Gerry Leone recaps his work on the sandpaper street of Westcott, a town on his new HO scale (1:87.1) model railroad. Now it’s time to add rule, order, and realism to the roadways – by means of basic road markings and subtle weathering. Grab your brush, paint, water-soluble decals, and tools, to join in the […]
Modeling Topic: Scenery
What is a good way to begin adding scenery to my layout?
Adding scenery to your layout can take it from a basic track setup to a realistic and immersive world. It’s an exciting and creative part of model railroading that allows you to design and construct a unique landscape for your trains to travel through. However, it can be overwhelming to know where to start which […]
Spaces to Places IV | Installing the Streets, part 3
It’s time to hit the streets of Westcott, the developing new town on Gerry Leone’s HO scale model railroad. After adding lights to structure interiors, adjusting city blocks, and then building, painting, and weathering sidewalks, our host shows his technique for paving roads made from medium-grit sandpaper! Want to see more of Gerry’s work in […]
Spaces to Places IV | Installing the Streets, part 3
It’s time to hit the streets of Westcott, the developing new town on Gerry Leone’s HO scale model railroad. After adding lights to structure interiors, adjusting city blocks, and then building, painting, and weathering sidewalks, our host shows his technique for paving roads made from medium-grit sandpaper! Want to see more of Gerry’s work in […]
Tips for successful ballasting
OK, time for a show of hands. How many of you enjoy ballasting? That’s what I expected. Ballasting isn’t an aspect of the hobby most modelers enjoy. However, I’ve ballasted parts or all of several Model Railroader project layouts over the years, and I’ve come to enjoy adding those tiny granules to layouts. When I […]
Spaces to Places IV | Town development, part 2
The new town of Westcott has moved from concept to construction. Watch as host Gerry Leone shares how he initiated the development by laying out the town on a sheet styrene template. Learn helpful tips for arranging city streets, structures, and even rail-served industries. Plus, you’ll also glean insights for working with styrene or similar […]
Spaces to Places IV | Town development, part 2
The new town of Westcott has moved from concept to construction. Watch as host Gerry Leone shares how he initiated the development by laying out the town on a sheet styrene template. Learn helpful tips for arranging city streets, structures, and even rail-served industries. Plus, you’ll also glean insights for working with styrene or similar […]
Model a grain door storage rack
Sometimes a discussion about prototype railroading can lead to a modeling project. A few years back I was talking with my longtime friend William Phalen in Crookston, Minn. During our conversation, I mentioned seeing a photo of a pile of grain doors by the Crookston Farmers Co-op Elevator. He said the doors were stored on […]
Malcolm Furlow’s waterfall modeling technique
Malcolm Furlow’s waterfall modeling technique: Malcolm Furlow’s article presented here originally ran in the August 1980 issue of Model Railroader magazine. While many of the brands Malcolm used in the article are no longer available, most all the products have modern substitutes, allowing a modeler to still complete similar projects. As a case in point, […]
MRVP Video Vault – Building Model Railroad Scenery with the Experts: Olson and Furlow
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page This Video Vault series continues with scenery-building experts John Olson and Malcolm Furlow sharing their practical insights on how to shape and color realistic model railroad rock formations. […]
MRVP Video Vault – Building Model Railroad Scenery with the Experts: Frary and Furlow
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page This Video Vault series begins with host Allen Keller welcoming scenery-building experts Dave Frary and Malcolm Furlow to share their theories and practical insights on making realistic model railroad scenes. […]
MRVP Video Vault – Building Model Railroad Scenery with the Experts: Frary, Furlow, Hediger, and Olson
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Building Model Railroad Scenery with the Experts: In this 1980s vintage video, multiple Model Railroader masters contribute several techniques for enhancing various scenery situations. You won’t want to miss the timeless tips and tricks from the likes of John Olson, Malcolm Furlow, Dave […]
