In this episode, Host Gerry Leone departs from work directly on the layout itself. Instead, he shares his techniques for customizing an HO scale Walthers grain elevator kit into much larger structure for a specific space. Getting to know Gerry Leone Back on Track host Gerry Leone is just as clever as he is comedic! […]
Make a lake, part 4 – In this episode of the Back on Track mini-series, hosted by Gerry Leone on his HO scale Bona Vista model railroad, you’ll see how to apply the finishing touches and details on the water effects, painted backdrop, and adjacent shoreline scenery. All of this and more, as Gerry works […]
Make a lake, part 3 – It’s all water under the bridge for this episode of the Back on Track mini-series, hosted by Gerry Leone on his HO scale Bona Vista RR. With the lakebed colors applied, Gerry shows how to add water effects, as well as a few special details a keen-eyed visitor might […]
Enjoy these two vintage N scale track plans, taken from the 1969 Kalmbach Media book N Scale Model Railroad Track Plans. These two layouts were in a chapter called “Permanent Railroads.” Download the PDF containing both track plans. The Dapperling Railroad This line serves Cassville, Browntown, a mine, and a logging operation. During the […]
Let’s talk about toy train starter set basics. Whether you’ve been away from the hobby for several decades or are buying a beginner outfit as a gift, you’re in for some fun! These packages have gone high-tech in the past few years but – fear not! – they still offer an easy, straightforward path to […]
Make a Lake, Part 2! In the previous video of this mini-series, host Gerry Leone launched an effort to add a realistic water feature to his HO scale Bona Vista RR. Now, he’s following up the groundwork and bridge construction by shaping the landforms along the shores. He also turns his attention to forming the […]
Frank Vodvarka’s layout, the 23′ x 27′ Eclectic Empire, is featured in the May-June 2022 Classic Toy Trains. It’s colorful and entertaining, with pre- and postwar Lionel and other O- and Standard gauge trains from the U.S. and abroad. Plus it has accessories, figures, and structures from multiple eras and manufacturers like Bayko, Britains, Bassett-Lowke, […]
PLUS Brass engine fix-up Taking the mystery out of brass Add a metal foundry An industry you can model Visit an iron ore hauler An inspiring 23 x 27-foot HO layout You’re the power desk Operating tips from the prototype Add a paved roadway Convincing concrete quickly Modeling a small town Operating possibilities abound […]
Chris Raines’ O gauge layout is featured in the May-June 2022 issue of Classic Toy Trains. It has neat scenery, structures, and lots of O gauge trains, primarily from the 1970s to today. The display has towns and areas named after Chris and his wife’s three children and there’s plenty to see! Chris runs the […]
The May June 2022 issue of Classic Toy Trains features Chris Raines’ layout and his YouTube channel, how to repair American Flyer’s no. 290 steam locomotive, a combination O gauge/Standard gauge layout, plus reviews of Lionel’s baby K4 steam locomotive and Menards hospital building, the latest new products, tips, and much more! Subscribers can […]
By popular demand! Back on Track host Gerry Leone jumps ahead in time to begin an effort to shape a common layout space into a unique place! In this episode, you’ll see the start of the lake scene takes the curved mainline into consideration. First, Gerry works to build up a plate girder bridge to […]
With the upper deck and backdrops now in place, Gerry noticed the lighting on the lower deck had changed significantly. Wisely, he decided to compensate for the reduced reach of light from the ceiling fixtures by installing a new light source to the underside of the upper deck. In this episode, you’ll see how Gerry […]
