It begins....

The following Text is directly from Lee

Marx Toy themed train layout

This project may take forever.... but still fun. Several years ago my sons and I started an HO model train layout with the idea to try and place it roughly in the 1870's Western era and do as much as we could to incorporate the look and feel of many of the Marx western toys.

Our scale is a bit fudged at times... we found quite a number of 1/72 scale western figure sets. And when we started making buildings we opted for mainly card stock versions we could customize.

Grayson has my original gigantic cardboard ranch house which was a gift from my grandmother. We have both always been fascinated by it. We have also created a couple of custom versions of it: One in Marx playset size and one roughly HO scale version for use on our model train layout.

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Playset Sized...

The playset size went with a little project to create what the proposed, but never produced Marx Johnny West Ranch playset might have looked like. Grayson also made a mock-up of what the box could have looked like. We made the ranch house out of glossy photo paper to simulate the look of tin and gave it a detailed interior.

HO Scale...

For the HO version, we expanded and separated the barn. We also added a shed roof on the back to use one of the sides from the Sears combo boxes.

HO Scale Grizzled Bear Saloon

We started with the Marx western town saloon and added details from there to get to 'The Grizzled Bar'. This one includes interior details. Everything is scaled to be roughly HO scale, so the people are about 3/4 of an inch tall.

HO Scale Ft. Apache

You can't have a Johnny West layout without the Fort Apache Fighters!

We started with twigs, glued together to make a section of wall. Made a mold of these and then cast about 10 sections. Then added Guard towers, cat walks, and later the individual buildings.

HO Scale Newspaper office

This one stays very true to the Marx western town

HO Scale Sheriff's Office

We started with the Sheriff's Office from the Marx Western town. We also added details, including an interior reminiscent of two great John Wayne movies: Rio Bravo and El Dorado (both of which used the same town and Sheriff's Office with a few modifications).

and Finally... The Figures!

We have searched high and low to find figures who bear a resemblance to our favorite Johnny Characters. Here are the ones we have so far.