State Line Route in N scale: Painting a backdrop and adding horizon lines, Episode 13

David Popp talking to Rene Schweitzer while pointing to the backdrop on a model railroad

In this episode, David demonstrates how to paint a gradient blue-sky backdrop for the State Line Route N scale layout. Then he enlists Rene to help create horizon lines using sections from various SceniKing photo backdrops. Watch how the backdrop comes together using these techniques! […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Modifying structures to fit your layout, Episode 12

David Popp standing next to a structure placed on the N scale State Line Route layout

Structures for our State Line Route N scale layout keep rolling in! In this episode, David gives a peek at the kits built by Seth Puffer and Sammi DiVito. Then, learn how Steve Brown, host of “It’s My Railroad” and “Scale It Down” on trains.com, kitbashed a packaging plant and modernized a tank farm to […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Installing fascia, Episode 9

David Popp leaning on the fascia on the State Line N scale layout

David shows how he attached fascia to the State Line Route N scale layout to give it a more finished appearance. It can be especially tricky when there are no extra hands around to help with the curves, but David has a solution! Plus, Gerry Leone and Seth Puffer have finished building their structures for […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Wiring a layout for DC power, Episode 8

David Popp holding a meter

After a quick update with Jenny to see how her Walther’s bungalow kit is coming along, David gets to work on electrical projects. Follow along, and you’ll see how he installed feeder wires and added a power bus line under the State Line Route N scale layout. […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Bridge installation and laying curved track, Episode 7

David Popp talking about laying curved track on an N scale layout

In this episode, David’s projects include repairing benchwork, installing a bridge, and laying curved track sections.  Tune in for David’s tips and techniques for making flowing, smooth curves with Micro Engineering Flex-Track. […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Laying down track, Episode 6

David Popp standing next to the State Line model railroadholding up an N scale turnout

After sanding the cork roadbed, David is ready to lay track on the State Line Route N scale layout. His tip: start with the most complex piece of track, which, in this case, is in the train yard! Plus, David checks in with Rene and Jenny to see how their structures for the layout are […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Laying down cork roadbed, Episode 5

David works Rene and Sammi into the layout construction rotation. To start, David puts finishing touches on the subroadbed. He steps aside to let Rene and Sammi install the strips of cork roadbed that form the base for the N scale trackwork. Plus, you’ll see a preview of some structures to come! […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Adding layout elevations, Episode 4

Time to turn a flat tabletop into a layout with aesthetically pleasing elevations and undulations. But before David gets too far into cutting plywood, he first talks through a few changes to the N scale track plan. Plus, you’ll also see his clever, easily removable backdrop installation. […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Building legs for a layout, Episode 3

David and Jenny jump right into the assembly of the removeable, wood legs and braces used to elevate the L-girder benchwork off the ground. Along the way, David shares construction tips and tricks that apply to the construction of any layout – large or small! […]

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