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In this episode, David Popp continues working on the barn and surrounding farm scene on his Olympia & Sand Creek On30 display layout. Efforts include fabricating and installing a new, detailed barn door, extending and amending the barn’s roof, and even taking time to audit the height, shape, fit, and finish of his background trees! Be […]
Host David Popp and Bryson Sleppy work to raise the wood framework of their East Troy Industrial Park (ETIP) model railroad off the ground. Watch as they share how to plan, construct, and install the legs for a nearly any layout. And don’t miss the simple, yet extraordinarily helpful insights the crew shares in Model […]
With all the same enthusiasm and expertise demonstrated in previous Model Railroader Project Layout efforts, host David Popp and Bryson Sleppy begin constructing the East Troy Industrial Park (ETIP) model railroad! While it will be just a small semblance of the former Milwaukee, Racine, & Troy HO scale (1:87.1) layout, the all-new ETIP promises to […]
Get ready for a barn burner of an episode, when David Popp jumps into high gear to complete various scenery and structure projects on his Olympia & Sand Creek On30 display layout. Efforts include adding fences, installing the Armstrong-type turntable, and revamping the barn a bit. Be sure to explore the entire Olympia series, appearing […]
N scale Modutrak on Display | Catch up with Host Gerry Leone, as he chats with Keith Kohlman while operating the Modutrack display, an N scale (1:160) layout inspired by the HO scale (1:87.1) Midwest Mod-U-Trak display at Trainfest 2024! Keith reveals insights about the massive modular display that only comes out for big shows! […]
Midwest Mod-U-Track display in HO scale | Gerry Leone, Trains.com Contributor, continued making the rounds of layouts on display at Trainfest 2024 event in Milwaukee, Wis. At this stop, he visited with Bob Kosic to take a closer look at the HO scale (1:87.1) Midwest Mod-U-Trak display presented by Chicagoland modelers. Bob shared plenty of […]
Model railroading is a rewarding hobby, but it can sometimes be challenging to find space for a full-sized layout. Fortunately, with careful planning and a few creative design choices, you can create a model train layout that fits into a smaller area. Here’s a guide to help you get started building a compact model train […]
In this helpful, introductory effort, David Popp shares simple and easy techniques for adding a scene-extending background/view block to a model railroad. While the planning and painting steps are all demonstrated on his N scale (1:160) T-Trak module, David’s explanations and efforts can certainly be applied to other layouts or displays of any scale! If […]
Facts and features Name: Colorado PlainsScale: N (1:160)Size: 2′-43∕4″ x 8′-6″Prototype: BNSFLocale: Eastern ColoradoEra: ModernStyle: T-Trak modularMainline run: 182∕3 feetMinimum radius: 11″Minimum turnout: no. 4Maximum grade: noneBenchwork: Modular laser-cut kitsHeight: 23∕4″ Roadbed: noneTrack: Kato UnitrackScenery: SculptamoldBackdrop: Painted medium-density fibreboardControl: NCE DCC Click the link to download a PDF of the track plan! Buy the January […]
Santa Fe All the Way display in HO scale | Trains.com Contributor Gerry Leone visits with layout owner/building Andrew Bobis and his expansive modular display inspired by the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Railway. As configured for operation at Trainfest 2024 event in Milwaukee, Wis., you’ll see detailed modeled sights including the depot in Topeka, […]
Watch as artist Jay Smith, former illustrator (ret.) for Kalmbach Media, concludes backdrop painting efforts on David Popp’s Olympia & Sand Creek On30 display layout. In the course of this video, Jay and David walk you through the entire process, so you can see the amazing visual transition from simple sky colors to majestic mountains. […]
As Jay Smith, former illustrator (ret.) for Kalmbach Media, continues is his backdrop painting efforts on David Popp’s Olympia & Sand Creek On30 display layout, you’ll see several subtle techniques Jay employees to create lighting effects and enhance the detailed appearance of even the most distant landform and structures he paints. Be sure to explore […]
