Guide to Adding Wooden Train Structures to Lionel’s Trains
For those just starting out in the world of Lionel trains or any other brand, and looking to add wooden structures to them, the first instinct might be to go out and buy pre-packaged kits. After all, why go to the trouble and time to build wooden train structures yourself when you can go out and buy a kit that has been designed with that very purpose in mind?
Although it requires more work, there are several reasons to build your own wooden train structures.
First of all, many hobbyists get great pleasure from the task of building wooden structures for trains themselves. Fans have even more fun by participating in achievement shows and contests. For anyone entering contests or the achievement program (or even for their Master Builder Structures Certificate) there are several guidelines that must be followed.
Second, hobbyists may not be able to get what they want from pre-packaged kits, leaving them little choice but to build them themselves.
After making the decision to build custom wood structures, it’s time to get started. The first step is to gather the tools you will need. If you can put together a crafter’s kit, this task should be simple. Most of the tools you probably already have in your possession, items like a scale ruler, single-edged razor blades, an Xacto knife (or similar), and a small square. Those are the absolute basics, although to make your life easier it would also be a good idea to go out and invest in items such as a miter box, saw, steel plate (preferably with a square grid) small large full of side weights (in order to have adjustable weights), aluminum side rails with extra magnets, small clamps, a chopper, a sander, and smaller items like pins, pencils, scissors, and glass plates.
After getting the tools, the next step is to draw (to scale) a plan for the structure. Once you have that, the wood raw materials need to be collected. Stripwood is a good option. Commercially available siding is acceptable as a cover.
Before the start of the assembly comes the dyeing or treatment of the wood if desired. Variations in the wood can give structures a more realistic appearance. If you want these variations, it will need to be pre-stained before assembly.
The last step is to assemble the structure. If you want to decorate and see inside (which is a must if the building will be in the foreground), you should make sure you make the roof removable (cover the rafters with boards and then shingles – rafting and spreaders are recommended to give both the stability as strength). Nail holes are absolutely essential for clapboard siding. This can be accomplished with straight pins for smaller structures or with larger pins that require a skip wheel. All subassemblies must be assembled before attempting to attach them to the building (if you plan to paint the building, do not attach the subassemblies until you are finished). Use clear plastic or glass for windows.
Once the wooden train structures are complete, they are sure to take your train to the next level. They will last a lifetime and will work great with Lionel trains or any other brand you select.
