Where the roads intersect with the tracks on Steve Brown’s N scale layout, our humble host has decided to add timber-tie grade crossings. This time around on Scale it Down, he shares his process for working with strips of basswood to complete the task. […]
Section: How To
Make paved lots using drywall mud, Episode 5
Host Steve Brown continues to pave the way in and around the tracks of his N scale layout. See how he pairs regular old drywall mud with some simple techniques to install smooth, paved surfaces, including parking lots, roads, loading pads, and more! […]
Toy train smoke: Lots of scents available
Toy train smoke hijinx (and a minor train wreck) abound as Hal Miller and Rene Schweitzer try a variety of the scents in JT’s Mega Steam fluid line. The smoke fluids are now available from the Kalmbach Hobbystore. Rene and Hal discover with their tests that there’s a world of smells beyond coal and diesel […]
Keep your adhesive bottles ready to use
Staff member Rene Schweitzer demonstrates ways to make sure your adhesives are always ready to use. This quick video will show you easy-to-use tips for modelers of any scale. […]
Keep your adhesive bottles ready to use
Staff member Rene Schweitzer demonstrates ways to make sure your adhesives are always ready to use. This quick video will show you easy-to-use tips for modelers of any scale. […]
Make dirt roads using drywall mud, Episode 4
Our humble host, Steve Brown, shows how he planned and “paved” the roads to success on his N scale layout. Follow along to see why an application of drywall mud is his preferred beginning of a sensational dirt road. […]
How to strip paint from plastic models
Eric White couldn’t find a Northeastern style caboose painted for the Lehigh Valley, but a vendor at a train show had several models in another paint scheme. In less than an hour, Eric had a model that was ready for new paint. Watch this video to see how he stripped the original paint. VIDEO TRANSCRIPT […]
Fixing Wobbling Boxcars
In this quick how-to video, Eric White shows you how a little bit of filing can go a long way when trying to fix the pesky wobble on a boxcar. VIDEO TRANSCRIPT BELOW: Ready to run models can be great, but sometimes you need to do a little tuning. Take a look at this. You […]
Budget railroading: dollar store finds
Classic Toy Trains Editor Hal Miller prowls the dollar store aisles in search of inexpensive items that are useful on the workbench or layout. […]
How to Lay Track
Kalmbach’s own Cody Grivno talks through the basic ways of fastening track to a layout so you can run model trains. […]
Add Bluetooth control to your locomotives with BlueRailDCC
Everything runs on Bluetooth these days, so why not your locomotives? BlueRailDCC from Tam Valley has a solution (BlueRailDCC). This compact board (.57” x 1.5”) supports up to 2A of current, plenty for most HO scale installations. To connect, you’ll need to download the BlueRail Trains app to your Apple iPhone or iPad. Android support […]
Modeling layout scenery at the workbench
Narrow gauge modeler Gregg Condon presents a simple way to make model railroad scenery right at your workbench. In this quick-tip video, you’ll see how realistic model railroad scenes can be crafted from a comfortable, seated position, with all of your supplies right at hand! […]