Frank Ellison believed that the purpose of a model layout was to reproduce the operations of real railroads. That way model railroads could entertain individual builders or provide enjoyment for groups of hobbyists taking various roles in a working railroad system. Frank Ellison’s Delta Lines 1944 series, “The Art of Model Railroading” […]
Name: Delaware Avenue Branch Track plan designer: Bille Neale Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 9 x 12 feet Prototype: Pennsylvania RR, Delaware Avenue Branch Locale: Philadelphia, Pa. Era: 1920 to 1960 Style: sectional Mainline run: 72 feet Minimum radius: 24″ Minimum turnout: no. 5 Maximum grade: 2.2 percent Train length: 5 feet Height: 0″ to 3.5″ […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page FineScale Modeler senior editor Aaron Skinner demonstrates basic techniques for painting with an airbrush. Before walking step-by-step through the painting process, Aaron first shows how to clean and prep plastic models. […]
On most operationally based model railroads, a working signal system seems to be on everyone’s wish list. In the April 2017 issue, model railroader Bruce Carpenter describes his novel approach to trying out a signal system using paper signal templates – the Human Model Railroad Interface. Click on the link below to download Bruce’s signal […]
Jack Verducci Download these drawings to build lounge chairs, a table, and Adirondack chairs to detail your railroad. […]
Some of my first video clips were simply attempts to show the sheer joy of watching the movement of trains along routes that connect cities, towns, and countryside panoramas. But when we want to create train movies, such as those we make for the Children’s Museum, we need to remember that movies tell stories. Our […]
Some of my first video clips were simply attempts to show the sheer joy of watching the movement of trains along routes that connect cities, towns, and countryside panoramas. But when we want to create train movies, such as those we make for the Children’s Museum, we need to remember that movies tell stories. Our […]
Name: Milwaukee, Racine & Troy (MR&T) Layout designer: Andy Sperandeo Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 28’-3” x 54’-9” Theme: freelanced Locale: southeastern Wisconsin Style: walkaround Mainline run: about 200 feet Minimum radius: 36” (main line) Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum grade: 3 percent Click on the link to download the PDF of this track plan. […]
In this audio clip taken from a cassette recorded in 1971, John Allen discusses freight car operation on his famed Gorre & Daphetid RR. He refers to the cities of Port and Great Divide on his railroad, and makes reference to his regular operating crew. (Listen closely as he mentions an operator named Andy, who […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page MRVP’s David Popp keeps the banter rolling as he plans the next phase of the Olympia Logging Co. On30 display-style layout. Follow David as he plots out the design on an old farmhouse kitchen table. […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Our N scale project layout features a short extension that can be easily detached from the main layout framework. In this video, David shows how to build and install the plywood mounting plates that make it all work! […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page The next stage of framework construction takes creature comforts into consideration! In this video, David first discusses how to establish the ideal layout height. He then shows how to install the layout legs, complete with sturdy casters that help keep model railroads on […]
