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Tag: How To

How to cut track

By | October 26, 2021
David Popp in the studio

Join David Popp in the studio as he shows you how to tackle the tricky subject of cutting track, demonstrating proper technique and explaining the best tools to use!     […]

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Posted in Expert TipsTagged Expert Tips, How To, Modeling, Olympia Projects, Railroader, Trains VideoLeave a comment

Add a solar-powered light to a large-scale cabin

By | October 4, 2021
Hal Miller in the Model Railroader workshop

Garden Railways Editor Hal Miller shows step-by-step how to illuminate a PIKO cabin kit with an inexpensive solar-powered path light available from a home improvement store. […]

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Posted in DCC WiringTagged 2000 - Present, Beginners, DCC Wiring, Events, How To, Large Displays / Backyards, Large Scale, Model Rectifier Corp., Modeling, Structures, Trains VideoLeave a comment

Add a solar-powered light to a large-scale cabin

By | October 4, 2021
Hal Miller in the Model Railroader workshop

Garden Railways Editor Hal Miller shows step-by-step how to illuminate a PIKO cabin kit with an inexpensive solar-powered path light available from a home improvement store. […]

Read More…

Posted in BeginnersTagged 2000 - Present, Beginners, Beginners, How To, Large Scale, Model Rectifier Corp., Modeling, Structures, Trains VideoLeave a comment

Constructing a wood grade crossing, Episode 6

By Steve Brown | August 1, 2021

Where the roads intersect with the tracks on Steve Brown’s N scale layout, our humble host has decided to add timber-tie grade crossings. This time around on Scale it Down, he shares his process for working with strips of basswood to complete the task.   […]

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Posted in Track PlanningTagged How To, Modeling, N Scale, Scenery, Track Planning, Trains VideoLeave a comment

Make paved lots using drywall mud, Episode 5

By Steve Brown | August 1, 2021

Host Steve Brown continues to pave the way in and around the tracks of his N scale layout. See how he pairs regular old drywall mud with some simple techniques to install smooth, paved surfaces, including parking lots, roads, loading pads, and more!   […]

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Posted in Track PlanningTagged How To, Modeling, N Scale, Scenery, Track Planning, Trains VideoLeave a comment

Toy train smoke: Lots of scents available

By | July 30, 2021
Rene Schweitzer and Hal Miller with smoking O gauge steam and diesel lovomotives

Toy train smoke hijinx (and a minor train wreck) abound as Hal Miller and Rene Schweitzer try a variety of the scents in JT’s Mega Steam fluid line. The smoke fluids are now available from the Kalmbach Hobbystore. Rene and Hal discover with their tests that there’s a world of smells beyond coal and diesel […]

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Posted in BeginnersTagged Beginners, How To, Modeling, Trains VideoLeave a comment

Keep your adhesive bottles ready to use

By Rene Schweitzer | June 22, 2021
Hands next to a plastic container of adhesives

Staff member Rene Schweitzer demonstrates ways to make sure your adhesives are always ready to use. This quick video will show you easy-to-use tips for modelers of any scale. […]

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Posted in Expert TipsTagged Beginners, Expert Tips, How To, Modeling, Olympia Projects, RailroaderLeave a comment

Keep your adhesive bottles ready to use

By Rene Schweitzer | June 22, 2021
Hands next to a plastic container of adhesives

Staff member Rene Schweitzer demonstrates ways to make sure your adhesives are always ready to use. This quick video will show you easy-to-use tips for modelers of any scale. […]

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Posted in BeginnersTagged Beginners, How To, Modeling, Trains VideoLeave a comment

Make dirt roads using drywall mud, Episode 4

By Steve Brown | June 11, 2021

Our humble host, Steve Brown, shows how he planned and “paved” the roads to success on his N scale layout. Follow along to see why an application of drywall mud is his preferred beginning of a sensational dirt road.   […]

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Posted in Track PlanningTagged How To, Modeling, N Scale, Scenery, Track Planning, Trains VideoLeave a comment

How to strip paint from plastic models

By | May 30, 2021
Piece of a train car being dipped in chemicals and scrubbed with a toothbrush

Eric White couldn’t find a Northeastern style caboose painted for the Lehigh Valley, but a vendor at a train show had several models in another paint scheme. In less than an hour, Eric had a model that was ready for new paint. Watch this video to see how he stripped the original paint. VIDEO TRANSCRIPT […]

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Posted in Painting & WeatheringTagged How To, Modeling, Painting, Painting & Weathering, Trains VideoLeave a comment

Fixing Wobbling Boxcars

By | May 26, 2021
Model boxcar on tracks

In this quick how-to video, Eric White shows you how a little bit of filing can go a long way when trying to fix the pesky wobble on a boxcar. VIDEO TRANSCRIPT BELOW: Ready to run models can be great, but sometimes you need to do a little tuning. Take a look at this. You […]

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Posted in Expert TipsTagged Expert Tips, How To, Modeling, Olympia Projects, Railroader, Trains VideoLeave a comment

Budget railroading: dollar store finds

By Hal Miller | May 10, 2021
Hand next to a package of utility knives

Classic Toy Trains Editor Hal Miller prowls the dollar store aisles in search of inexpensive items that are useful on the workbench or layout. […]

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Posted in BeginnersTagged Beginners, How To, Modeling, Trains VideoLeave a comment
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