In this all-new Sidetrack Series, Model Railroader Editor Eric White begins building an HO scale (1:87.1) glass plant for the East Troy Industrial Park project layout. See how Eric studies prototype photos and Google Maps to inspire design ideas, and later confirms operational insights with an plant employee. Eric then reveals the Walthers and Pike Stuff kits he’ll use to source the plant structures, sharing techniques for evaluating, measuring, and combining various components along the way.
Be sure to keep up with the construction progress by linking into the Trains.com Workshop Webcam (available 24/7), and the full series of helpful, instructional videos rolling out every month until the effort concludes. Even then, the fun will continue in frequent Trains.com articles/updates and Model Railroader print features, beginning with the January 2026 issue. You won’t want to miss the Expert Tips and Techniques the crew will share with you along the way, as they have a bit of fun bringing the ETIP into fruition!
Cool Little Challenge!
Eric. Any idea what they do with the glass in that broken glass pile?
Hi Ron,
That can be used when making brown glass. The plant makes either clear or brown bottles and jars. The stuff in the pile is what comes out as the furnaces are switching from one type to the other.
While David and Branson get ready to install the juicers underneath the layout. On top of the layout it is time to install the buildings. Buildings are what makes the layout what it is and it gives a sense of industry as the layout is expands and the MR&T tracks go in.
Very much looking forward to this build. I worked 38 years at the rubber & plastic molding company (Lavelle Ind.) next-door to that glass factory. Retiring in 2020. Interesting fun-fact; On more than one occasion, during that 38 years, when driving over the hill to the south on my way into work, I’d find that a hopper had been shoved off the end of the spur track. Even knocking the track bumper off the embankment.
Happy Kit-bashing Eric! May the cuts be ever in your favor!