David recently installed new DCC decoders into his HO scale (1:87.1) Alco RS1 diesel locomotives. Now it’s time make what’s shiny and new appear more weathered, worn, and authentically detailed for the modeled era of operation. Follow along as David gets you started through the steps required to install realistic, fine details, before he begins […]
ST. LOUIS — Intramotev, the startup company that converts conventional freight cars to battery-electric, self-propelled vehicles, has debuted an autonomous double-stack car. The company showed off the TugVolt well car in a video released this week. The 20-year-old former TTX car carries two 40-foot international containers as it moves independently along trackage in Intramotev’s facility. […]
Acquire helpful tips for using an airbrush to apply shading and highlighting effects that mimic authentic wear and weathering patterns on freight cars. In this instance, David demonstrates the step-by-step process using HO scale (1:87.1) open hoppers. […]
Operating Behind the Scenes | La Mesa Model Railroad Club’s Tehachapi Subdivision | Join Model Railroader Editor Eric White for a rare, insider look at a world-class operating session over the gigantic HO (1:87) scale public display highlighting Southern California’s famed Tehachapi Loop. Peer into the invite-only November 2023 session that required more than 30 […]
In this episode, professional help is on the way! Jay Smith, former illustrator (ret.) for Kalmbach Media, heads for the basement to help make realistic mountains materialize on the backdrop of the On30 display layout. Guided by David’s practice painting, pretty pictures, and temporary placement of key structures, Jay shares his specific techniques for turning […]
Ask Trains.com August 2024 compilation | From our new Firecrown Media office space in Wisconsin, host Cody Grivno fields a wide array of modeling and prototype railroading questions. This month Cody addresses your questions regarding locomotive paint schemes for the legendary MR&T HO scale layout; airbrushing skills; prototypical placement of railcar data; selecting industry-appropriate freight […]
Ride with Trains.com, as staff members Lucas Iverson and Ben Lake, as they enjoy grand scale railroading (often associated with miniature, ride-on trains) at The Milwaukee County Zoo’s North Shore Bank Safari Train! Enjoy up-close views of their visit in July 2024, and then read more details about the 15-inch gauge railroad’s past, present and […]
Learn techniques for installing a TCS WowKits DCC Decoder into an HO scale (1:87.1) diesel locomotive, as demonstrated, step by step, by David Popp. […]
Host Gerry Leone left us with a bit of a cliffhanger in his quest to remake a wider, curved river for his Bona Vista HO scale double-deck model railroad. In this episode, he shares the plan and his efforts to move forward with the required deconstruction and reconstruction (…and even re-reconstruction — don’t ask, you’ll […]
Join Trains.com, as staff videographer Sean Kirby focuses his camera on the action in East Troy, Wisc., home to the East Troy Railroad Museum. On location, Sean makes the most of the museum’s Railfan Day 2024, one of numerous planned event days. On this occasion, he’s able to capture various equipment in run-bys, with ticket […]
Feather canyons everywhere! David looks at clouds that way. If you really don’t know how to paint clouds at all, then you’ll want to follow David as he demonstrates his techniques for adding realistic skies to his On30 display backdrop. But that’s not the only illusion recalls! David also shows how easy it is look […]
Lionel has released their Base3 control system, and CTT unboxes and tests the product. Editor Rene Schweitzer and Contributing Editor Bob Keller offer some tips and tricks for operation, and demonstrate the Polar Express engine on the CT&T in-house layout. Read a review from Chris Montagna about the Base3. Learn more about this system at control.lionel.com Find […]
