Now that the rocks for our Thin Branch project railroad are in place, it’s time to paint them. David shares an easy 3-step painting technique that produces realistic rock outcroppings. […]
Thin Branch Series: Painting rocks
Tag: Layout Builds
FasTrack on a tabletop
Layout designer: Terry Thompson Scale: O Layout size: 12 x 12 feet Track type: Lionel FasTrack Minimum curve: O-36 Originally appeared in the July 2013 issue of Classic Toy Trains. FasTrack on a tabletop FasTrack on a tabletop schematic FasTrack on a tabletop components […]
Thin Branch Series: Benchwork part 4 – Fascia
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In the fourth and final benchwork video for our Thin Branch Project Railroad, David adds the fascia to the HO layout using tempered hardboard. This technique can be used on any model railroad. […]
Thin Branch Series: Benchwork part 3 – plywood subroadbed
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this video episode of our Thin Branch HO scale project railroad, the layout gets its plywood subroadbed installed. David shows you how to mark and cut the plywood for smooth transitions between the levels and support it with simple risers made […]
Thin Branch Series: Working with plaster rocks part 1
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Whether it’s a mountain face or just a simple outcropping, sooner or later you’ll probably need to model rocks on your layout. In this video, David shows you how he cast rocks from plaster for the Thin Branch project railroad. […]
Thin Branch Series: Working with plaster rocks part 2
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Once you’ve cast rocks in plaster, it’s time to install them on the layout. In this video, David shows you how he cut, fit, and cemented plaster rock castings to the Thin Branch project railroad. […]
Building the HO scale Winter Hill Quarry Branch part 10
The asphalt shingle plant is one of the structures on the Winter Hill Branch model train layout. Follow along as Model Railroader associate editor Steve Otte show you some of the modeling techniques that he used to kitbash this HO scale structure. You’ll learn about the models that Steve chose for the project, and get […]
Building the HO scale Winter Hill Quarry Branch part 12
In this last installment of the Model Railroader staff’s project layout video series, you’ll get backdrop painting tips from MR illustrator Jay Smith. Follow along as Jay shows you how he added the quarry scene to help finish off the model train layout scenery. […]
Desktop wallpaper from the June 2013 Model Railroader
Use this image as a background on your computer screen. Click on the image size appropriate for your monitor and drag the image onto your desktop. 1600 x 900 wallpaper 1600 x 1000 wallpaper 1600 x 1200 wallpaper […]
VIDEO: Build a lighthouse beacon or Mars light
In the April 2013 issue, David Bodnar presents three lighting projects using a Picaxe controller and an LED. In this video, he demonstrates all three projects. […]
Thin Branch Series: Painting track with an airbrush
To make your track look realistic, you need to paint it. Cody Grivno shows you how he painted the track for our Thin Branch project railroad using an airbrush and acrylic paints. […]
Scratchbuild a small factory
These days modelers are blessed with an abundance of materials for scratchbuilding. Sheet and strip styrene, ABS plastic, brass, copper, aluminum, and wood are just some of the products available. However, when I build structures for my S scale Buffalo Creek & Gauley RR (see Great Model Railroads 2011), I use mat board, rose board, […]
