Installing bus wiring is the next task for MRVP’s Ben Lake to tackle. After that, Ben shows how to wire the Digitrax components used to form the circuit-based detection system on our N scale Canadian Canyons layout. […]
Section: How To
Canadian Canyons Series: Part 18 – Building the helix connection
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page The track, wiring, and electronics are finally in place for the lower (hidden) level of our Canadian Canyons N scale layout! In this video, David raises his game to build the benchwork for the upper (visible) level of the layout. The first order […]
Olympia 2, The Log Blog: Part 8 – Paint De Jour
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page There’s nothing quite like a summer in Wisconsin to make David want to return to his warm and dry basement for more work on expanding the Olympia Logging Co. On30 layout! In this video blog, David sheds the hat and gloves and picks […]
Canadian Canyons Series: Part 17 – Wiring the staging yard panel
Ben Lake’s staging yard turnout control project efforts on the N scale Canadian Canyons layout culminate with the wiring and installation of a pushbutton control panel. […]
How-to Library: Airbrushing with Aaron – Episode 7, Shading techniques
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode of Airbrushing with Aaron, FineScale Modeler senior editor Aaron Skinner demonstrates two airbrushing techniques that help you replicate how sunlight naturally reflects on painted surfaces. Follow along as Aaron demonstrates post-shading and pre-shading effects on a WWII tank model […]
Olympia 2, The Log Blog: Part 7 – A Rock’n Project
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Who takes a summer break from modeling when it’s constantly raining outside? Certainly not David, ’cause he’s busy rock’n out in his basement! In this episode, he tackles the challenges of adding new rock formations to the expanding Olympia Logging Co. On30 layout. […]
Canadian Canyons Series: Part 13 – Tortoise switch motors in tight spaces
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page When essential framework under our Canadian Canyons N scale project layout prevented us from installing a Tortoise motor in the standard configuration, David opted for a nifty alternative solution. In this video David shows how to use a Remote Tortoise Mount to situate […]
HO scale Central Maine RR
Name: Central Maine RR Layout owner: Paul Boehlert Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 39 x 80 inches Locale: inspired by Portland, Maine Era: late 1960s Style: island Mainline run: 15 feet Minimum radius: 15″ Minimum turnout: no. 5 Maximum grade: none This track plan originally appeared in the September 2016 Model Railroader. Click on the link […]
HOn3 Iron Gorge Subdivision
Name: Iron Gorge Subdivision Layout owner: Bob Hamm Scale: HOn3 (HO scale, 3-foot gauge) Size: 28 x 45 feet Prototype: Denver & Rio Grande Western and Rio Grande Southern Locale: Durango to Montrose, Colo. Era: 1938 to 1942 Style: multilevel walk-in Mainline run: 400 feet Minimum radius: 22″ Minimum turnout: no. 4 Maximum grade: 3 […]
Canadian Canyons Series: Part 14 – Wiring staging yard turnouts to a stationary DCC decoder
In this installment of our Canadian Canyons N scale project layout series, MRVP’s Ben Lake lends his Digital Command Control (DCC) expertise to the effort of connecting the staging yard turnouts to a stationary decoder. Follow along as Ben shares his techniques for installing, wiring, and programming Digitrax components used to activate the previously installed […]
Canadian Canyons Series: Part 15 – Building the panel
For part two of this mini-series, MRVP’s Ben Lake moves forward with the staging yard turnout control installation on our Canadian Canyons N scale project layout. Now that the switch motors are installed, wired, and programmed, Ben shows how to make a stylized, fascia-mounted control panel to house the associated pushbuttons and LED indicators. […]
How-to Library: Modeling asphalt streets – Part 2
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page MRVP Contributing Editor Gerry Leone continues working to give his asphalt street section even more visual interest. In this video, you’ll see Gerry’s techniques for drybrushing highlights, painting lane markings, adding pavement cracks and patches, and finally, blending the various effects using […]