Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader managing editor David Popp shows how to make waves on modeled water. […]
Section: Expert Tips
Stuff We Use: Bachmann HO scale track cleaning car
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page One way to help keep your model railroad running smoothly is to regularly run a cleaning train along the line. Senior Editor Dana Kawala shows you how to make your track cleaning chores easier with a Bachmann HO scale Track Cleaning Car. […]
Airbrushing basics for model railroaders
Click on the link or image to download the article. At first, airbrushing may seem intimidating and difficult, but it really isn’t. Download this article and follow Model Railroader Associate Editor Cody Grivno as he shows you the right techniques to help you get started using an airbrush for your next model train project. Subscribe […]
Realistic weathering tips for freight car models
This view of the Daneville Yard on Pelle Søeborg’s HO scale Union Pacific layout shows a variety of equipment with weathered roofs. He completed all of the weathering with powdered pastels, hobby paints, and an airbrush Years ago, when I became interested in weathering model trains, I found it extremely difficult to find roof photos, […]
Big Boy versus Allegheny
This C&O 2-6-6-6 strains mightily to get her 70 loads of eastbound coal moving at Thurmond, W. Va., in 1956. The Balky 1624 had slipped down, then cut off and run ahead to put down sand, and is now trying again. A full third of her tremendous engine weight rests on her lead and trailing […]
Weekend workshop: Make a lighted billboard
In the February 2017 issue, you’ll learn how to make a lighted billboard. Download the drawings for this billboard here. Make a lighted billboard […]
Servicing American Flyer’s big steamers
Servicing American Flyer’s big steamers […]
Model Railroader Quick Tips: Easy airbrush cleaning fluid
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page […]
Model Railroader Quick Tips: Caulk for tracklaying
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page […]
Model Railroader Quick Tips: Corrugated metal siding
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page […]
Accessible 3-D printing for model railroaders
Free software available online, such as Sketchup, can be used to design models that are produced by 3-D printing services like Shapeways. Alex Marchand followed this path to model a CSX class U-13 phosphate hopper in N scale. When I was in high school in the late ’90s, I saw a TV show that ran […]
5+ multi-deck layout design and construction tips
Builder Jack Burgess uses two layout decks on his HO scale Yosemite Valley RR to yield a long main line. Author Tony Koester discusses the key points he, Jack, and other successful builders considered before they began constructing double-deck layouts. Jack Burgess photo Why would anyone want, let alone need, a model railroad with more […]