While shopping at the Dollar Store for some cheap paper products, I came across packs of Christmas train tracks for a dollar each. In looking at packs, I thought they would make decent ground laid tracks for my railroad terrain needs. There were four packs for a dollar each and I picked them all up. Four dollars for sixteen feet of track, what is not to like!
The tracks came in moulded black plastic and had silver painted tracks. Each set had a couple of turns and ore straights, for about four foot of track per set. The have a clip style connector the allows you to lock the sections together with a twist and lock. The turns are gradual and each gives you a 45 degree bend, so two for a 90 degree turn. Each piece is six inches log. This ensures you can get the set up you want.
The next decision was how I was going to paint them! I decided to dip them all in brown Minwax, to give a grimy oiled tie look. I then dry brushed the ties with two shades of brown. I hit the sets with Krylon Dull Coat to toe down the shine and then went back and hit the track tops with silver to re-brighten them up.
So, now I have plenty of tracks for gaming on a budget! When you need terrain, don’t feel locked into wargame manufacturer terrain. You can go old school and find all sorts of options in the toy or craft sections of your local stores and often at a discount. Normally, all it takes is a coat of paint to shape it up for your needs!
- Manteuffel