Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 9

Scene of modeled shore line

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 […]

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Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 8

Cody Grivno and Hal Miller next to a layout

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 […]

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Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 7

Neil Besougloff and Hal Miller next to a layout

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 […]

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Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 6

Neil Besougloff and Hal Miller next to a layout

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 […]

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Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 5

Man gesturing over a model train layout.

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 […]

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Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 4

Steve Otte working on a model house.

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 […]

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Building a 5 x 8 Harbor Railroad part 3

A Model Railroader holding a model building.

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. […]

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Building a 5 x 8 Harbor Railroad part 2

Hands holding a structure

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. […]

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Thin Branch Series: Backdrops part 2B – The river

Jay Smith painting a 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. […]

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