Use fabric to cover your large-scale buildings

Model pool hall structure

I’ve discovered a way to build inexpensive and custom designed buildings for indoor use or temporary displays at train shows or open houses. The primary material for this project is fabric. These fabrics are called “landscape designs,” and include patterns such as brick, wood, and stone, as well as signs. Several manufacturers make these designs, […]

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News & products for the week of September 2, 2021

Italian State Railways Eaos high-side gondola

Large scale freight cars Italian State Railways Eaos high-side gondola. Hook-and-loop couplers and plastic wheelsets. $157.99. October 2021. PIKO America, 619-280-2800, piko-america.com Electronics/controls Navigator remote. Updated replacement for nos. 35017 and 35021 Navigator remote. New 2.4GHz frequency. Ergonomic design, up to 300-foot wireless operation (when combined with the no. 35038 wireless receiver, sold separately), and […]

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Miniature sedum

Figure next to miniature sedum

Latin name: Sedum sp. Common name: Miniature sedum Plant type: Groundcover Plant size: Foliage under 2″ tall x 10″ wide, or less USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies Cultural needs: Full sun and dry soil Full size sedums (also known as stonecrops) have long been used as groundcovers for hot, sunny, dry sites. They spread quickly, are […]

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News & products for the week of August 19, 2021

America Spitfire two-bay hopper.

Large scale freight cars Supermarine Spitfire two-bay hopper. Hook-and-loop couplers, plastic wheelsets, and molded handrails and stirrup steps. $104.99. October 2021. PIKO America, 619-280-2800, piko-america.com Tacky Tombstones two-bay hopper. Hook-and-loop couplers, plastic wheelsets, and molded handrails and stirrup steps. $109.99. September 2021. PIKO America, 619-280-2800, piko-america.com […]

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Stand up while cleaning your gauge-1 track

A track cleaner on a pole

Crawling around on the ground to clean my rail was getting tiring. I needed a new method to clean track, so I built an elevated track cleaner to get the job done instead. Supply list Wooden extension pole Drywall pole sander head Two-truck LGB gondola car LGB #50050 track cleaning attachment Scrap thin-gauge aluminum ¼” […]

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Meet the Modeler: Richard Weatherby

Scratchbuilt lumber mill

How did you get started in the hobby? I definitely remember my early years (age 5) with my first tinplate locomotive. My father built what is known locally as “Christmas Garden.” The outside loop was Lionel Standard gauge, while the inner figure eight was a wind-up O gauge passenger train. I am celebrating 75 years […]

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News & products for the week of August 5, 2021

Serrated-edge scissors

Tools  Model 441 thread and cord scissors. Soft grip handles, Light-Touch return spring, and one serrated griping edge for holding threads, cords, and yarns. Ideal for cutting elastic cord, thread, nylon beading thread, yarn, and other materials. $20.25. Xuron Corp., 207-283-1401, xuron.com Books Los Angeles Railway. Book compares vintage images from the Mount Lowe Preservation Society […]

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Corsican mint

Coriscan mint in the background of two figurines next to track

Common name: Corsican mint Plant type: Groundcover Latin name: Mentha requienii Plant size: ¼” to ½” high; spreading USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9; annual in other zones Cultural needs: Moist, well drained neutral or slightly acidic soil; sun to part shade Easily one of the flattest groundcovers, with the tiniest purple flowers, Corsican mint is great […]

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News & products for the week of July 29, 2021

Betsy Ross American Traditions refrigerator car.

Large scale freight cars  Betsy Ross 40-foot refrigerator car. Hook-and-loop couplers; separate, factory-applied brake wheel, running boards, and stirrup steps; and plastic wheels. $119.99. October 2021. American Traditions series. PIKO America, 619-280-2800, piko-america.com Christmas 2021 40-foot boxcar. Hook-and-loop couplers; separate, factory-applied brake wheel, running boards, and stirrup steps; and plastic wheelsets. Model will only be […]

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Creative thrift store finds for garden railroaders

Hand holding a small wood barrel

Thrift stores can hold a wealth of treasures for hobbyists, if you know where to look. I have suggestions of which departments to look for items for your garden railroad. I suggest going into a store with an open mind. For just a few dollars and a little paint, you might find something spectacular for […]

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LGB extends raffle until Aug. 31, 2021

Watercolor painting of Santa Fe's Super Chief train

LGB (Märklin), 1406 Creek Trail Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65109, is giving away an original James R. Mann watercolor of the Santa Fe Super Chief to celebrate the release of its Santa Fe A and B-units. The company is extending the raffle for the painting until Aug. 31, 2021. Mann’s painting will have the same […]

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