How to model realistic modern-era structures

Modernmodelrailroadstructures_01

Adding mundane and non-revenue structures to your layout can enhance the authenticity of a scene, as demonstrated in these two scenes from the author’s Miami-based HO scale CSX Downtown Spur layout. The gray and salmon structure at the center of the top photo is 10th Avenue Tires in Miami. Structure building is one of the […]

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John Allen’s Gorre & Daphetid Online Extras

Johnallenonlineextras

The Port yard had its own control panel and box for car cards and waybills. Click on the links to get the online extras. John Allen’s HO scale Gorre & Daphetid remains one of the hobby’s most influential model railroads. Check out this collection of online extras about this model railroading pioneer and his layout. […]

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Viaduct construction–a balancing act

viaducts1

Photo 1 If at first you don’t succeed, get better materials, says Stan Ames, whose previous viaduct lasted less than five years. This strong and graceful viaduct, a good fit in Massachusetts, is in its ninth year serving the SJR&P. Read how in Regional reports. Stan Ames Photo 2 A master of mechanical principles and […]

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Dwarf balsam fir

dwarf_balsam_fir

Nancy Norris Common name: Dwarf balsam fir, dwarf silver fir Latin name: Abies balsamea ‘Nana’ Plant type: Dwarf conifer USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8 Cultural needs: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil; sun or part shade Plant size: 10″ in 10 years Dwarf silver fir’s dark green, fragrant needles (silver underneath) form a compact mound. Trim lower […]

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Video 101: Vignettes and transitions

Santa Fe locomotive

A “vignette” is a small portrait whose edges fade into the background without a definite border, or a brief episode. Vignette is my word for a video scene from a story that is unfinished or only partially told. Al Tillman’s railway was undergoing a major renovation on the day we visited but it had several […]

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Video 101: Vignettes and transitions

Santa Fe locomotive

A “vignette” is a small portrait whose edges fade into the background without a definite border, or a brief episode. Vignette is my word for a video scene from a story that is unfinished or only partially told. Al Tillman’s railway was undergoing a major renovation on the day we visited but it had several […]

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City Terminal & Transfer Series: Episode 12 Urban Landscape

Kent Johnson and David Popp working on a CTT project layout

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   David and Kent keep progress on the O gauge CT&T Railway moving forward! This time, the two work to apply additional texture around the industrial structures, before demonstrating how to install paved roads and sidewalks along on The Big City streets. […]

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HO scale Elmira, N.Y.

HOscaleElmiraNY

Name: Railroads of Elmira, N.Y. Layout owner: Joe Leahy Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 33 x 36 feet Prototype: Delaware, Lackawanna & Western; Erie RR Locale: Elmira, N.Y. Era: early 1950s Style: walk-in Mainline run: approx. 210 feet Minimum radius: 30″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 (main), no. 4 (sidings and secondary track) Maximum grade: 2 percent […]

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