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 […]
Section: Series
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 […]
Planting structures
Learn how to seamlessly integrate model buildings into your train layout. Discover techniques for adding realistic dirt, gravel, and ground cover to establish a firm foundation, free of visible gaps, for nearly any structure. Also be sure to follow the exclusive In The Workshop series for tips, tricks, tools, and clever insights, as demonstrated by various members of Trains.com […]
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, […]
Summer Camp 2023 | After Hours
Trains.com Summer Camp 2023 has shut down for the season. But that certainly doesn’t mean Camp Director David Popp’s modeling efforts will come to an end! In fact, David recently hosted a Trains.com Webcam live stream video session (akin to Midday Modeler) from his basement, just to show and share many of the projects he’ll […]
Summer Camp 2023 | Day 7
Last Day of Summer Camp 2023 on Trains.com Video! Camp Director David Popp has been been working really hard all week to get his locomotive weathered, boxcar decaled, bridge constructed, detailed parts assembled and painted, as well as the truck project completed too. Although camp closes after this session, we’ll see you back on the regularly programmed Olympia […]
Summer Camp 2023 | Day 6
Summer Camp 2023 | Day Six. The “extra” days on the weekend have allowed Camp Director David Popp to tackle all of those little projects that he hasn’t had time to do while working on bigger efforts for the On30 scale Olympia Logging Co. railroad. Hard to label these “little” projects as chicken scratch…but one of […]
Summer Camp 2023 | Day 5
Summer Camp 2023 | Day Five. Camp Director David Popp is wearing a hard hat because that means we’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of us. It’s clear that it won’t all be completed in five days this week… But no worries — We’ll extend our sessions into the weekend! Looking to keep up […]
Summer Camp 2023 | Day 4
Welcome to Summer Camp 2023 Day Four. Today is an odds and ends kind of day, because we have all sorts of things to advance to the next level. Campers will get involved in detailing work, constructing part of the truck before painting the subassemblies, plus starting to paint the Sculptamold once that’s dry. Looking to […]
Summer Camp 2023 | Day 3
It’s Day Three of Summer Camp, and David already has a bridge to show he’s having fun modeling while hidden away from the heat of the sun! Abutments await, as well as a truck building project to start this session. Plus, a few more surprises to keep things exciting! Looking to keep up with the […]