How do I use paper turnout templates?

A curved HO scale turnout is seen on unfinished layout benchwork next to a photocopy of the turnout

How do I use paper turnout templates? Q: I’m looking to get back into model railroading and I’m having a hard time deciding on a layout. I’ve confused myself by looking at hundreds of plans, drawing possible layouts and trying design software. I would like to be able to use paper track templates, but I […]

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Shaping a signature structure, Episode 3

Steve “Regular Guy” Brown focuses on a kitbashed building that represents a signature structure on his N scale depiction of the Winston-Salem Southbound Railway. Explore the various techniques he used to form and fit this key component of the layout scene.   […]

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Shaping a signature structure, Episode 3

Steve “Regular Guy” Brown focuses on a kitbashed building that represents a signature structure on his N scale depiction of the Winston-Salem Southbound Railway. Explore the various techniques he used to form and fit this key component of the layout scene.   […]

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Sketching with Steve: What is a station?

An N scale track plan sketch shows a small station scene on a 1-foot-deep shelf

If you ask a layman to define a train station, they’ll describe a big building where people buy tickets and wait to board passenger trains. A slightly more knowledgeable person might also mention the presence of freight and baggage facilities and railroad offices. But when we talk about railroad operations – whether of the full-size […]

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N scale UPRR Geneva Subdivision

Overview of track plan

The layout at a glance Name: UPRR Geneva Subdivision Scale: N (1:160) Size: 60′-6″ x 33′-6″ Prototype: Union Pacific Locale: northern Illinois Era: 2014 Style: walkaround Mainline run: 250 feet Minimum radius: 36″ Turnouts: no. 10 (main), no. 8 (secondary and yards) Maximum grade: 0.5 percent Benchwork: open grid Height: 55″ Roadbed: 3⁄16″ cork (main), […]

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