Operating the layout | In the previous Episode 25 (Car routing with JMRI OperationsPro), you saw the crew prepare the State Line Route N scale model railroad for an operating session. Now, host David Popp walks you through the prototypical actions as they transpire over the simple, yet engaging layout! Enjoying this coverage of our […]
Section: State Line
Car routing with JMRI OperationsPro — State Line Route in N scale, Episode 25
Car routing with JMRI OperationsPro | The crew continues to prepare the State Line Route N scale model railroad for a prototypical operating session, and the next step is car routing. Instead of the widely used car-card-and-waybill freight-car routing system, David Popp and Trains.com host Gerry Leone use a computer program called JMRI OperationsPro to […]
Preparing for layout operations — State Line Route in N scale, Episode 24
Preparing for layout operations | The crew might be at the end of work on the State Line Route N scale model railroad, but the fun of operating a layout has only just begun. In this episode, David Popp teams up with Trains.com host Gerry Leone and Model Railroadermagazine Editor Eric White to ready the […]
Making grade crossing signals – State Line Route in N scale, Episode 23
Making grade crossing signals: Work is coming to an end on the State Line Route N scale model railroad, but not before adding some final details. In this episode, David Popp shows how to make grade crossing signals using parts from various manufacturers. The modeling tools he uses for this project are available for purchase […]
Detailing a train depot scene — State Line Route in N scale, Episode 22
Detailing the train station scene on the N scale State Line Route is the focus of this video. David Popp is ready to install the train depot on the layout, but there some small projects to complete. First, David shows he made an Amtrak sign for the train depot. Then he installs interior and exterior […]
Adding lighting and interior scenes to structures — State Line Route in N scale, Episode 21
Adding lighting and interior scenes structures on the N scale State Line Route layout is the focus of this episode. First, Eric White makes interiors for Gerry Leone’s and Seth Puffer’s structures using images he found on Google. Then, he adds realistic lighting inside the structures by installing LED lights from Woodland Scenics’ Just Plug […]
Repurposing a layout scene — State Line Route in N scale, Episode 20
Repurposing a layout scene for the N scale State Line Route layout is the focus of this episode. First, Cody Grivno borrows a few structures from an old T-Trak module to help build up an all-new scene for the layout. Next, he shows how to prepare the new site to fit the assembled structured in […]
Kitbashing trackside structures — State Line Route in N scale, Episode 19
Kitbashing trackside structures for the N scale State Line Route layout is the focus of this episode. First, David Popp shares his planning and preparation steps, which include finding prototype photos and building mock-ups for this N scale model railroad layout. Next, David uses parts from several model kits to custom build a paint factory […]
State Line Route in N scale: Road construction, Episode 18
David and Cody team up to build roadways on the State Line Route project railroad. Cody shows how to use Walthers’ modern parking lot kit and styrene to make a parking lot for Brown-Smith Global. David tries a new technique for making roads, and he shows how to weather them and add center line striping. […]
State Line Route in N scale: Modeling clear and muddy rivers, Episode 17
David shares two options for modeling rivers on the State Line Route. He demonstrates how to make a muddy river using two-part resin and tints, and a clear river using one-part resin. Lastly, he adds waves, ripples, and other details to complete the water scene. […]
State Line Route in N scale: Modeling rock walls, Episode 16
David is ready to work on the largest industry on our State Line Route project railroad – the rock quarry! He demonstrates how to use rubber rock castings to make the quarry walls. Then he shows to add realistic color to them using craft paints and drybrushing techniques. […]
State Line Route in N scale: Modeling a farm field, Episode 15
David and Rene prepare the State Line Route layout for scenery by smoothing out the terrain. Then they show how to model a farm field using scenery materials, such as grass mats, static grass, trees, and more! […]