Solutions for train storage

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1. Behind a raised Colorado railway, a magnificent 20′ train barn doubles as a street scene of local Leadville storefronts, circa 1890. All three pictured trains fit inside, along with spare rolling stock. Also notice the red running shed over the portal on Bob Ferrero’s Red Cliff Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. Bob Ferrero 2. […]

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Building a Lionel enginehouse

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The local paper ran a story on Trevor’s FC&W. Here, two of the 300 guests inspect the trains and Lionel-kit engine shed built by Trevor. Also notice the plastic clerestory-roofed industrial building, which could house an engine. Nancy Norris Trevor Park Trevor Park Trevor Park Trevor Park Trevor Park Trevor Park Trevor Park Trevor Park […]

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How to model a greenhouse in your railroad garden

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1. Working late. Lake Phillips’ traveling terrarium was commissioned by the author for her 7/8″-scale agricultural railway. The greenhouse element is a Tumdee (see “Sources” sidebar) kit, glued and pin-nailed onto a scratchbuilt flatcar, including custom LED lighting. Air plants (Tillandsia sp., Zones 9-11) inside and in the boxes bring it to life. When not […]

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Visit the Poppleton Nursery Railway

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Poppleton Community Railway Nursery. Tour de France livered train passes the Nursery. Bob Brook A general view of half the Nursery, the 2’ gauge track far left and right with the main line to Harrogate far right. Bob Brook It only just fits! David Dawson Car park yard with the main line signal box in […]

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Refurbishing a railway in the redwoods

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1. The Sierras. From Little Truckee River’s sawmill, trains pass several towns all the way to Lake Tahoe’s mines in the distance. Thirty years ago, Don and Sue Watters planted more redwoods in their already woodsy backyard to remind them of their favorite recreational area. The effect is quite dwarfing for viewers, who can picture […]

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Grading concrete roadbed

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After years of dealing with rodents, like gophers and moles, burrowing into his gravel-ballasted trackbed, Bobby Waal embarked on a project to convert all roadbed to concrete, seen here under the middle track on his Alps Railway. —Photo: Nancy Norris Alamo, California, Zone 9 When using concrete forms to pour roadbed for track, I’ve developed […]

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Mortar mountain

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The Pattersons’ Ever Green and Palm Tree Railroad’s central mountain towers over the railway and dwarfs visitors. Robin Patterson Robin missed the snow but made it permanent on his mountaintop by sprinkling on crushed glass just after painting the summit. Robin Patterson New Port Richie, Florida, Zones 9-10 Before you build is the time to […]

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