RailSmith Models N scale lightweight duplex sleepers

Photo of N scale passenger cars on gray background

RailSmith Models N scale lightweight duplex sleepers RailSmith Models N scale lightweight duplex sleepers: Senior Editor Cody Grivno takes a look at pre-production samples of the new 8-duplex-roomette, 6-roomette, 3-bedroom, 1-compartment lightweight sleeper from RailSmith Models. See cars decorated for Northern Pacific’s 1947 and 1953 North Coast Limited and in Great Northern’s Big Sky Blue […]

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Modeling Bushes | Let’s Make a Scene: Spring & Fall, Part 4

Modeling Bushes – In this episode of Kathy Millatt’s Let’s Make a Scene video series on Trains.com, follow along as she shares her quick-and-easy technique for shaping low-growth bushes that help fill in the gaps of a forest floor. Even better, Kathy has also documented many of her expert modeling processes in the Kalmbach Media/Model […]

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Why I love the 2-8-4 Berkshire locomotive

Berkshire 2-8-4 locomotive: When I was a kid, my dad once showed me his childhood Lionel set. He had a Lionel no. 726RR Berkshire set with a few extra pieces stored in a metal crate. I never got to see it set up or operate, unfortunately. I had no idea what a Berkshire was back […]

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How can I fill in rail gaps on my N scale layout?

Tweezers are used to insert a strip of white styrene in a rail gap on a handmade turnout

Q: After carefully measuring and cutting rail, too often there is still a gap between the rail ends that some of my N scale cars don’t like. I’ve been trying some different fillers, but it’s a challenge for N gauge. Any suggestions for a gap filler? – Steven Simmerman A: Hi, Steven. Some rail gaps […]

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Final details for Star Industries | It’s My Railroad, Ep. 31

Final details for Star Industries – Host Steve Brown concludes construction of his N scale rail-served industry, by adding scenery and details to the structure and right-of-way, including a proper perimeter fence. Of course, it’s all prepared using Steve’s simple, but effective “regular guy” techniques! It’s My Railroad host Steve Brown states he’s a “regular-guy” […]

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Modeling Background Trees | Let’s Make a Scene: Spring & Fall, Part 3

Modeling Background Trees – Can’t see the leaves for the trees? As noted modeler Kathy Millatt explains, that’s perfectly fine to when you’re modeling background trees on your layout. In this episode of Kathy’s Let’s Make a Scene video series on Trains.com, you can follow along as she shares her technique for shaping a distant […]

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Let’s Make A Scene: Episode 5

Let’s Make a Scene with Kathy Millatt Part 5

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Kathy shifts her attention away from trees to focus on modeling bushes. In this episode, she shares a variety of materials and techniques used to shape the vegetation that grows along the forest floor. Naturally, Kathy also shows where and how to place […]

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Two vintage N scale track plans

Sepia toned track plan

Enjoy these two vintage N scale track plans, taken from the 1969 Kalmbach Media book N Scale Model Railroad Track Plans. These two layouts were in a chapter called “Permanent Railroads.”   Download the PDF containing both track plans.  The Dapperling Railroad This line serves Cassville, Browntown, a mine, and a logging operation. During the […]

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Apply decals and finishing an N scale locomotive| Cody’s Workshop, Ep. 49

Apply decals and finishing an N scale locomotive. Senior Editor Cody Grivno shares the final steps to decorating an Atlas EMD GP38-2 diesel locomotive model into Milwaukee, Racine & Troy model railroad colors. To close out the effort, his process starts by applying waterslide decals, adding weathering effects, and then re-assembling the unit for layout […]

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Shaping the Diorama | Let’s Make a Scene: Spring & Fall, Part 2

Shaping the Diorama – Kathy Millatt’s Let’s Make a Scene video series first appeared on Model Railroader Video Plus, and now continues on Trains.com. In this episode, you can follow along as she forges ahead with the basic framework, ground contours, and rocks of her spring and fall season scenery diorama. Even better, Kathy has […]

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Making grade crossing signals – State Line Route in N scale, Episode 23

David Popp holding an N scale grade crossing signal at his workbench

Making grade crossing signals: Work is coming to an end on the State Line Route N scale model railroad, but not before adding some final details. In this episode, David Popp shows how to make grade crossing signals using parts from various manufacturers. The modeling tools he uses for this project are available for purchase […]

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Making grade crossing signals – State Line Route in N scale, Episode 23

David Popp holding an N scale grade crossing signal at his workbench

Making grade crossing signals: Work is coming to an end on the State Line Route N scale model railroad, but not before adding some final details. In this episode, David Popp shows how to make grade crossing signals using parts from various manufacturers. The modeling tools he uses for this project are available for purchase […]

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