Host Gerry Leone continues to plan and build out a switching area for his all-new Bona Vista HO scale model railroad. This time, Gerry shares how he uses actual model structures and track remnants to visualize and plot his plans, and then adjust them to suit layout realities. […]
Layout Size: Medium Layouts
Ken Cook’s O gauge layout
Visit Ken Cook’s layout, featured in the September 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Ken mixes postwar Lionel trains with modern track, structures, details, and scenery to create a one-of-a-kind display that entertains your eyes, ears, and imagination. Click here to see the track plan. […]
Back on Track: Planning a switching area, Episode 9
Back on Track gets back to the track! In this episode, host Gerry Leone shares his plans and process for adding a staging yard and switching area, including where and how to place key track switches to save valuable layout space. […]
Back on Track: Fixing a few helix flaws, Episode 7
Series host Gerry Leone is definitely playing catch up in this episode, as he works to patch up a minor oversight. Watch to see how he corrects and simplifies the helix construction, and then presents a clever suggestion for looking back in time when building a new home or layout. […]
Back on Track: Painting & installing a backdrop, Episode 8
Bound and determined to build it better than his previous layout, Gerry walks through his evolved process for handling the installation of a hardboard backdrop. Plenty of neat tips and trick can be found in this and other episodes of Back on Track, an exclusive Trains.com series! […]
Back on Track: Finishing the helix, Episode 6
As the world and Gerry’s helix continues to turn, he deals with its ups and downs. See how he works to avoid wavering levels on each turn of the helix. And you won’t want to miss the first running train on the new layout. […]
Back on Track: Building benchwork and beginning stage of a helix, Episode 5
Even with a little help from a friend, host Gerry Leone still struggles with benchwork construction. But after setting joists straight and level, he jumps right into raising the grade along the helix. Discover a few new track tips and tricks along the way. […]
Back on Track: Helix construction prep work, Episode 4
With design issues behind him, Gerry begins building the components of a four-turn helix. Even though math is involved in this stage, our host is up to the task. And he’s clever enough to use and share a number of helpful resources that make the process easy to understand and follow. […]
Santa Fe Inspiration gallery volume 2
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. […]
Santa Fe Inspiration gallery volume 1
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 […]
Model Railroad Planning 2021
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Great Model Railroads 2021
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