The 2015 N scale Red Oak project layout Fifty miles west of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy RR division point of Creston, Iowa, lies the town of Red Oak, the inspiration for Model Railroader’s 2015 project model train layout. Named for the trees that line the Red Oak Creek, the town came into being with […]
Section: Red Oak
Red Oak Series: Weathering N scale locomotives
Three colors of paint, an airbrush, and a couple of hours is all MRVP’s David Popp needed to enhance three different types of N scale diesel locomotives with realistic weathering effects. In this video, David shows the paints and airbrushing techniques required to give the Red Oak N scale units, or practically any […]
Red Oak Series: Weathering freight cars
Now that scenes on Model Railroader magazine’s 3 x 7-foot N scale Red Oak layout are nearly compete, MR associate editor Eric White turns his attention to enhancing the rolling stock with realistic weathering effects. In this video, Eric shares his techniques for applying weathering powders on both dark and light-colored freight cars. […]
Red Oak Series: Modeling a farm field
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page The farm scene on Model Railroader magazine’s 3 x 7-foot N scale Red Oak layout needed a cornfield. MRVP’s David Popp shows you how he made quick work of this modeling task by installing commercial grass mats using white glue. […]
Red Oak Series: Paving roads
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader magazine’s Steve Otte shows how to add a realistic paved roadway to any model railroad, including Model Railroader magazine’s 3 x 7-foot N scale Red Oak layout. The secret behind Steve’s success is the Woodland Scenics Smooth-It road system, but […]
Building the 3 x 7 Red Oak N scale model railroad part 7
Editor Neil Besougloff and associate editor Cody Grivno go over some of the finishing touches that the Model Railroader staff applied to the N scale Red Oak model train layout. While Cody is busy airbrushing track ballast, Neil points out some of the scenery and structure details added to the model railroad. You’ll also see […]
Building the 3 x 7 Red Oak N scale model railroad part 6
The N scale Red Oak model train layout features a backdrop that runs down its center. Learn how the Model Railroader staff uses model trees and other scenery to conceal openings in the backdrop. Model Railroader editor Neil Besougloff and associate editor Steve Otte will also show you how to use scenery along the backdrop […]
Building the 3 x 7 Red Oak N scale model railroad part 5
Model Railroader editor Neil Besougloff continues work on the Red Oak layout’s Iowa scenery. He’ll also show you some of the structures that have been completed and are awaiting installation on the layout. Speaking of structures, associate editor Eric White is busy building a signal tower for the N scale model railroad. Associate editor Steve […]
Red Oak Series: Applying static grass
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this video, David Popp demonstrates the steps for adding static grass that will help make your scenery texture appear more authentic – even in small spaces like those found on Model Railroader magazine’s 3 x 7-foot N scale Red Oak project layout. […]
Red Oak Series: Installing fascia
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page One the quickest ways to give even a small layout a more finished appearance is to add a protective fascia around its perimeter. That’s exactly what David Popp did for Model Railroader magazine’s 3 x 7-foot N scale Red Oak layout. In […]
Red Oak Series: Adding ballast
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Just a little bit of a ballast goes a long way toward making Model Railroader magazine’s 3 x 7-foot N scale Red Oak layout look more realistic. In this video, David Popp walks you through the steps you’ll need to prepare the trackwork, […]
Red Oak Series: DCC system installation
While a complete Digital Command Control (DCC) system installation might not initially sound like a simple process, MRVP’s David Popp sure makes it seem that way in this how-to video. In his demonstration, David paces you through the steps he used to add a Digitrax Super Empire Builder Xtra system to Model Railroader magazine’s 3 […]