Tunneling through tough times

The author designed her rear-of-the-railway tunnel for viewing from a glider on the front door stoop

Like a grade-school report, “What I did on my spring 2020 vacation,” this story is about optimism in the face of confusion and lack of resources. We had just started a new little garden railway loop in front of our house, but hidden from the street. Having built a gallery along the walkway, we next […]

Read More…

Scene and scale lighting options for your garden railroad

Solar powered lighting

Scene lighting allows you to shine a spotlight on your favorite railroad scenes. Again, the idea is to draw the viewer’s eye toward something you want to emphasize, like ridges, waterfalls, and pathways. You can be as creative as you want. You’ll want to hit the landscape lighting section at your local home improvement store. […]

Read More…

Model Railroader’s Best of Scenery

Best of Scenery cover

  Also in this issue: Scenery from the experts, pg. 3 Introduction/by Carl Swanson TIPS AND BACKDROPS 17 tips to create authentic scenes, pg. 6 Use details selectively Paint effective backdrops, pg. 10 Great techniques for making your own clouds and landscapes Big sky, little trouble, pg. 14 An airless sprayer can make painting backdrops […]

Read More…

Inside Cody’s Office for July 2020, part 2

A new Athearn HO boxcar, Kato N scale diesel, and Scenery special issue highlight this episode of Cody’s Office. Group Technical Editor Cody Grivno will also give you tips for using Crafter’s Pick The Ultimate adhesive for attaching clear window glazing for a structure kit. Viewer mail topics this month include: the era of the […]

Read More…

Inside Cody’s Office for July 2020, part 2

A new Athearn HO boxcar, Kato N scale diesel, and Scenery special issue highlight this episode of Cody’s Office. Group Technical Editor Cody Grivno will also give you tips for using Crafter’s Pick The Ultimate adhesive for attaching clear window glazing for a structure kit. Viewer mail topics this month include: the era of the […]

Read More…

How-to Library: Working with cloth shell scenery

narrow gauge modeler Gregg Condo

Noted narrow gauge modeler Gregg Condon shares his easy approach to building model railroad scenery without using plaster. In this how-to video, Gregg demonstrates just how simple it is to combine carved foamboard, cloth shapes, and adhesive caulk to make realistic model railroad landforms. […]

Read More…

How-to Library: Working with cloth shell scenery

narrow gauge modeler Gregg Condo

Noted narrow gauge modeler Gregg Condon shares his easy approach to building model railroad scenery without using plaster. In this how-to video, Gregg demonstrates just how simple it is to combine carved foamboard, cloth shapes, and adhesive caulk to make realistic model railroad landforms. […]

Read More…

How-to Library: Working with cloth shell scenery

narrow gauge modeler Gregg Condo

Noted narrow gauge modeler Gregg Condon shares his easy approach to building model railroad scenery without using plaster. In this how-to video, Gregg demonstrates just how simple it is to combine carved foamboard, cloth shapes, and adhesive caulk to make realistic model railroad landforms. […]

Read More…

Off The Rails: Not-so-big Birthday Bash, Episode 50

Off the Rails with Gerry Leone Episode 50

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Would you believe it? Gerry made it to 5-0! Fifty episodes of Off The Rails, that is. Join his not-so-big (sans balloons and noisemakers) 4th anniversary party, where he addresses questions and comments from the previous 12 episodes — all from a new […]

Read More…

Off The Rails: Not-so-big Birthday Bash, Episode 50

Off the Rails with Gerry Leone Episode 50

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Would you believe it? Gerry made it to 5-0! Fifty episodes of Off The Rails, that is. Join his not-so-big (sans balloons and noisemakers) 4th anniversary party, where he addresses questions and comments from the previous 12 episodes — all from a new […]

Read More…