(https://modelersforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=114444;type=preview)
(https://modelersforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=114446;type=preview)
(https://modelersforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=114450;type=preview)
Some pictures of my new exhibition layout Allegra based on the Rhatische Bahn narrow gauge railway in Switzerland.
The new layout is n-scale 1:150 using Kato rolling stock. The board is 5ft long by 2ft wide.
(https://modelersforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=114452;type=preview)
(https://modelersforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=114454;type=preview)
Kato locos are DC and as a result this is the first layout of my six exhibition layouts not to use the excellent Digitrax system.
The track is Peco Setrack code 80 with first and second radius curves. Manual turnouts are used in the fiddle yard at the rear of the modelled scene.
The backscene was formed with a sheet of Foamex to which I affixed a mountain scene by ID Backscenes. The Foamex iwas curved and glued to the side walls using a hot glue gun. Being curved it ensures there are no corners in the sky.
(https://modelersforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=114456;type=preview)
The side walls were set back 3 inches from the leading edge to leave room for a waterscene. I painted the board with Cerulean Blue acrylic paint. Once this had dried I stippled on Mod Podge. This dried overnight clear depicting a nice waterscene depicting a Swiss lake.
I then added a 1 inch sheet of Celotex (Household insulation) to the board. The track was laid depicting the winding nature of The Bernina Express line between Tirano in Italy and St. Moriitz in Switzerland. The track was ballasted using fine Chinchilla Dusting Powder.
(https://modelersforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=114458;type=preview)
I then added some 2 inch Celotex foam to form hills merging into the backscene. I used a craft knife to create some interesting rockwork. I then painted this with some ready-mixed Artex (ceiling plaster). After this had dried I brushed the hills with chalks using a make-up sponge to accent the rock faces.
The shoreline was accented with some talus. The small girder bridge is by WWScenics. The track disappears into the backscene via two Woodland Scenics tunnel portals.
Very Nice!
I really want to get that N scale Glacier Express...but I'm afraid of what it would lead to ::)
Snow was added using products from Deluxe Materials and Woodland Scenics. The catenary masts are by Kato. The more than 70+ trees came from a stash of trees from my previous home layout which was dismantled due to a house move.
I applied a realistic snow effect to the trees using a Modelmates snow spray.
A few examples of local wildlife can be found lurking in the forest. I completed the scene with two scratchbuilt ski chalets with a group of children playing in the snow (Woodland Scenics).
Hi Cuse,
The models are superb. Once you buy one you will need the lot!
:)
Mike
The layout has it's own self contained lighting pelmet and is easily transported in one car. The whole layout took just 6 weeks to complete as I had a deadline.
It has appeared in the February 2026 edition of Continental Modeller.
Currently I have four locos all by Kato.
ABe8/12 Allegra 3 car unit
Ge4/4 mark 2 #620 in RHb Club livery
Ge4/4 mark 3 #643
Ge6/6 mark 1 #414 Crocodile
These are augumented by a set of Bernina Express panoramic coaches, a set of Glacier Express coaches and a rake of EWI coaches.
Mike
(https://modelersforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=114460;type=preview)
Nice. I can see "Allegra 7.jpg" if I click on the link at the bottom left and download the image.
Edit: that was probably the "Forum image delay", where they don't always show till 10-15 minutes have passed.
Nice layout. I was confused when I saw the title as "Allegra" is the name of an allergy medication here in the States.
I'm amazed how quickly you can build these wonderful layouts.
Jeff
Thanks James & Jeff,
It was a fun project and has already three exhibition invites. The snow scene was a first for me which I might try on another layout sometime.
Mike
Mike,
I can't stop thinking about it...if you get a chance, I'd love to see a "step back" photo...where you can get a feel for the whole layout, from a viewer's perspective.
I'm juiced up about getting down to work on my larger layout...but I'm intrigued by the idea of a side project of a similar nature and size...I rode the Bernina Express last year (and the Glacier Express) and can, in my own insane way, rationalize this "tribute" on a shelf over my desk.
Thannks for sharing,
John
Mike,
Very well done.
Tom
Mike great job on that scene!
Jerry
Quote from: cuse on February 13, 2026, 02:36:53 PMMike,
I can't stop thinking about it...if you get a chance, I'd love to see a "step back" photo...where you can get a feel for the whole layout, from a viewer's perspective.
I'm juiced up about getting down to work on my larger layout...but I'm intrigued by the idea of a side project of a similar nature and size...I rode the Bernina Express last year (and the Glacier Express) and can, in my own insane way, rationalize this "tribute" on a shelf over my desk.
Thannks for sharing,
John
Hi John,
The layout is 5ft in length and 2ft wide. The height is 18 inches. The picture is of it on a dining table. This is the full frontage. I can probably get you a better picture in a couple weeks time when it set up at it's next exhibition outing. You could use a narrower board if you prefer as the minimum radius for the locos is only 6 inches. I have made it wider to accomodate the hidden sidings behind the backscene. For perpective the two locos on the bridge coupled together are just 8 inches long.
All the best,
Mike
Sorry John,
It will not let me post the picture.
It says "The message has the following error or errors that must be corrected before continuing:
The message exceeds the maximum allowed length (20000 characters).
If you want to email me your email address to mike@gmail.com I will attach the photo to my reply.
Mike
Love it...I ordered the Kato 3-car Allegra set and a couple other small things...then went down the Internet rabbit hole...
...anyone want to buy some amazing HO scale built up craftsman structures?
Quote from: Jerry on February 13, 2026, 03:59:17 PMMike great job on that scene!
Jerry
Thanks Jerry.
Mike