Common name: Weeping Norway spruce Latin name: Picea abies ‘Pendula’ Plant type: dwarf conifer USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-8 Cultural needs: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil; sun to part shade Plant height: 18″ if prostrate; 10-12′ if staked Dark, evergreen needles on drooping soft branches make weeping Norway spruce an attractive specimen tree. Garden railroaders […]
Modeling Topic: Scenery
Scale It Down: Ground covering for industrial outlots, Episode 7
Series host Steve Brown heads for the homestretch, as he works to complete the scenery on his down-sized (N scale) depiction of the Winston-Salem Southbound Railway. Follow the “Regular Guy” routine to learn simple ways for adding both fine and clump ground cover materials to the outlots of this industrial area. […]
Scale It Down: Ground covering for industrial outlots, Episode 7
Series host Steve Brown heads for the homestretch, as he works to complete the scenery on his down-sized (N scale) depiction of the Winston-Salem Southbound Railway. Follow the “Regular Guy” routine to learn simple ways for adding both fine and clump ground cover materials to the outlots of this industrial area. […]
Steve Albee’s O gauge layout
Visit Steve Albee’s dual-level O gauge layout that fits in a spare room! This layout is one of many with plans that appears in the fall 2021 CTT special publication Toy train layouts for small spaces. Get your print or digital version here! There are freight trains and subways bringing light, action, and sound to […]
Steve Albee’s O gauge layout
Visit Steve Albee’s dual-level O gauge layout that fits in a spare room! This layout is one of many with plans that appears in the fall 2021 CTT special publication Toy train layouts for small spaces. Get your print or digital version here! There are freight trains and subways bringing light, action, and sound to […]
It’s My Railroad: Cutting in a track crossover, Ep. 25
In this episode, Host Steve Brown has more trackwork to revamp. This time he’s working to insert a new crossover turnout configuration (a pair of track switches) into a yard lead. Learn why and how he did it…the “Regular Guy” way! […]
It’s My Railroad: Cutting in a track crossover, Ep. 25
In this episode, Host Steve Brown has more trackwork to revamp. This time he’s working to insert a new crossover turnout configuration (a pair of track switches) into a yard lead. Learn why and how he did it…the “Regular Guy” way! […]
It’s My Railroad, Removing, restoring, reusing N scale track, Ep. 24
Recent changes to Steve Brown’s N scale layout had an impact on operations. As such, he must carefully remove trackwork for re-use. Follow along Steve’s “Regular Guy” techniques for extracting and restoring various sections of track. […]
It’s My Railroad, Removing, restoring, reusing N scale track, Ep. 24
Recent changes to Steve Brown’s N scale layout had an impact on operations. As such, he must carefully remove trackwork for re-use. Follow along Steve’s “Regular Guy” techniques for extracting and restoring various sections of track. […]
How to build a paper structure
While David and Co. continue construction on the N scale project layout, Steve Sweeney shares his techniques for assembling a cardstock house kit. Follow along, as Steve walks and talks you through all of the essential tools, supplies, and processes — start to finish! […]
Thrift stores have cheap stuff for your train layout
Thrift stores can hold a wealth of treasures for hobbyists, if you know where to look. I have suggestions of which departments to look for items for your layout. I suggest going into a store with an open mind. For just a few dollars and a maybe a bit of paint, you might find something […]
A visit to John Staschak’s O gauge layout
John’s layout appears in the September 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains. It features tremendous trackwork and wonderful scenery (see the plan here), in addition to some spectacular modern trains. Watch and hear freight and passenger consists work their way around it. […]