State Line Route in N scale: Painting a backdrop and adding horizon lines, Episode 13

David Popp talking to Rene Schweitzer while pointing to the backdrop on a model railroad

In this episode, David demonstrates how to paint a gradient blue-sky backdrop for the State Line Route N scale layout. Then he enlists Rene to help create horizon lines using sections from various SceniKing photo backdrops. Watch how the backdrop comes together using these techniques! […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Modifying structures to fit your layout, Episode 12

David Popp standing next to a structure placed on the N scale State Line Route layout

Structures for our State Line Route N scale layout keep rolling in! In this episode, David gives a peek at the kits built by Seth Puffer and Sammi DiVito. Then, learn how Steve Brown, host of “It’s My Railroad” and “Scale It Down” on trains.com, kitbashed a packaging plant and modernized a tank farm to […]

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It’s My Railroad: Build a loader from parts and pieces, Ep. 27

As the mini-series continues, there’s plenty more work for Steve Brown to finish on his N scale scratchbuilt industry. This video picks up with our host sharing his instructions and insights for putting together a flood loader for the pet food plant. […]

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It’s My Railroad: Simple scratchbuilding concepts for shaping a complex industry, Ep. 26

Steve Brown shares his “Regular Guy” techniques for building a complex N scale industry – all from scratch! You’ll get all of the how-to and the why-so explanations in this introduction to this scratchbuilding min-series. […]

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Richard and Mary Kay Doolittle’s O gauge layout

Track plan overview

Facts & features Name: Richard and Mary Kay Doolittle’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 51/2 x 201/2 feet Track and switch: Lionel FasTrack (diameters range from 42″ to 54″) Motive power: Lionel (postwar, modern) Rolling stock: Lionel (postwar, modern), MTH Controls: Lionel no. 22983 180- watt PowerHouse power supply with Legacy command control Accessories: Department 56, […]

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Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club’s O gauge layout

Track plan overview

Facts & features Name: Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 30 x 54 feet Track and switch: GarGraves, Lionel (diameters range from 72 to 120 inches) Motive power: American Flyer, Atlas O, Ives, K-Line, Lionel (all eras), Marx, MTH, Weaver, Williams Rolling stock: Atlas O, Ives, K-Line, Kusan, Lionel (all eras), Marx, MTH, […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Installing fascia, Episode 9

David Popp leaning on the fascia on the State Line N scale layout

David shows how he attached fascia to the State Line Route N scale layout to give it a more finished appearance. It can be especially tricky when there are no extra hands around to help with the curves, but David has a solution! Plus, Gerry Leone and Seth Puffer have finished building their structures for […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Wiring a layout for DC power, Episode 8

David Popp holding a meter

After a quick update with Jenny to see how her Walther’s bungalow kit is coming along, David gets to work on electrical projects. Follow along, and you’ll see how he installed feeder wires and added a power bus line under the State Line Route N scale layout. […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Bridge installation and laying curved track, Episode 7

David Popp talking about laying curved track on an N scale layout

In this episode, David’s projects include repairing benchwork, installing a bridge, and laying curved track sections.  Tune in for David’s tips and techniques for making flowing, smooth curves with Micro Engineering Flex-Track. […]

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