Our Own Model Train Layout: The Castle Project

At Miniature Trainstore, we're busy with miniatures, trains, and scenery every day—but in recent months, we've also been working on something we're incredibly excited about: our own model train layout in the store . A project that began with a bare frame and has now grown into a detailed world with a castle, tunnels, lighting, and a spiral where trains gracefully ascend levels.

From bare wood to a lively model railway

In the beginning, it was mostly carpentry, fitting, and measuring. The foundation of the layout was in place, but it still looked very bare, of course.

We then laid the track, including the challenging spiral . This spiral forms the heart of the track: here, the trains climb smoothly to a higher level. To beautifully integrate this technical element, we decided to incorporate the spiral into a rotating pond that runs around the structure, with a path that winds upwards towards the ultimate centerpiece: the castle.

The spiral

The spiral is completely integrated into the landscaping. Where you might technically expect a "simple" climbing structure, you now see water, greenery, rocks, and details that bring the whole thing to life.

A path runs around the pond, gradually ascending. The trains disappear naturally into a tunnel, making the transition to the higher part of the track feel logical and realistic.

The castle project

At the top of the spiral stands the absolute highlight: a large Faller castle model . This project took several weeks of work—building, painting, highlighting, distressing, adding details, and of course, dozens of little figures for that real liveliness.

The castle is fully painted and features subtle highlights, giving it a realistic stone texture. Small details like guards, tourists, forests, and rock formations complete the scene. And for the finishing touch, we added clouds above the castle , giving the scene a truly unique atmosphere.

Day & Night

The track looks impressive enough during the day, but once the lights in the shop dim, something magical happens. The castle is equipped with built-in interior lighting , lanterns along the paths, and subtle light sources that illuminate the entire scene in the dark.

The atmosphere this creates is almost fairytale-like: warm windows, shadows, depth — the kind of magic that makes model building so beautiful.

And we've only just begun…

While we're proud of the results so far, the layout is far from finished. We'll continue expanding, refining, and adding new scenes in the coming period. And of course, we'll share every step on our webshop and social media channels.

Want to see it all in person? Feel free to stop by our store for a cup of coffee.

Want to start your own dream project?

Are you planning a model railway or considering a specific design? Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation consultation. We'd be happy to discuss your project with you. Also visit our custom-made projects page.

📧 info@miniature-project.com
📞 +31 6 23 160 160