Building the HO scale Winter Hill quarry branch, part 7

Cody Grivno next to layout with scenery

As the Model Railroader staff continues to work on the scenery for the HO scale Winter Hill quarry branch, it becomes apparent that they need to add the illusion of distance to the scene. An easy solution to this common model railroading problem is to add a distant treeline along the layout backdrop. Follow associate […]

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Building the HO scale Winter Hill quarry branch, part 8

Cody Grivno pours plaster into a mold

For the Winter Hill project the Model Railroader staff needed to add rock castings to the scene around the quarry branch. Associate editor Cody Grivno shows you how to make rock castings using molds and a light plaster product called Hydrocal. Cody also provides tips for trimming the castings and applying the finished rocks to […]

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Building the HO scale Winter Hill Quarry Branch part 9

Hand painting scenery

The long rock wall is an important scenery feature on the HO scale Winter Hill Quarry Branch project model railroad. Now that the Hydrocal castings are in place, Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno will paint and weather the castings so that they look like real rocks. Cody uses a variety of techniques for the […]

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Building the HO scale Winter Hill quarry branch, part 7

Cody Grivno next to layout with scenery

As the Model Railroader staff continues to work on the scenery for the HO scale Winter Hill quarry branch, it becomes apparent that they need to add the illusion of distance to the scene. An easy solution to this common model railroading problem is to add a distant treeline along the layout backdrop. Follow associate […]

Read More…

Building the HO scale Winter Hill quarry branch, part 8

Cody Grivno pours plaster into a mold

For the Winter Hill project the Model Railroader staff needed to add rock castings to the scene around the quarry branch. Associate editor Cody Grivno shows you how to make rock castings using molds and a light plaster product called Hydrocal. Cody also provides tips for trimming the castings and applying the finished rocks to […]

Read More…

Building the HO scale Winter Hill Quarry Branch part 9

Hand painting scenery

The long rock wall is an important scenery feature on the HO scale Winter Hill Quarry Branch project model railroad. Now that the Hydrocal castings are in place, Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno will paint and weather the castings so that they look like real rocks. Cody uses a variety of techniques for the […]

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Video: MTH HO scale Empire State Express passenger train

The MTH HO scale Empire State Express passenger train set features five cars accurately detailed for their famous prototypes. The cars also feature detailed and lighted interiors and the observation car even includes an illuminated tailsign. See the train run through the scenes on the Model Railroader staff’s club model train layout. […]

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East Berkshire Branch

East Berkshire Branch

Name: East Berkshire Branch Layout designer: John Callahan Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 14 x 21 feet Prototype: freelanced, inspired by the Boston & Maine and Rutland RR Locale: rural New England Era: early to mid-1950s Style: walk in Mainline run: 120 feet Minimum radius: 30″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 (main), no. 4 (sidings) Maximum grade: […]

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Lehigh Valley RR Bronx Terminal

Lehigh Valley RR

Name: Lehigh Valley RR Bronx Terminal Layout designer: Wayne N. Carlsen Scale: N (1:160) Size: 5 x 9 feet Prototype: Lehigh Valley RR Locale: South Bronx, New York City Era: early 1960s Style: island Mainline run: not applicable Minimum radius: 9-3/4″ Minimum turnout: no. 4 Originally appeared in the March 2013 Model Railroader. Click on […]

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HO scale Sugar Valley Sweetwater RR

Sugar Valley Sweetwater RR

Name: Sugar Valley & Sweetwater RR Layout designer: Brian Glock Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 13′-6″ x 25′-0″ Theme: Southern bridge line Locale: east Tennessee-west North Carolina mountains Era: 1950s Style: walk-in with swing gates Mainline run: 130 feet Minimum radius: 271⁄2″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum grade: 4 percent (main), 8 percent (branch) Originally appeared […]

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