A version of this article appeared in Model Railroader’s special issue from 2018: Build a Small Railroad. Pursuing my hobby concurrently with my military career meant I needed a portable model railroad that could still suggest the scale and intensity of a gigantic prototype in an impossibly small space. I found what I needed in […]
Modeling a narrow gauge railroad in a small space: Modeling a logging camp requires a variety of structures, trackwork, scenery, figures, and activities. The camp includes not only loggers involved in different pursuits, but also woodchoppers, a laundress, checkers players, engineers and mechanics, stable hands and horses, bears, garbage cans, railroad materials, and more, surrounded […]
A version of this article appeared in Model Railroader’s special issue from 2018: Build a Small Railroad. In today’s world of trains, big 6-axle locomotives, and flashing red lights replacing cabooses, it’s comforting to know that spotting a single boxcar at a warehouse is still an integral part of railroading. Designing the module As I […]
When you live in an apartment, as I did when I designed the Southern Ry. Spartanburg Subdivision, you might think you have no space for a layout. But where there’s a will, there’s a right-of-way. My N scale Spartanburg Subdivision is 3′-0″ x 5′-6″ and less than a foot in height. Rather than legs, the […]
Not everyone has a fabulous railroad library to work from, but the library at the Model Railroader offices didn’t get me as far as you’d think. Following is a short list of places I’ve found amazing stuff when looking for research: • Most railroads have a historical society, so it’s good to have an up-to-date […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page To complete her O scale scratchbuilding series, modeler Renee Grosser shares her technique for adding realistic roof shingles, chimney fixtures, and window/door details to the rustic farmhouse. […]
Carl uses red parts of his nos. 342 culvert loader and 345 culvert unloader to accentuate no. 2031 Rock Island Alcos. Carl Rygiewicz The best part of building and operating a layout, irrespective of its size or scale, is realizing how much you have learned and being eager to share a few lessons and insights […]
Good tracklaying has a direct bearing on your railroad’s performance, so take the time to do a good job and it’ll pay off in a smooth-operating layout. Roadbed is used under model track to simulate the layer of crushed rock that supports prototype track. Shaped cork or flexible plastic foam roadbed bends easily so it […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page To conclude this five-part series, Gerry Leone shows how easy it is to use Helicon Focus software to enhance the focal depth of your model railroad photography. And to wrap things up, Gerry dissects all that goes into building a properly lit professional […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Award-winning modeler Renee Grosser launches an MRVP exclusive mini-series highlighting her top-notch modeling skills and tips. Follow along as she shares her process for using styrene to scratchbuild a farmhouse from little more than a few snapshots! […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Expert modeler Renee Grosser demonstrates how she makes window and door openings in the O scale structures she likes to scratchbuild using sheet styrene material. You’ll also see how she prepares some of the finishing details and weathering effects for her farmhouse project. […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode, Gerry Leone talks about how to adjust your camera settings to capture model railroad settings with a realistic depth of field. He also addresses lighting options (type and placement)! […]
