Large Scale Central

Want to build a playscale railroad

General Discussion
#1

I am new here & cheerfully admit I know absolutely nothing about model trains. My brother in law has built many smaller scale trains and used to belong to a museum in Northern California where he helped restore the real thing. We have recently moved to WA and I think building models again would greatly help his mental state. He has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s and is depressed. Trains are one of the few things that spark an interest. I collect dolls that are playscale (1:6). If he feels he is doing something that I need, he might just do it. This would be outside (we have 5 acres). I have no clue where to purchase the necessary kits-or if they even exist in this scale. My husband and I are both woodworkers and could help with any wood parts (I already make playscale furniture for the dolls). We need all help/advice you can give. Cherie

#2

Hi Cherie, welcome to Large Scale Central.

1/6 is pretty big for model trains. It can be done, and probably has, but expect to spend a lot for that scale. The scales we deal with here range from 1:32 to 1:20.3, with a few venturing to 1:13. There are dealers in your area, primarily in the Portland/Beaverton area. Many of the folks who post here live within shouting distance of you, say, maybe 2 or three hours drive for the furthest away, with most a lot closer.

Some websites to see what is available:

http://wholesaletrains.com/

http://www.lgbpola.com/

http://www.ridgeroadstation.com/

Good luck, and don’t be a stranger. We wish you and your brother well.

#3

Hi Cherie, Like Steve said 1/6 is very big, usually a ride on scale. I model a bit in 7/8’s scale on standard G garden railway track. 7/8’s scale is 1:13.7 and close enough to 1:12 doll house scale that you could use those plans for buildings and such. I even use 5 inch action figures for those trains -

(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n214/altterrain/7-8n2%20projects/rail-tractor/7-8railtractor5.jpg)

for more info check out - http://www.7-8ths.info/ -Brian

#4

Many years ago, when the boys were 4 and 5, I drew some plans in 1/6. Never got to build it. I have a couple 15hp lawnmower starter motors I was going to power the loco with using a “marine” battery. Cars would have been essentially plywood boxes on plywood trucks.

#5

Hey there!

Why not use Large Scale (1:22.5-1:20.3) trains and make them ride on’s for the dolls…use gondolas/flats and let the dolls ride…would that work…how big is a 1:6 kid? American Girl size…

cale

#6

Thank you so much for all of your input. After checking out some more sites and reading your posts, I think we will try the garden scale. The adult dolls are 10-11 inches tall & I like the idea of a ride-on train for them. Don’t want the hassle nor need the expense of the human ride-on scale. Now I need to decide whether to get a starter set up, or a couple of kits. I’m leaning towards a starter set-up with kits to keep Fred busy over the winter months. I need to find the local dealers so I can see some of the trains in person-maybe even drag Fred. Thanks again! I will always be open to any further ideas you all might have. Cherie

#7

Cherie,
If you can get to the Seattle area, go to Eastside Trains in Kirkland.
I am sure it will be like going to Disneyland for your brother-in-law.
I was there just last week.
jb

#8

Dave Goodson (TOC) lives up that way…he post here pretty often and prob has some things he would want to part with…try him as well…you could do battery power for the trains (see afore mentioned guy) and use Aluminum Track to save over the initial cost with Brass Track… good luck and keep us posted!

cale

#9

One day, my little boys were running around Wal*Mart with rulers. They found that:

  1. In 1/6 scale, Barbie is an anarexic giant.

  2. In 1/6 scale, GI Joe is a junior higher on steroids.