Canadian Canyons Series: Part 10 – Helix fundamentals

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Our N scale project railroad is relatively small, but a helix is still a perfect space-saving, mainline-extending feature to include! In this installment of the Canadian Canyons series, David Popp first shares the key design considerations. He then jumps right into demonstrating the […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 9 – Laying flextrack

David Popp holding flex track

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Trackwork continues on our N scale project railroad. In this installment of the ongoing Canadian Canyons series, David Popp shares techniques for laying down more sections of flextrack, specifically around the curves of the staging yard. […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 8 – Staging yard turnouts

David Popp next to layout

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page David dives into laying track in the staging yard on our N scale project railroad, but before he even opens that brand-new box of flextrack, there’s a lot of other work to do, including painting the roadbed, drilling holes for the switch motors, […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 7 – Installing cork roadbed

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The plywood panels are now in place, and the track centerlines are all marked! In this episode of the Canadian Canyons series, it’s time for David to begin the track laying effort by first installing cork roadbed. Follow along, as he demonstrates tips […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 6 – Expanding the benchwork and raising the grade

David Popp next to layout holding plywood

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Here’s proof that even the best-laid plans can (and do) change! In this episode, David comes to realize that the layout really can benefit from one additional foot of real estate. He’ll show you how to amend the benchwork, and then install a […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 5 – Laying out track centers

David Popp next to layout with track

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The base layer is now in position over the benchwork. In this video, David keeps progress rolling and shows how to transfer the track plan from paper to plywood. After drawing a grid on the wood, David continues by marking centerlines for the […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 4 – Alignment pins and additions

David Popp next to layout with track

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Connecting plates and frame sections are in place. Now watch as David shows how to install the steel alignment pins that make it possible to attach the removable section perfectly every time! As a bonus, David also shares a way to reinforce floppy […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 3 – Installing mounting plates

David Popp holding drill

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! […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 2 – Legs and wheels

David Popp under benchwork

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 […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 1 – Building the framework

David Popp with wood pieces

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The fun begins as David Popp launches into the effort to assemble our N scale Canadian Canyons project layout! In this first of several videos addressing benchwork, David shows how to use a butt-joint framing technique to build a substructure that’s both rigid […]

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3D Track Plans: Canadian Canyons in N scale

Canadian Canyons track planning

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Inspired by a recent Drew’s Trackside Adventures, MRVP’s David Popp aimed to design a layout that highlights the amazing scenery and railroad operation found in Canada’s Thompson and Fraser River Canyons. Ben Lake takes that scheme even further with this 3D rendering of […]

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Olympia Logging Series: Part 22 – Painting rock faces

To complete the rockwork suite on the Olympia Logging Co. On30 layout, David Popp shares an easy technique for adding realistic coloring to the wall of Sculptamold and rubber rock castings. Watch how David uses just a few shades of latex and acrylic modeling paint, along with a few light brushstrokes, to turn a stark […]

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