Compact tabletop model railroading comes to MRVP in a big way! In this first of two videos, David Popp shows how to assemble a standard 12 x 14-inch T-Trak module. A Dream Team of Kalmbach staffers and contributors will then develop unique scenes on these N scale modules — all as part of MRVP’s first-ever […]
Section: Layout Builds
Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Installing a hardboard backdrop, Part 4
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page The next step to installing the backdrop for our HO scale Winston-Salem project layout is to prime and paint the hardboard. David Popp shares the products, tools, and techniques he uses to apply a smooth and even finish that enhances the overall appearance […]
T-Trak Group Project: Video Blog 1 – Steve & Drew
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page MRVP’s Kent Johnson hosts this video journal covering some of the planning and construction efforts of the T-Trak project Dream Team. First up are MR’s Steven Otte and MRVP’s Drew Halverson. Steve gets off to a quick start and adds a wrinkle to […]
T-Trak Group Project: Ready, Set, Build!
MRVP’s David Popp is in a generous mood to share the gift of an assembled T-Trak module with a team of eager modelers from various parts of Kalmbach Publishing Co.! After David outlines the construction parameters, Kent Johnson chats a bit with each builder to find out what he or she is planning for their […]
Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Installing a hardboard backdrop, Part 3 – Layout lighting
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page This episode of the ongoing backdrop installation series highlights (pun intended) how David added an inexpensive track lighting fixture along the top edge of the hardboard. David wasn’t entirely pleased with the resulting bright lights at eye level, so you’ll get to see […]
Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Installing a hardboard backdrop – Part 2
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In part 2 of MRVP’s Winston-Salem backdrop installation series, David Popp demonstrates the techniques used for patching the seams where two hardboard sections abut. He covers everything from preparing the working surface to sanding the joint compound smooth — all of the steps […]
Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Installing a hardboard backdrop – Part 1
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page MRVP’s David Popp launches into another informative multi-part series. This time he shows why and how to install, finish, paint, and even light a hardboard backdrop along the back of our Winston-Salem HO scale project layout. Part 1 covers the initial assembly process. […]
Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Kitbashing industrial structures – Part 4
For the final installment of this kitbashing mini-series, David shows you how to give industrial structures a gritty, weathered appearance. David keeps things simple by using little more than an array of modeling paints applied with a brush and a wash (diluted stain). He even shares tips for adding a weather-beaten sign to the brick […]
Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Kitbashing industrial structures – Part 3
In this episode, David begins painting the small industrial structure for MRVP’s HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound layout. He provides tips and techniques for using an airbrush to paint the base color, before masking off the walls to paint the windows, doors, and roof. Follow along to see how he ends up with a neat and […]
Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Swing-out section – Part 2
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page David Popp continues working on a swing-out extension for MRVP’s HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound layout. In this second and final installment of the construction process, he shares how to attach and support the section before adding the track and finishing touches. […]
Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Working with static-grass mats
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Construction on MRVP’s HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound layout has come to a point where the scenery can start to take shape. In this installment, David shares a variety of techniques for applying ground covering, this time in the form of various grass mats […]
Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Swing-out section – Part 1
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this video, David Popp uses MRVP’s HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound layout to demonstrate how to build a simple swing-out section that can easily extend the run of any model railroad. David first talks you through the design, before showing how to assemble […]