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 […]
Section: Layout Builds
Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 8
It’s time to lay tracks along the waterfront on the Model Railroader staff’s HO scale Rice Harbor project layout. Associate editor Cody Grivno shows you how he used styrene to simulate concrete apron. He’ll also give you some tips for modeling rails in pavement. The harbor bottom has also been painted and is ready for […]
Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 7
In this episode editor Neil Besougloff continues scenery work on the Model Railroader staff’s Rice Harbor project. You’ll learn about the ground cover used for the South Carolina setting as well as Neil’s tips for planting trees on a model railroad. Meanwhile senior editor Dana Kawala works on a retail oil depot. Because of the […]
Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 6
The South Carolina scenery starts to take shape on the Model Railroader staff’s Rice Harbor project. Editor Neil Besougloff describes some of the material used for ground cover, while managing editor Hal Miller tackles the garden tracks and cinder ballast of the Seaboard Shore Line’s engine terminal. Meanwhile senior editor Dana Kawala works to build […]
Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 5
Follow Hal Miller as he shows you the progress on the latest Model Railroader staff project layout. Much of the trackwork is complete. Work is also underway on the compact engine terminal, including a motorized, Digital Command Control turntable from Walthers that Hal has installed. Jim Hediger is also at work on a prominent structure […]
Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 4
Structures and trackwork dominate this episode of the Model Railroader staff’s Rice Harbor video journal. Associate editor Steve Otte describes the lighthouse for Rice Harbor. Steve built the structure from a Branchline Trains kit, and the model also features a working beacon. Editor Neil Besougloff is also at the workbench finishing up a depot, coal […]
Building a 5 x 8 Harbor Railroad part 3
Layout designer David Popp describes his strategy for using various turnouts on the Rice Harbor project layout. The turnouts are controlled by New Rail Models Blue Point controllers. You’ll also get a look at the benchwork for the folding staging track and see how pattern maker’s pins make is easy to align the layout sections. […]
Building a 5 x 8 Harbor Railroad part 2
Work continues on the Model Railroader staff’s HO scale Rice Harbor project layout. David Popp begins track work on the railroad. Editor Neil Besougloff discusses his options for modeling a passenger station that will fit the model railroad’s setting and era. […]
Building a 5 x 8 Harbor Railroad part 1
The Model Railroader staff’s 5 x 8 harbor railroad project begins in the January issue. In part 1 of this new video series, you’ll get an overview of the layout with its designer, David Popp. David also built the modular benchwork for the layout. […]
Thin Branch Series: Backdrops part 2 – Hill highlights
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In part 2 of our backdrop series, painter Jay Smith starts filling in the background details. In this installment he adds mist to the valleys and small treetops and sun highlights to the mid-ground hills. […]
Thin Branch Series: Backdrops part 2B – The river
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Painting backdrops involves trial and error, even for professional artists. In part 2B of our backdrop series, Jay Smith shows you how he painted the river from start to finish, including changing colors “midstream” several times to get the right look. […]
Thin Branch Series: Backdrops part 1 – basic hills
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Need a painted backdrop for your model railroad? Learn the basics of painting with artist Jay Smith as he adds a backdrop to our Thin Branch project railroad. In part 1 of our series, Jay shows you how to work from photos to […]