Just this past weekend I was sorting through a file of old photos that I had stashed away in a closet. I came across this black and white photo of a Southern Pacific 2-10-2 "Santa Fe Class" locomotive in HO scale. The model and photo were owned by a good friend, Paul Jansen. The photo was taken sometime in the mid-1960's. Paul was a well known super detailer of HO brass, running his business from his home workshop in California.

It seems the question of "Need a good switching layout plan" seems to arise from time to time. There is a cool article about the Effingham RR in Trains mag that looks like would make a great switching layout.

Proto Track Plan

Concrete ties pose a unique issue to consider.  Let's say you like to model modern; using flex track with concrete ties in certain sections, if not all of your layout makes sense.  However, let's say you have the urge to run transition era equipment from time to time; the concrete ties just won't do.  

I know, I know, "just lay all track with wooden ties."  But I also want concrete ties in some places - what to do!?!?!?!?

Hello all:

I am boomer who, with my wife, is starting our first layout. We are doing a simple 4X6 HO layout with a rural scene on one side and an urban scene on the other. Hopefully the pictures provides some idea of the layout.

First, track is laid and weathered. Is it best practice to add ballasting before or after scenery is added??