MRVP’s Ben Lake steps out from behind the camera and settles down at the workbench to assemble a laser-cut wood structure for our On30 Olympia Logging Co. layout. In this first of two videos, Ben shows how to prep and stain the parts from an American Model Builders skid shack kit, before starting on the […]
Modeling Topic: Painting & Weathering
Olympia Logging Series: Part 12 – Backdrop painting
Using little more than a cardstock template and a couple paint colors, artist Jay Smith shows viewers just how quick and easy it is to add a realistic pine forest treeline to MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. layout. Jay used his favorite internal mix airbrush to apply the paint, but his simply technique for making […]
Olympia Logging Series: Part 12 – Backdrop painting
Using little more than a cardstock template and a couple paint colors, artist Jay Smith shows viewers just how quick and easy it is to add a realistic pine forest treeline to MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. layout. Jay used his favorite internal mix airbrush to apply the paint, but his simply technique for making […]
Model a weather-beaten wood structure
This Northern Pacific class C depot has seen its better days. Cody Grivno explains how to model a weather-beaten wood structure. In model railroading, weathering is typically associated with freight cars and locomotives. However, structure weathering is another way to add realism to a layout. Peeling and faded paint, a roof in need of repair, […]
Cody’s Workshop: Episode 16 – build a basic freight car kit
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode of Cody’s Workshop, Cody shows the basics of assembling a freight car kit and some easy ways to enhance them. He also demonstrates how to use clear paint to add turn signals to vehicles. Plus, Cody answers your questions and […]
Cody’s Workshop: Episode 16 – build a basic freight car kit
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode of Cody’s Workshop, Cody shows the basics of assembling a freight car kit and some easy ways to enhance them. He also demonstrates how to use clear paint to add turn signals to vehicles. Plus, Cody answers your questions and […]
HO scale AHM helium car decals
AHM helium tank car The unusual-looking helium tank car might seem like a fantasy model to some, but it’s based on a real prototype. General American, American Car & Foundry, and Magor built about 200 helium cars from 1930 to 1962. The early cars were lettered for the U.S. Navy (with USNX reporting marks), then […]
Olympia Logging Series: Part 10 – painting trackwork
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Adding weathering effects to the trackwork of MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. layout can be just as beneficial as adding them to locomotives, rolling stock and structures. In this video, Cody Grivno walks through the steps for giving the rails and ties a […]
Olympia Logging Series: Part 10 – painting trackwork
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Adding weathering effects to the trackwork of MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. layout can be just as beneficial as adding them to locomotives, rolling stock and structures. In this video, Cody Grivno walks through the steps for giving the rails and ties a […]
Build N scale mountain scenery
Building a small diorama for some of my N scale models allowed me to combine my two favorite hobbies: model railroading and photography. The idea for this project was formulated while I was building a number of N scale wood kits from Hunterline. In fact, I was having so much fun that I kept building […]
How to paint wheelsets on model train cars
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows how to paint wheelsets using a micrbrush. […]
Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 9
With most of the structures and ground cover in place, all that’s left to do is finish up the waterfront on Rice Harbor. Associate editor Cody Grivno describes some of the painting techniques that he used to add depth to the harbor bottom. He’ll also talk about some of the other scenic details around the […]