East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 34 | Resin Repair, Berms, and a Farm

In this episode of the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park project railroad construction series, David Popp and Cody Grivno tackle various scenery challenges. First, learn how to pour a second layer of resin to yield a more realistic water feature. Then, discover kitbashing techniques for the Central Ink facility. The hosts also demonstrate how […]

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East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 33 | Making Trees

In this episode of the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park project railroad construction series, David Popp demonstrates how to transform natural Super Trees into convincing scale vegetation. You’ll master the essential preparation process: cleaning delicate branches, grafting parts to fill sparse areas, and using a matte medium solution to prevent long-term degradation. We’ll also […]

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East Troy Industrial Park Sidetrack | Pouring a Paved Platform

Follow David Popp, as he works to add essential scenery to the HO scale (1:87) East Troy Industrial Park project! Learn how to protect detailed strip wood with masking tape before pouring a custom passenger platform. And then explore helpful tips and tricks for applying Woodland Scenics Smooth-It, tinted with slate gray pigment to mimic asphalt.  […]

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East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 32 | Resin Water Pour & Central Ink Construction

Rivers and industries take center stage on the HO scale East Troy Industrial Park layout! This episode, David Popp dives into scenery by pouring a murky resin river for an authentic, deep-water appearance. You’ll also learn the math (I was told there would be no math) behind calculating resin volume for irregular shapes. Finally, we […]

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East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 31 | The Scenic Details

Back for more on the East Troy! This episode drills into the details that help bring a layout to life. Watch as the Trains.com crew populates the roads with weathered vehicles and hand-painted signs. They also enhance the depot using prototype-inspired heralds and a unique historical marker crafted from railroad track. Finally, you’ll see how […]

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East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 30 | Depot, Platform & Riverbed

Welcome back to the East Troy Industrial Park—this episode focuses on station scenery and track maintenance. Watch as we repair an overlooked gap in the rails using a custom-filed piece of track and soldering techniques. Then, follow the construction of a museum depot platform using stained strip wood and styrene. Finally, see how we prep […]

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East Troy Industrial Park Sidetrack | Building a glass plant, Part 6

In this Sidetrack Series departure from the HO scale (1:87.1) East Troy Industrial Park Project Railroad, you’ll learn how to scratchbuild custom brass platforms for industrial glass plant stacks. Model Railroader magazine Editor Eric White demonstrates how to construct a simple, cost-effective assembly jig using pine and masking tape to ensure perfectly aligned soldered joints. […]

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East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 29 | Structures, Riverbeds & Static Grass

Welcome back to the East Troy Industrial Park Project – This episode is a scenic smorgasbord! Starting with the final touches on the weathered HO scale (1:87.1) bridge, you’ll learn the technique for affixing Monroe Models pastel weathering. Then, see how to populate the farm scene with cast-off details, like rusty barrels and a truck, […]

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East Troy Industrial Park Sidetrack | Depot Developments

Join Cody Grivno for the latest Sidetrack Series departure, as he dives into the detail work on his HO scale (1:87.1) depot structure roof and chimney! See how he uses paints to create realistic shingle highlights and weathering streaks. Then learn a handy trick for filling the gap between plastic parts. Cody also shares the […]

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East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 28 | Weathering effects for railroad bridges

Time to distress some steel! Follow along as David demonstrate two essential bridge weathering techniques on the HO scale (1:87.1) ETIP project layout, from heavy all-over rust using Monroe Models washes to creating the effect of faded, blistered paint with Vallejo Paints. Get the pro tips on permanent installation and finish details along the authentic […]

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East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 27 | Depot Platform Prep & Modeling a Hayfield

The guys focus on adding the depot platform and a farm field to theHO scale (1:87.1)East Troy Industrial project layout. David selects a diluted gray stain for the depot platform, and then demonstrates how to correct a scenery mistake. Cody works on the hayfield, sharing his intriguing technique for modeling windrows with yarn, and then […]

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East Troy Industrial Park, Ep. 26 | Drybrushing & Static Grass Application

In this episode of the HO scale (1:87.1) East Troy Industrial Park project layout, Cody finishes the foundation retaining wall by adding drybrushed weathering effects. Meanwhile, David shares his techniques for applying tall grass on the embankments, using static grass and coarse turf materials. Be sure to keep up with the construction progress by linking into […]

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