Layout designer: John Long Scale: O Layout size: 8 x 16 feet Track type: Lionel O Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the March 2004 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Wide curve track plan Wide curve track plan components […]
Wide curve track plan
Section: How To
The Wild West in a 5 x 9-foot space
Layout designer: Kent Johnson Scale: O Layout size: 5 x 9 feet Track type: Lionel FasTrack Minimum curve: O-36 Originally appeared in the October 2006 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. Track plan Schematic Parts list […]
Red Rock Green River
Name: Red Rock Green River Layout designer: Bill Iwan Scale: On21⁄2 (1:48, 30″ gauge) Size: 10 x 20 feet Theme: Freelanced Denver & Rio Grande Western and Rio Grande Southern Locale: New Mexico and Colorado Era: 1940s Style: walk-in Mainline run: 80 feet Minimum radius: 28″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum grade: 0.95 percent Originally […]
Videos: Five ways to weather
Associate editor Cody Grivno demonstrates five weathering techniques to make your models look realistic. Click each image to watch the video. Airbrush Give your freight cars and locomotives a general coat of grime Artists’ oils (Subscriber bonus) Makes it easy to apply weathering washes and simulate rust patches Powdered pastels A popular choice for weathering […]
How to model broken glass in an abandoned building
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows how to model broken glass in an abandoned building. […]
How to weather with makeup sponges
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows how to weather with makeup sponges […]
Basic Training: How to install feeder wires
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Good electrical connections are key to a smooth running model railroad, and one way to help achieve this is with feeder wires. In this basic training video you’ll learn how to attach feeder wires to the rails of model railroad track. […]
Drawings to build the Canton Depot
Download the PDF of this project here. In the April 2011 issue, Ian Stringer’s Hensellvania Division shows a model of the Canton Depot. Download these plans to build your own Canton Depot, compliments of our sister publication Model Railroader. […]
Selective compression techniques for large-scale structures
In the April 2011 issue, Kevin Strong describes how to create purpose for your garden railway. He suggests using a technique for structures called “selective compression.” Download this related article by Jack Verducci, who describes how to use this technique. […]
Plans to make a big-top circus tent
Download the PDF of this project here. In the April 2011 issue, Rich Perrelli and his wife tell us how they used part of their railway to create a county fairground. Download these plans to build a big-top circus tent for your railway! […]
Miniaturizing trees using bonsai techniques
Bonsai is an ancient horticultural practice that has been developed into an art form. Years can be spent studying and perfecting it. I doubt there are many garden railroaders with the time or inclination to get into true bonsai culture. Fortunately, there are some shortcut (and likely unorthodox) methods to make miniature trees with less […]
Soo Line
Track plan at a glance Name: Soo Line Scale: HO (1:87) Size: 14 x 34 feet Theme: Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie (Soo Line) granger railroad Era: 1954 Style: portable oval Minimum radius: 48″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 yards, no. 8 main line Maximum grade: 1 percent Originally appeared in the April 1998 […]
