brass lights from Walthers. I don't think they make this model any more. I simply take the HO pole off and add a longer brass tube. The light heads are large for HO but right for "O". If you hit the picture and enlarge it you will see there are three types in this shot. Don

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6/12/152:50 PM

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POTRZBEOGR Forum Member

I love lighting of all kinds and "O" gauge people on the layout as well. What a big difference they make.

6/12/153:18 PM

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Bryan in OhioOGR Forum Member

I love to use photo shop to create areas that I want to make unique. The first picture is an underground level. 2nd picture was designed to cover the gray housing of my subway sets so it would look like passengers are inside. The last 2 pictures are billboard signs to fit into my billboard stands. Total cost is next to nothing just ink and card stock.