David moves from Episode 1 to the next steps of assembling wagons for the railroad town of his On30 Olympia & Sand Creek model railroad. This time, he starts in by making sure the parts to be assembled are well cleaned, all so the adhesive will properly adhere to the various white metal components. Then, […]
Section: Layout Builds
Building a T-Trak module | Paving road surfaces
Continuing the process of building an N scale (1:160) T-Trak modular layout, host David Popp turns to adding a bit of scenery. In this instance, he shares techniques for shaping up a vehicle roadway. This can be a bit messy, so it makes perfect sense to tackle the effort before any detailed scenery work gets […]
Olympia & Sand Creek, Sidetrack Ep. 1 | Horse Drawn Wagons
Host David Popp departs from the On30 layout construction to tackle something he’s never done before. In the railroad town of Sand Creek, David works to build, paint, and install proper horses and horse drawn wagons that folks use to haul goods to and fro. Saddle up for the ride through the entire process…and Trains.com […]
The Hills Line with James McNab | The Magic in Pixels, Episode 19
In this concluding episode of the Hills Line series on Trains.com Video, host James McNab puts his HO scale module through the paces in a photo session designed to create stunning scenic vistas. Discover his clever lighting and composition techniques for bringing the expanse of the great outdoors into his basement – all to shape […]
Building a T-Trak module | Wiring
In this all-new series, host David Popp keeps progress on the N scale (1:160) T-Trak modular layout moving forward. Here, he shares various techniques for working within the specified electrical standards and recommended practices to bring power the rails, including the unique bridge sections of track and turnouts (track switches) too! […]
The Hills Line with James McNab | Prototype Placemakers, Episode 18
Explore the transformation of the Hills Line Substation module as real-life elements are incorporated, turning it into a recognizable and authentic prototype location. Join James McNab on this episode as he adds signature elements, including a farm storage Quonset hut, a cornfield, and a chain-link fence. Learn about the meticulous process of detailing structures, weathering, […]
Building a T-Trak module | Track installation
The all-new T-Trak modular N scale (1:160) layout construction series continues with Host David Popp demonstrating how to add trackwork to the assembled laser-cut micro-plywood frame. In this episode, David covers Kato Unitrack basics; how add track to a “double module”, including turnouts; and install track feeder wires. […]
Building a T-Trak module | Frame construction
In this all-new instructional video series, Host David Popp explores T-Trak, a modular system for building tabletop layouts for model railroads. Whether you’re a seasoned model railroader or a beginner, T-Trak offers a portable and space-efficient solution. The modules are typically in N scale (1:160), and David demonstrates the assembly of a kit from RSA […]
The Hills Line with James McNab | Terrain Transformations, Episode 17
In this episode, Host James McNab details the process of scenery reconstruction for the Hills Line HO scale module. Beginning with the application of a base layer using static grass and ground foam, James shares techniques for adding rock, gravel, and dirt textures, along with planting grass scenery products, including trees and shrubs. Finally, he […]
The Hills Line with James McNab | Methods for handlaying track, Episode 16
Host James McNab explores methods for handlaying track on his portable HO scale Hills Line module, including spiking, using adhesive and pinning. He shares his experiences and challenges with each method, with the aim of helping viewers find the best approach for their own projects. This episode is a practical guide for model railroaders, offering […]
Olympia & Sand Creek, Episode 15 | All in the details
In this session, Host David Popp promises to finish the work on the passenger car project! That includes paying careful attention to those tiny details on the passenger car and the layout itself…you know, all of the little things he’d notice if he did not take the time to complete them now, including the addition […]
The Hills Line with James McNab | Adventures in tracklaying, Episode 15
In this episode, Host James McNab embarks on a journey to elevate model railroading skills by exploring cutting-edge methods. Specifically featuring the use of Central Valley tie strips to build hand laid trackwork. With the objective of encouraging modelers to employ fresh techniques, James demonstrates the process on his portable HO scale Hills Line module, […]