Making movies without a video camera

A camera pointing out an outdoor layout

GoPro cameras, cell-phone cameras, and video-capable DSLR cameras are everywhere. This column will review a dozen examples of video technique from my “Video 101” workshop, presented at the National Garden Railway Convention. Columns will include suggestions, with photographic links to a short demonstration videos of some Bay Area railroads. I recently saw a man filming […]

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How-to Library: Cast your own rock molds, Part 2

Gerry Leone staining plaster rocks.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   MRVP Contributing Editor Gerry Leone completes this How-To Library mini-series by demonstrating the steps for casting lightweight plaster rocks using the molds created in Part 1. He then shares his expert techniques for staining rocks to give them a natural-looking appearance. […]

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How-to Library: Cast your own rock molds, Part 2

Gerry Leone staining plaster rocks.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   MRVP Contributing Editor Gerry Leone completes this How-To Library mini-series by demonstrating the steps for casting lightweight plaster rocks using the molds created in Part 1. He then shares his expert techniques for staining rocks to give them a natural-looking appearance. […]

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How-to Library: Cast your own rock molds, Part 1

Gerry Leone in his workshop

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   In this two-part video series, MRVP Contributing Editor Gerry Leone walks you through the steps for making your own inexpensive rock molds. The resulting rubber molds can then be used to cast realistic rock faces and outcroppings for use on any layout. […]

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How-to Library: Cast your own rock molds, Part 1

Gerry Leone in his workshop

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   In this two-part video series, MRVP Contributing Editor Gerry Leone walks you through the steps for making your own inexpensive rock molds. The resulting rubber molds can then be used to cast realistic rock faces and outcroppings for use on any layout. […]

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3D Track Plans: Canadian Canyons in N scale

Canadian Canyons track planning

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Inspired by a recent Drew’s Trackside Adventures, MRVP’s David Popp aimed to design a layout that highlights the amazing scenery and railroad operation found in Canada’s Thompson and Fraser River Canyons. Ben Lake takes that scheme even further with this 3D rendering of […]

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How-to Library: Weathering a diesel locomotive

Cody Grivno holding a model train.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In this how-to video, MR’s Cody Grivno shows you how quick and easy it is to add realistic weathering to a diesel locomotive of any size or scale. Using an out-of-the -box HO scale model, Cody’s demonstration first walks you through the processes […]

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3D Track Plans: Toronto Terminal in HO scale

Toronto Terminal in HO scale 3d track plan

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page MRVP’s Ben Lake has outdone himself with this incredible 3D rendering of a Bob Sprague multi-level passenger-themed design! In this virtual tour, you’ll see the ins, outs, ups, downs, and all-arounds of his Toronto Terminal, a 10 x 25-foot scheme. Then, be sure […]

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