Modeler’s Spotlight Video–Inside Cody’s Office for March 7, 2013

Inside Cody's Office for March 7, 2013

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode of Cody’s Office you’ll see a selection of new model railroading products in HO and N scale, including an Athearn Genesis HO scale Missouri Pacific GP38-2. Follow associate editor Cody Grivno as he takes this SoundTraxx Digital Command Control (DCC) […]

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Building the HO scale Winter Hill quarry branch, part 7

Cody Grivno next to layout with scenery

As the Model Railroader staff continues to work on the scenery for the HO scale Winter Hill quarry branch, it becomes apparent that they need to add the illusion of distance to the scene. An easy solution to this common model railroading problem is to add a distant treeline along the layout backdrop. Follow associate […]

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Building the HO scale Winter Hill quarry branch, part 8

Cody Grivno pours plaster into a mold

For the Winter Hill project the Model Railroader staff needed to add rock castings to the scene around the quarry branch. Associate editor Cody Grivno shows you how to make rock castings using molds and a light plaster product called Hydrocal. Cody also provides tips for trimming the castings and applying the finished rocks to […]

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Building the HO scale Winter Hill Quarry Branch part 9

Hand painting scenery

The long rock wall is an important scenery feature on the HO scale Winter Hill Quarry Branch project model railroad. Now that the Hydrocal castings are in place, Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno will paint and weather the castings so that they look like real rocks. Cody uses a variety of techniques for the […]

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Modeler’s Spotlight Video–Inside Cody’s Office for January 31, 2013

Inside Cody's Office for March 7, 2013

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Learn some of the options available for cleaning the rails of model railroad track in this episode of Cody’s Office. Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno also shows you how to use track cleaning cars from Aztek and Centerline  In addition you’ll see […]

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Building Model Railroader’s Winter Hill Quarry branch, part 5

David Popp and Cody Grivno next to layout

Wiring work begins on the HO scale Winter Hill Quarry Branch, but luckily the Model Railroader staff can reuse much of the old wiring from the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy. Associate editor Cody Grivno shows you how to solder feeder wires to the track, while associate editor Steve Otte describes the benefits of using Peco […]

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Building HO scale Winter Hill quarry branch part 6

Cody Grivno next to layou

Follow along as associate editor Cody Grivno uses an airbrush to weather the track on the Model Railroader staff’s Winter Hill Quarry Branch. Cody will show you his easy technique for weathering the rails and ties of model railroad track. You’ll also learn how to use a microbrush to paint the rails around turnouts. […]

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Modeler’s Spotlight Video–Inside Cody’s Office for December 20, 2012

Inside Cody's Office for December 20, 2012

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Associate editor Cody Grivno shares modeling tips and some of the latest hobby-related products to arrive at the Model Railroader offices. This month Cody will show you these handy specs from CraftOptics. They combine prescription lenses with magnifiers. You’ll also see new products […]

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Building Model Railroader’s Winter Hill quarry branch, part 4

Steve Otte and Eric White next to layout

The Model Railroader staff has used latex caulk to install cork roadbed and lay flextrack on the last few project model train layouts. Follow associate editor Cody Grivno as he shows you this easy model railroading technique as work continues on the Winter Hill project model train layout. […]

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Building Model Railroader’s Winter Hill Quarry Branch, part 2

Hand modeling scenery on model railway

Before any track can be laid or structures installed on the Model Railroader staff’s Winter Hill project, managing editor David Popp makes some adjustments to the existing benchwork. There will be some elevation changes as well as a roadway that will lead down into the quarry. Senior editor Jim Hediger also describes how he determined […]

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Building Model Railroader’s Winter Hill quarry branch, part 3

Hands measuring scenery

The old track and roadbed has been removed from Winter Hill, and it’s now time to see if everything on the new track plan fits. Model Railroader associate editor Steve Otte works on transferring the track plan on to the benchwork. He’ll also temporarily lay some track to test the new arrangement. You’ll also get […]

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Video: Cody’s Office Trainfest 2012 special report part 1

Codys Office Trainfest 2012 special report part 1

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page On November 10-11, 2012, the Model Railroader staff attended Trainfest 2012. Many model railroading manufacturers were there to showcase their latest products. See highlights from the show as associate editor Cody Grivno interviews representatives from Athearn, Bachmann, Woodland Scenics, Kato USA, and Walthers. […]

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