Modular – Page 6

The Colorado Plains layout in N scale

By | December 10, 2024

A track plan for the Colorado Plains layout

Facts and features Name: Colorado PlainsScale: N (1:160)Size: 2′-43∕4″ x 8′-6″Prototype: BNSFLocale: Eastern ColoradoEra: ModernStyle: T-Trak modularMainline run: 182∕3 feetMinimum radius: 11″Minimum turnout: no. 4Maximum grade: noneBenchwork: Modular laser-cut kitsHeight: 23∕4″ Roadbed: noneTrack: Kato UnitrackScenery: SculptamoldBackdrop: Painted medium-density fibreboardControl: NCE DCC Click the link to download a PDF of the track plan! Buy the January […]

Santa Fe All the Way display in HO scale

By | December 2, 2024

Santa Fe All the Way display in HO scale | Trains.com Contributor Gerry Leone visits with layout owner/building Andrew Bobis and his expansive modular display inspired by the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Railway. As configured for operation at Trainfest 2024 event in Milwaukee, Wis., you’ll see detailed modeled sights including the depot in Topeka, […]

Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 21 | Painting the backdrop – Part 4

By David Popp | October 24, 2024

Watch as artist Jay Smith, former illustrator (ret.) for Kalmbach Media, concludes backdrop painting efforts on David Popp’s Olympia & Sand Creek On30 display layout. In the course of this video, Jay and David walk you through the entire process, so you can see the amazing visual transition from simple sky colors to majestic mountains. […]

Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 20 | Painting the backdrop – Part 3

By David Popp | October 9, 2024

As Jay Smith, former illustrator (ret.) for Kalmbach Media, continues is his backdrop painting efforts on David Popp’s Olympia & Sand Creek On30 display layout, you’ll see several subtle techniques Jay employees to create lighting effects and enhance the detailed appearance of even the most distant landform and structures he paints. Be sure to explore […]

Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 19 | Painting the backdrop – Part 2

By David Popp | September 25, 2024

Jay Smith, former illustrator (ret.) for Kalmbach Media, is back for more work on David’s painted backdrop of his On30 display layout. Although the painting won’t be completed here, Jay shows off his various techniques for adding more precision to the roughed-in mountains he crafted in the previous episode of this Olympia & Sand Creek […]

Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 18 | Painting the backdrop – Part 1

By David Popp | August 20, 2024

In this episode, professional help is on the way! Jay Smith, former illustrator (ret.) for Kalmbach Media, heads for the basement to help make realistic mountains materialize on the backdrop of the On30 display layout. Guided by David’s practice painting, pretty pictures, and temporary placement of key structures, Jay shares his specific techniques for turning […]

Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 17 | Mirrors and clouds

By David Popp | August 9, 2024

Feather canyons everywhere! David looks at clouds that way. If you really don’t know how to paint clouds at all, then you’ll want to follow David as he demonstrates his techniques for adding realistic skies to his On30 display backdrop. But that’s not the only illusion recalls! David also shows how easy it is look […]

Olympia & Sand Creek, Sidetrack Ep. 6 | Harnesses and reins

By David Popp | July 3, 2024

In this concluding video of the Olympia & Sand Creek Sidetrack Series, host David Popp finalizes the assembly of the horses, mules, and wagons. Follow along as he shares techniques for hitching the ponies to the carts, before he gets back to working on the On30 model railroad! Be sure to explore the entire Olympia […]

Planning a modular show layout with LEGO

By | June 23, 2024

A group of LEGO module bricks in place on the planning board

When I joined North Georgia Modurail, I noticed early on that the club had a hard time planning show layouts. The layout would be planned on paper, but inevitably changes had to be made at the last minute. My inspiration came while watching my 4-year-old son play with his LEGO. The bricks were a small-scale […]

Building a T-Trak module | Fences and Finishing Touches

By David Popp | May 29, 2024

Host David Popp is all set to add the final scenery details on his N scale (1:160) T-Trak module. Part of his effort includes the installation of chain-link and barbed wire fence options. After adding the last few details, there’s just one thing left to do…assemble and wire an assortment of modules and get a […]

Olympia & Sand Creek, Sidetrack Ep. 5 | Painting a horse figure

By David Popp | May 23, 2024

As the Sidetrack Series trots along, David shares his technique for painting the ponies. But following his savvy advice, he begins by decorating the details (harness, hitch, etc.). After painting the body and other fine features, David then demonstrates how to give the steed a suitable, well-weathered appearance. But don’t hitch your horse to this […]

Building a T-Trak module | Installing signs and poles

By David Popp | May 21, 2024

David Popp’s scenery work is whittling down to assembling and placing various road signs and line poles on the N scale (1:160) T-Trak module. Progress is moving closer to completion, so be sure to catch up with all of David’s efforts and helpful insights throughout the entire T-Trak series…exclusively on Trains.com Video! […]

Tag: Modular

The Colorado Plains layout in N scale

Santa Fe All the Way display in HO scale

Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 21 | Painting the backdrop – Part 4

Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 20 | Painting the backdrop – Part 3

Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 19 | Painting the backdrop – Part 2

Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 18 | Painting the backdrop – Part 1

Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 17 | Mirrors and clouds

Olympia & Sand Creek, Sidetrack Ep. 6 | Harnesses and reins

Planning a modular show layout with LEGO

Building a T-Trak module | Fences and Finishing Touches

Olympia & Sand Creek, Sidetrack Ep. 5 | Painting a horse figure

Building a T-Trak module | Installing signs and poles

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