How to build a paper structure

While David and Co. continue construction on the N scale project layout, Steve Sweeney shares his techniques for assembling a cardstock house kit. Follow along, as Steve walks and talks you through all of the essential tools, supplies, and processes — start to finish!   […]

Read More…

How to build a paper structure

While David and Co. continue construction on the N scale project layout, Steve Sweeney shares his techniques for assembling a cardstock house kit. Follow along, as Steve walks and talks you through all of the essential tools, supplies, and processes — start to finish!   […]

Read More…

Layout construction

Fig. 5. L-girder benchwork. A simple L-girder table is a good, sturdy choice for a long, table-style layouts and around-the-wall designs.

Open-grid benchworkStarter layouts are often flat and built on a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood. However, the majority of layouts have tracks at varying heights separated by grades. The easiest way to add elevation to a layout is to use open-grid benchwork. For this type of construction you place a plywood subroadbed under the […]

Read More…

How to wire power-routing turnouts

How to wire power-routing turnouts: While it may initially seem difficult, basic two-rail wiring for power-routing turnouts is easy if you understand and apply just two simple rules.  The diagrams below demonstrate these crucial wiring principles. Rule 1: Gap the rails between turnouts located frog-to-frog. Place gaps in both rails, between turnout frogs in opposite […]

Read More…

Stuff We Use: Work smarter with a self healing cutting mat

Hands cutting styrene on a cutting surface

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page A self-healing cutting mat is a useful addition to any model railroader’s workshop. Model Railroader associate editor Eric White shows some of his favorite features of this self-healing cutting mat from the Kalmbach Hobby Store. […]

Read More…

Stuff We Use: Work smarter with a self healing cutting mat

Hands cutting styrene on a cutting surface

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page A self-healing cutting mat is a useful addition to any model railroader’s workshop. Model Railroader associate editor Eric White shows some of his favorite features of this self-healing cutting mat from the Kalmbach Hobby Store. […]

Read More…