Basic Training: Ground foam basics

Hand applying ground cover to model train layout

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The wide array of scenery products available for making a model railroad look realistic can be overwhelming, especially if you’re just getting started in the hobby. In this video, Kent Johnson takes a quick look at some of the most common varieties of […]

Read More…

Thin Branch Series: Build a river part 4 – waves and rapids

David adding waves to poured resin water.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   David concludes the river making tasks on the HO scale Thin Branch layout by adding waves and rapids to the poured resin water. A commercial water effects product, white acrylic paint, and a paint brush makes it quite simple to turn still […]

Read More…

Thin Branch Series: Build a river part 3B – Installing bridges

A bridge semi-built over a river.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Before he could pour the resin water on the layout, David needed to finish installing the bridges over the river. In Build a River Part 3B, he shows you the final steps for completing the the through-girder bridge and the pile trestle. To […]

Read More…

Thin Branch Series: Build a river part 3A – Resin water

David pouring resin water.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   The river for our Thin Branch layout is starting to take shape. In this installment, David mixes, tints, and pours the resin water. To see how he built the river and added the surrounding scenery, see parts 1 and 2 of the […]

Read More…

Thin Branch Series: Build a river part 1 – banks and bed

David pouring plaster.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   Looking to add an impressive river scene to a layout? In part 1, David uses our HO scale Thin Branch project layout to demonstrate easy techniques for preparing river banks and bed. […]

Read More…

Scratchbuild a Dairy Queen graphics

dairy_queen

In the February 2014 issue, Steve Monson describes how to scratchbuild a 1950s-style Dairy Queen restaurant. Here, he provides extra graphics to detail your structure. Download a PDF file of signs and a checkerboard floor. For full instructions, see the February 2014 issue. PLEASE NOTE: This is a graphically intense file and it may take […]

Read More…

Scratchbuild a White Tower graphics

white tower restaurant

Bob Santos describes how to scratchbuild a White Tower restaurant in the February 2014 issue. Here, he provides extra graphics to detail your structure. Download a PDF file of signs, and full-size drawings for 1:24 scale. For full instructions, see the February 2014 issue. This PDF is formatted to print on your home printer. Most […]

Read More…

Build a pump house in 1:29 scale

Build a pump house in 1:29 scale

Download the PDF of this project here. This PDF is formatted to print on your home printer. Most pieces are formatted to fit on a 8.5″ x 11″ piece of paper. For larger parts of the plan, you will see “break lines.” Line up the break lines to create the larger piece. PLEASE NOTE: This […]

Read More…

How to train trees like topiaries

trees on a hillside

Our little scale trees really make or break the scale quality of our railway gardens. Did you know you could choose from several methods of keeping trees in scale? Here are three practices, but we’ll focus on the third. One approach, planting genetically miniature* plants, ensures almost no pruning for quite a long time but […]

Read More…

How to tap screw holes

Tapping a screw hole in piece of rolling stock

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Tapping screw holes is an important skill for a model railroader, especially when it comes to adding trucks or couplers to a resin freight car kit. Follow Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno as he shows you how to easily use a tap […]

Read More…