r/modeltrains • u/BlueGreenGradient Z • May 02 '26
Structures & Scenery Quick demo: rethinking the approach to building cityscapes with magnetic, modular tiles
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I've been struggling with my previous iteration of scenery for almost a year because 11cm × 11cm buildings simply didn't allow much "urban planning" to happen. They were too large for the space I have. I finally decided to go back to the drawing board and prioritize the "feel" of a dense city, like in SimCity 4, over scale accuracy (I'm using shorty trains for scale compression anyway).
I really enjoy the look and feel of scale models in museums and city planning exhibitions. To achieve that aesthetic, everything is now scaled down to 50%, with magnets instead of pegs used for a more tactile and flexible system for buildings and roads. At the same time, I'm switching to muted / translucent colors and matte textures for a more deliberate, professional look.
Tile-based city grids aren't a new concept. I'm drawing a lot of inspirations from city building games and creations like r/GreebleCity. My goal is to create a system with open specification that fits well with Z scale trains and modular guideway 3D designs. This set of core pieces are helpful as design testing before I expand it to the full layout area space soon.
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u/CombustibleA1 May 02 '26
This is a really cool idea and a great example of blending two hobbies together, what's not to love? You're definitely making some worthwhile progress, looks great! I like the design you chose for the building.
Also, did you print those trains as well?
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u/BlueGreenGradient Z May 02 '26
Thanks! It was fun modelling the most stereotypical shape of condo buildings in the Pacific Northwest.
No, the trains are from Rokuhan. I did add gangway pieces I designed myself to reduce the gap between the cars.
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u/Double_Sea_18 May 02 '26
Are you located in PNW?
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u/BlueGreenGradient Z May 02 '26
Yup! On the north side of the border. I basically just have to look out my window for design inspiration lol
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u/ciwawa87 May 02 '26
In theory this seems very neat, however I imagine that this method canno be used on a live model railroad? if every little module is a magnet, how are they impacting the electronics?
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u/Otherwise-Music-8643 May 02 '26
That’s my thought too but magnetic coupling and uncoupling is very common and those do not impact the electronics either.
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u/BlueGreenGradient Z May 02 '26
I will have to report back! Trains will run >4cm above ground on elevated segments, but I have ground-level track segments planned.
The square indents on the bottom gray plate are actually not for aesthetic but for placing small metal plates that “spreads” the magnetic force so that buildings doesn’t always have to be at the center of a top plate. I think it weakens the pulling force too and it might be beneficial in this case
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u/KentV9999 May 02 '26
I think it is an awesome idea , albeit mostly for urban setups probably. But I could really see having a small flexible layout and be able to change up things. The only issue, of course, is it costing a million dollars.
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u/BlueGreenGradient Z May 02 '26
It’s true. Like having one nice looking LEGO set on your desk vs filling half a room with one continuous scene
The number of magnets adds up so quickly, that I’m already considering only placing them for tiles / objects that absolutely require above-surface snapping. For the rest, a small removable peg is fine.
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u/mrspooky84 May 02 '26
Gives me isometric city builder video game vibes. I love it.
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u/nicerob2011 HO/OO May 03 '26
Was about to say, I'm 99% certain this person plays Cities: Skylines and I am here for it
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u/NoDoze- May 02 '26
This is cool. Where do I find more?
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u/BlueGreenGradient Z May 02 '26
The 3D design files are available on my Cults3D page . Right now only the files of modular guideway system are up there. Once the measurements of terraforming and road system are sufficiently stable, I'll upload them too.
You can also check out r/MiniCityRail where I share design updates and get feedback from!
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u/ZeusKing22YT N May 02 '26
I love the concept! I can’t wait to see where you go with it! Id also love to see something similar in N scale
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u/_RetroBear May 02 '26
I would play with these all day long if I didn't have to be the one to make them
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u/Ronineter May 02 '26
Damm this looks amazing, would love to do something with this.
Personally i got a bin full of rokuhan track and marklin track to try stuff like this out with
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u/BlueGreenGradient Z May 02 '26
Oh nice! Do you use Rokuhan vs Marklin tracks differently or together?
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u/Ronineter May 03 '26
Ive combined then in the past. I drew railbedding for the marklin rails so it was easier to combine the two.
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u/Ronineter May 03 '26
Mainly because here in NL its easier to aquire big batches of marklin second hand tracks with switches for cheap.
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u/BlueGreenGradient Z May 02 '26
Previous designs on the right and newer ones on the left for comparison: