Let’s face it: a lot, and I mean a lot, of model railways look the same. But they don’t have to.
Despite all the effort, energy and work that we pour into our model railways they often look very alike. A branch line here, a shunting yard there, a goods shed. They all get very familiar. Boring even.
The following list includes some more inventive, unusual and frankly bizarre ideas for things to do with model trains to entertain and amuse.
Like this glorious micro layout, for example.
How cool is that! Who could like this and not be impressed?
You shall not pass! (Without looking)
The immensely lovable Hobbiton End model railway. Click on photo to see more detail.
Or this one. It’s just delightful and so inventive. It’s sure to wet the apitite for more fantastical layouts.
Zombies, trains and coffee
Speaking of wetting the appetite and the fantastical.
That Railway Girl – Amy – has caused quite a “stir” with this coffee table Zombie themed layout.
And if the undead isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other fantasy themes to explore. Just take a look at what Movie special effects artist Chris Walas has come up with for his whimsical model world.
And the ideas don’t stop there.
The Same, But Different
If you like model building, want some movement in the layout but aren’t hung up on trains there are always trams.
(The fun starts at 35 seconds in).
Lush cityscapes, the same technology and techniques as model railways but without the trains.
And if you just want to have fun with your track and trains you can of course always do something completely different. Take this model railway based roller coaster.
I’m not sure I’d want to risk my track and trains but it does look fun and is certainly different to the usual layout.
Sure, It’s Silly
And if you really want to be different, and yes silly, you can just forget the trains completely.
新パン線 試運転
（今後の展覧会で展示の予定） pic.twitter.com/wlVxkCeqC8— Tatsuya Tanaka 田中達也 (@tanaka_tatsuya) May 18, 2017
Or get a “taste” of something different as the irrepressible Tim Dunn did recently.
https://twitter.com/MrTimDunn/status/873623915645595649?s=09
What have you done with your trains that’s outside the usual “model railway layout”?
> A final, personal, note: I spend a huge amount of time testing, photographing, writing and researching techniques for these articles and pay for all the running costs of MRE out of my own pocket. If you found this article useful you can support me by making a donation on my fund-raising page. Thanks and happy modelling, Andy.
Andy is a lifelong modeler, writer, and founder of modelrailwayengineer.com. He has been building model railways, dioramas, and miniatures for over 20 years. His passion for model making and railways began when he was a child, building his first layout at the age of seven.
Andy’s particular passion is making scenery and structures in 4mm scale, which he sells commercially. He is particularly interested in modelling the railways of South West England during the late Victorian/early Edwardian era, although he also enjoys making sci-fi and fantasy figures and dioramas. His website has won several awards, and he is a member of MERG (Model Railway Electronics Group) and the 009 Society.
When not making models, Andy lives in Surrey with his wife and teenage son. Other interests include history, science fiction, photography, and programming. Read more about Andy.