Detailing the train station scene on the N scale State Line Route is the focus of this video. David Popp is ready to install the train depot on the layout, but there some small projects to complete. First, David shows he made an Amtrak sign for the train depot. Then he installs interior and exterior […]
Section: Layout Builds
Adding lighting and interior scenes to structures — State Line Route in N scale, Episode 21
Adding lighting and interior scenes structures on the N scale State Line Route layout is the focus of this episode. First, Eric White makes interiors for Gerry Leone’s and Seth Puffer’s structures using images he found on Google. Then, he adds realistic lighting inside the structures by installing LED lights from Woodland Scenics’ Just Plug […]
Make a Lake, Part 1 | Back on Track, Episode 18
By popular demand! Back on Track host Gerry Leone jumps ahead in time to begin an effort to shape a common layout space into a unique place! In this episode, you’ll see the start of the lake scene takes the curved mainline into consideration. First, Gerry works to build up a plate girder bridge to […]
Installing lower-level layout lighting | Back on Track, Episode 17
With the upper deck and backdrops now in place, Gerry noticed the lighting on the lower deck had changed significantly. Wisely, he decided to compensate for the reduced reach of light from the ceiling fixtures by installing a new light source to the underside of the upper deck. In this episode, you’ll see how Gerry […]
Gerry walks a fine line | Back on Track, Episode 15
Gerry walks a fine line…the recently completed main line of his HO scale Bona Vista layout, that is! Our host, with assistance from his wife, has driven the Golden Spike into the trackwork of his double-deck model railroad. That’s a great time to take a walking tour of the construction progress. Following the tour, Gerry […]
Repurposing a layout scene — State Line Route in N scale, Episode 20
Repurposing a layout scene for the N scale State Line Route layout is the focus of this episode. First, Cody Grivno borrows a few structures from an old T-Trak module to help build up an all-new scene for the layout. Next, he shows how to prepare the new site to fit the assembled structured in […]
Putting the layout to the test | Back on Track, Episode 16
Following his recent grand tour, Gerry puts his HO scale Bona Vista under greater scrutiny. In this episode, our host closely examines how his construction efforts align with his established Givens and Druthers. After failing to pass every part of his self-graded test, Gerry invites fellow layout builders David Popp and Seth Puffer to check […]
Back on Track: Fixing an upper deck design flaw, Episode 14
What’s our Back on Track series host Gerry Leone up to these days? More work on the upper deck of his new HO scale Bona Vista layout, of course! Following the previous episode, Gerry finalized more of the track plan, added plywood subroadbed to the upper level, and even laid some track into place. But […]
Kitbashing trackside structures — State Line Route in N scale, Episode 19
Kitbashing trackside structures for the N scale State Line Route layout is the focus of this episode. First, David Popp shares his planning and preparation steps, which include finding prototype photos and building mock-ups for this N scale model railroad layout. Next, David uses parts from several model kits to custom build a paint factory […]
Back on Track: Fascia and upper deck design, Episode 13
It’s a new year with new progress on Gerry Leone’s all-new HO scale layout. Of course, that means a new season of construction videos gets Back on Track right now! In this episode, you’ll see how our host made quick work of his hardboard fascia installation. While work on his upper deck isn’t quite as […]
State Line Route in N scale: Road construction, Episode 18
David and Cody team up to build roadways on the State Line Route project railroad. Cody shows how to use Walthers’ modern parking lot kit and styrene to make a parking lot for Brown-Smith Global. David tries a new technique for making roads, and he shows how to weather them and add center line striping. […]
State Line Route in N scale: Modeling clear and muddy rivers, Episode 17
David shares two options for modeling rivers on the State Line Route. He demonstrates how to make a muddy river using two-part resin and tints, and a clear river using one-part resin. Lastly, he adds waves, ripples, and other details to complete the water scene. […]