Rehab My Railroad: Adding more details at Mukwonago, Episode 10

David Popp standing next to a section of the MR&T

More work along the Mukwonago layout location. The session starts with David installing trackwork for the industrial spur at this site, while Cody continues prepping the structure itself. Adding realistic details to the track, pavement, structure, and surrounding area is also part of the process in this episode of the Jones Island rehab effort.   […]

Read More…

Santa Fe Inspiration gallery volume 2

A Santa Fe steam locomotive and caboose are posed at Gary Hoover's HO Scale representation of "Summit", the top of the grade for the Santa Fe in California's Cajon Pass.

In this photo gallery, we encourage you to enjoy two fantastic Santa Fe layouts that are inspired. We hope they inspire you on your journey to creating a new model railroad layout, even one based on the Santa Fe! The first railroad is Gary Hoover’s interpretation of the Santa Fe Railway on Aug. 29, 1951. […]

Read More…

Santa Fe Inspiration gallery volume 1

A sweeping photo of a silver-colored HO Scale Sante Fe streamlined passenger train pulled through a desert Southwest scene.

  The Santa Fe Railway and predecessors parsing the American Southwest have inspired countless artists and dreamers. Model railroaders using scale equipment and precision tools to re-create these railroad scenes are only the latest in that line. In this photo gallery, we encourage you to enjoy two fantastic Santa Fe layouts that are inspired. We […]

Read More…

The best raw materials for garden railroaders

Bins of PVC and other raw materials

The first lesson we learn when we take our trains outdoors is that nature doesn’t play favorites. Our sensible action is to choose materials for our projects that will stand up to the forces of nature. Plastic “Plastic” is a generic term, for which there exist many variants. Most large-scale trains are made of ABS, […]

Read More…

Tint turn signals and taillights

A silver felt tip marker is held near the rear of a green HO scale pick-up truck on which the marker colored taillights.

Turn signals and taillights on model trucks and cars are easily applied using simple hobby chemicals and even a touch of food coloring. Painting turn signals and taillights  The number of vehicle models available today is greater than ever. Though the selection of makes and models is large, it’s the small things that make or […]

Read More…

Glues and adhesives for garden railroads

Several bottles and tubes showing the various adhesives described in the article.

Glues and adhesives are among the first things you need when building a model — to hold it together! There are lots of adhesives, and they all do specific jobs depending on the material. General-purpose adhesives White glue — This is known as a PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glue. When it dries, it’s nearly transparent. Its […]

Read More…

Small HO Scale layout with continuous running

A model train carrying lumber.

By: Don Chaney Operating model trains with a good deal of switching is extremely popular, but I prefer watching trains run continuously. Moving around my finished 7 x 91/2-foot layout while watching a steadily moving train is a never-ending joy for me. As I planned a layout for my 12 x 17-foot game room, my […]

Read More…

Five inexpensive garden railroad tools

Grouping of old toothbrushes

Here are five tools for a garden railroad you can make or obtain cheaply. 1. Make a ballast broom If you do a lot of reballasting (or ballasting) on your railway, take an old 4-inch paint brush and attach the handle with screws to an extension pole about 3 feet long. This becomes a mini-broom […]

Read More…