Computer desktop wallpaper from the April 2018 Model Railroader

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Click on the links at left to download the image sized appropriately for your computer screen. The Nickel Plate Road’s first Berkshire, Alco-built no. 700, accelerates out of Frankfort, Ind., with fast freight No. 47 in tow on Model Railroader contributing editor Tony Koester’s HO scale NKP St. Louis Division layout. This month you can […]

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Off The Rails: Episode 22

Off the Rails with Gerry Leone Episode 22

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Our beloved show host Gerry Leone is always angling to help you improve your model skills and efficiency. That’s exactly right (right angle, if you will)! In this episode, Gerry demonstrates a wide array of tools and techniques you can use to build […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 30 – Filling in the gaps with Sculptamold

Kent Johnson and Drew Halverson next to layout scenery

With the spine for our eroding rockwork securely in place, Drew and Kent show you how to form a sloped mountain face using paper-based Sculptamold. Follow along, as the two share tips for mixing, filling, and finessing the putty-like product along the Thompson Canyon scene of our N scale project layout. […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 29 – Shaping extreme rock faces

Kent Johnson and Drew Halverson next to layout scenery

After a quick overview of the foam forming techniques KJ and Drew used thus far, the two turn their attention to shaping the rugged, eroding rock faces for our Canadian Canyons N scale layout project. They share helpful materials, techniques, and tools you can use on your own mountain making efforts! […]

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Olympia 2, The Log Blog: Part 14 – My game is a bit rusty

Now that host David Popp has a game plan for building up the log pond area, he’s set to prepare the site and some of the ancillary items he’ll need to complete the scene. He’ll also show you how to give some of these items a rusty appearance that’s suitable for a backwoods installation. […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 28 – Tools for carving foam

Hot wire tool carving styrofoam

Drew and Kent don’t have glaciers at the ready to help form the mountains on our Canadian Canyons N scale layout project, but they DO have some handy tools! In this segment, the two share an array of knives, tools, and techniques they used to carve a rough profile into the foam insulation board pieces. […]

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Computer desktop wallpaper from the March 2018 Model Railroader

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Click on the links at left to download the image size appropriate for your computer screen. The eastbound and westbound Twin Cities Zephyrs, racing between Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul, pass each other as the Burlington Route’s main line runs along the Mississippi River on Bill Edgar’s N scale layout. The trackside photo from the March […]

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Olympia 2, The Log Blog: Part 12 – Sound Advice

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page After surveying the state of scenery on the Olympia Logging Co. On30 layout, David turns his attention to adding realistic sound effects to various settings. In this episode, he’ll walk you through a quick installation of an ambient sound system, including the Dream […]

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Off The Rails: Episode 21

Off the Rails with Gerry Leone Episode 21

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In this special episode of Off The Rails, you’ll get an insider look at the habitat of our mad genius, show host Gerry Leone. Tour Leone Labs, and you’ll see just how Gerry manages to keep his tools, supplies, and workspaces neat, orderly, […]

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Accessories for garden-railroad vignettes

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Photo 1 The clay jugs and pots were made by the author’s wife Joyce. The standing figure working at a potter’s kick-wheel was obtained from Just Plain Folks. Don Parker Photo 2 This painted, rustic bench looks in place with the squared-log cabin. Note the watering-can planter with simulated flowers behind the figure of the […]

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