Kitbash a large-scale gazebo for your garden

Large-scale gazebo with two female figures next to it.

DIY garden train gazebo While shopping at a local thrift store, I spotted an aluminum tea light candle holder. The shape and size approximated a large-scale gazebo. With minor modifications and spray paint, it would make a weatherproof and inexpensive display piece in the railroad. I added a miniature hanging basket plant, made from a […]

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Kitbashing a yard office, Episode 44

Cody Grivno sitting at his workbench in the opening shot of Cody's Workshop Episode 44

In this episode of Cody’s Workshop, our host has returned with a clear focus on custom-building a small trackside structure for Model Railroader magazine’s MR&T HO scale layout – The Jones Island project. Cody tackles the effort by combining three of the same styrene kits into one unique yard building. Examine his planning, prep, and […]

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Kitbashing a yard office, Episode 44

Cody Grivno sitting at his workbench in the opening shot of Cody's Workshop Episode 44

In this episode of Cody’s Workshop, our host has returned with a clear focus on custom-building a small trackside structure for Model Railroader magazine’s MR&T HO scale layout – The Jones Island project. Cody tackles the effort by combining three of the same styrene kits into one unique yard building. Examine his planning, prep, and […]

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Lionel No. 97 Remote Control Coal Elevator

Roger Carp with Lionel No. 97 coal elevator

Professor Roger Carp discusses the origin and evolution of the vintage Lionel Trains motor-driven coal conveyor accessory. CTT Editor Hal Miller also chimes in with operating insights and helpful tips. Learn even more about this unsung classic in the May 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains magazine. […]

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Lionel No. 97 Remote Control Coal Elevator

Roger Carp with Lionel No. 97 coal elevator

Professor Roger Carp discusses the origin and evolution of the vintage Lionel Trains motor-driven coal conveyor accessory. CTT Editor Hal Miller also chimes in with operating insights and helpful tips. Learn even more about this unsung classic in the May 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains magazine. […]

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Build a large-scale fueling facility in a small space

Closeup of model diesel fueling facility at work

I have a crossing where trains automatically stop and thought it would be nice to add a diesel fueling facility there, but I have a very limited space. First, I attached a walkway and tank/equipment pad using tile scraps to the main station pad with Plumbers Goop, and brass strips to keep everything in alignment. […]

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The best raw materials for garden railroaders

Bins of PVC and other raw materials

The first lesson we learn when we take our trains outdoors is that nature doesn’t play favorites. Our sensible action is to choose materials for our projects that will stand up to the forces of nature. Plastic “Plastic” is a generic term, for which there exist many variants. Most large-scale trains are made of ABS, […]

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