Adding lighting and interior scenes to structures — State Line Route in N scale, Episode 21

Eric White shows how to add interior scenes to an N scale structure

Adding lighting and interior scenes structures on the N scale State Line Route layout is the focus of this episode. First, Eric White makes interiors for Gerry Leone’s and Seth Puffer’s structures using images he found on Google. Then, he adds realistic lighting inside the structures by installing LED lights from Woodland Scenics’ Just Plug […]

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How to use PCB ties

The PCB tie is trimmed to length and gapped between the rails.

How to use PCB ties: Printed-circuit board (PCB) ties are pieces of printed-circuit board cut to railroad tie shape. They’re available for most popular scales and are great for areas where you need to ensure track stays in gauge. A common use is for scratchbuilding turnouts. They’re used around the frog to keep the closure […]

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Make a Lake, Part 1 | Back on Track, Episode 18

By popular demand! Back on Track host Gerry Leone jumps ahead in time to begin an effort to shape a common layout space into a unique place! In this episode, you’ll see the start of the lake scene takes the curved mainline into consideration. First, Gerry works to build up a plate girder bridge to […]

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Installing lower-level layout lighting | Back on Track, Episode 17

With the upper deck and backdrops now in place, Gerry noticed the lighting on the lower deck had changed significantly. Wisely, he decided to compensate for the reduced reach of light from the ceiling fixtures by installing a new light source to the underside of the upper deck. In this episode, you’ll see how Gerry […]

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7 adhesives and glues for the model railroad

Several types of glues and adhesives shown on a workbench

Choosing the right adhesive for model railroads is important. Glues and adhesives bond two or more surfaces in different ways with varying degrees of strength. In model railroading, choosing the right glue or adhesive is often the best way to successfully complete a satisfying model or model railroad layout. Here are five top glue types […]

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Chris Raines’ O gauge layout

A picture of Chris Raines' O gauge track plan.

Facts & features Name: Chris Raines’ O gauge layout Dimensions: 12 x 27 feet Track and switch: Lionel FasTrack (diameters range from 60 to 72 inches) Motive power: Lionel (prewar, postwar, modern), MTH Rolling stock: Lionel, MTH, Williams Accessories: Lionel, MTH Controls: Lionel type-ZW, MTH no. Z-4000 (2) transformers with Lionel Legacy and MTH Digital […]

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Gerry walks a fine line | Back on Track, Episode 15

Gerry walks a fine line…the recently completed main line of his HO scale Bona Vista layout, that is! Our host, with assistance from his wife, has driven the Golden Spike into the trackwork of his double-deck model railroad. That’s a great time to take a walking tour of the construction progress. Following the tour, Gerry […]

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Repurposing a layout scene — State Line Route in N scale, Episode 20

Repurposing a layout scene for the N scale State Line Route layout is the focus of this episode. First, Cody Grivno borrows a few structures from an old T-Trak module to help build up an all-new scene for the layout. Next, he shows how to prepare the new site to fit the assembled structured in […]

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Putting the layout to the test | Back on Track, Episode 16

Following his recent grand tour, Gerry puts his HO scale Bona Vista under greater scrutiny. In this episode, our host closely examines how his construction efforts align with his established Givens and Druthers. After failing to pass every part of his self-graded test, Gerry invites fellow layout builders David Popp and Seth Puffer to check […]

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Back on Track: Fixing an upper deck design flaw, Episode 14

What’s our Back on Track series host Gerry Leone up to these days? More work on the upper deck of his new HO scale Bona Vista layout, of course! Following the previous episode, Gerry finalized more of the track plan, added plywood subroadbed to the upper level, and even laid some track into place. But […]

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Kitbashing trackside structures — State Line Route in N scale, Episode 19

Kitbashed N scale buildings alongside a blue backdrop with tree line

Kitbashing trackside structures for the N scale State Line Route layout is the focus of this episode. First, David Popp shares his planning and preparation steps, which include finding prototype photos and building mock-ups for this N scale model railroad layout. Next, David uses parts from several model kits to custom build a paint factory […]

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Back on Track: Fascia and upper deck design, Episode 13

It’s a new year with new progress on Gerry Leone’s all-new HO scale layout. Of course, that means a new season of construction videos gets Back on Track right now! In this episode, you’ll see how our host made quick work of his hardboard fascia installation. While work on his upper deck isn’t quite as […]

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