How-to Library: Working with cloth shell scenery

narrow gauge modeler Gregg Condo

Noted narrow gauge modeler Gregg Condon shares his easy approach to building model railroad scenery without using plaster. In this how-to video, Gregg demonstrates just how simple it is to combine carved foamboard, cloth shapes, and adhesive caulk to make realistic model railroad landforms. […]

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How to cast plaster rocks for model railroad scenery

Pouring Hydrocal into a rubber rock mold

Rubber rock molds and hydrocal plaster make it easy to add exposed rockfaces and other dramatic scenic elements to your model train layout   Nothing says “impressive” quite like a rugged mountain range full of jagged rock faces. Though mountains appear solid to us, many are just individual layers of rocks, stacked one on top […]

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DIY rock molds from Play-Doh

Hands packing Play Doh into rock mold

Use this quick tip to make custom rock molds for realistic model railroad scenery Want to make unique rock castings? Here’s an interesting method that was featured in the March 2002 Classic Toy Trains. Play-Doh, a children’s modeling toy, is a great one-time-use mold-making material. It’s water-soluble, easy to work with, and reproduces crisp details […]

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How-to Library: Designing and Printing Decals

Several graphics being designed on a computer screen.

Model Railroader magazine’s Steve Otte shares a decal printing technique he used to complete his structure for MRVP’s State Line Kitbash Challenge. Follow along as he demonstrates the steps that take you from computer design to color-printed, waterslide decal sheets! […]

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Olympia 2, The Log Blog: Summer Camp 5 Afternoon

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page David wraps up summer camp by painting figures and other details to complete his logging camp scene. Then he takes his finished stock car for a run on the layout. And finally, did he put that tree back into the scene or not? […]

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Olympia 2, The Log Blog: Summer Camp 4

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Camp Director David is in a rather chipper mood for Day 4 of Summer Camp on his Olympia Logging Co. On30 layout. Appropriately, the arts and crafts activities in this video blog address the techniques used to give the stock car’s paint job […]

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Olympia 2, The Log Blog: Summer Camp 3

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Horseback riding and wood carving are two activities associated with a good summer outing, including David Popp’s camp adventures on his Olympia Logging Co. On30 layout. But remember, only MRVP subscribers can enjoy the fun! […]

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Olympia 2, The Log Blog: Summer Camp 2

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page More Summer Camp fun on David’s O scale (1:48) Olympia Logging Co. On30 layout. Today’s activities start with a stock car modeling project, before shifting to a layout scenery effort. […]

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