Scenery
Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
64 Unique Plans Now Available In The Residential Category
Terraced houses, suburban houses, city apartments… you name it, and you are likely to find the plan you are looking for in the RESIDENTIAL CATEGORY at https://www.modelbuildings.org/residential
There are plans based on a variety of residential styles from around the globe including USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. Each plan can be purchased separately, or in discounted special buy packs to download, print, and built to HO scale, OO (UK), and N scale.
The latest catalog (version 8.0) is also available for download for FREE here https://www.modelbuildings.org/catalog
Mixing OO, S, and HO Scale Scenery Elements
John posted this question:
“I have an S gauge 1:64 train/track layout. Can I mix and match various gauges such as OO, HO and S interchangeably in my scenery? There are more OO and HO gauge buildings to choose from in the market and to me, I do believe it is ok if it simply looks authentic … what are your thoughts? Thank You”
Making Barbed Wire
Roger kindly shared this tip for making barbed wire:
“I wanted a small section of barbed wire on a fence, so used some fishing line and tied knots in it. With a little trial and error, I cut the knots so that tiny bits stuck out to make the wire barbs. I test sprayed a length in silver and touched up some areas near the barbs with brown and rust-colored paint. There might be other ways to do it, but mine after weathering looks real and was cheap and easy to make.”
1:87 Scale Scratch Building Structures
Franklin asks:
“I going to have a go at scratch building my own houses and possibly other buildings for my 8 x 4 1:87 scale layout, but I don’t know how to calculate the sizes of walls, roofs, etc. Seems complicated. Can anyone help?”
How To Construct A Model Train Station Kiosk
This video tutorial runs for less than 4 minutes and demonstrates the construction of a scale model train station kiosk/newsstand. The model is made using cardboard and is one of two newsstand models available for download from the website. The models are downloaded in PDF format and can easier be sealed with a clear matt varnish spray of painted with clear matt Mod Podge after construction. This step is purely optional but does nicely seal the assembled model protecting it from dust.
You can view the full range of OO/HO, N scale models and download a free catalog here https://www.modelbuildings.org
How To Make This White House From Cardboard to OO, N, or HO Scale
Cardboard is recommended for the construction of N scale, OO, and HO scale models, however, foam board or corflute can be substituted on some of the side walls when building to OO or HO scale as is demonstrated in this video. Corflute and foamboard are generally too bulky for making N scale models.
You can see the full range of scale model houses and download your free catalog at https://www.modelbuildings.org
Tutorial – How To Build Wild Western Buildings From Paper, Card, Corflute and/or Foamboard – Making A Stagecoach Station 3-Minute Demonstration
Watch this 3-minute tutorial demonstrating how to build a stagecoach station. The model made in this demonstration is OO, but you can also make this stagecoach station (with telegraph office) to HO scale or N scale.
Download the stagecoach station plan at https://www.modelbuildings.org
Another HOW TO Video to Share – Building a Grain Elevator and Hopper Loading Shed
This short sped up 3-minute tutorial demonstrates how to build a Farmers Co-op pool elevator in OO scale. The same model can also be made to HO scale, or N scale although it will be easier using card instead of corflute if you are building to the smaller N scale sizing.
To download the plans for this tall grain elevator and hopper loading facility, simply select from the OO / HO, N scale size options at the checkout. https://www.modelbuildings.org/grain-elevator-farms-structures-train-models/
Making Your Own Bridges or Viaducts for Model Train Layouts
There are several ways to build bridges and viaducts for model train layouts. This tutorial walks you step by step through the building of a paper model bridge that was constructed from corflute and cardboard. Building bridges using this method has several advantages apart from being able to quickly download the plans to your computer saving on postage. The color paper plans are like photos so the model builder doesn’t need to be skilled at airbrushing to achieve an incredibly realistic effect. The plans even have life-like details like graffiti on the brickwork.
The plans can easily be adapted in many ways so, for example, tunnels can be made as single portals or double portals for two tracks. The tunnels can even be closed off thereby turning a tunnel into a sealed brick archway. The tunnel portals or arches can be constructed in different shapes and textures.
And, most importantly the bridge can easily be lengthened or made wider, to suit the individual layout. Just one set of plans needs to be purchased and if you make a mistake or want to extend the bridge length or width, it is a simple case of printing out another copy. This demonstration constructs the plan to OO scale, however, the bridge plans can be made to HO scale (87% of OO), or built to N scale.
To download these plans, simply select from the OO / HO, N scale size options at the checkout. https://www.modelbuildings.org/bridges-and-tunnels-pack-deal-c/
Printable Paper Models Made From Corflute, Cardboard, and/or Foam Board
Watch how to make this industrial backdrop building from foam board and cardboard. You can also use corflute. This demonstration makes the plan to OO scale, but the plans can also be constructed to HO scale (87% the size of OO), or to N scale. The buildings in this series are particularly tall and are designed for positioning against the backdrop on a railroad layout with model trains in the foreground.
If you would like to download these plans, simply select from the OO/HO, N scale options at the checkout. https://www.modelbuildings.org/tall-warehouses-pack-deal
HOUSE ON FIRE Tutorial – Watch Me Construct A Fire Damaged Burned Out House In HO Scale
This tutorial reveals how easy it is to construct a fire damaged scale model. The plans for this fire damaged house model can be constructed to HO scale, OO gauge, or N scale.
Download plans for a burned-out background building and backdrop fire station https://www.modelbuildings.org/city-series/
Download plans for the fire-damaged house model, a fire department building, ambulance station, and police station https://www.modelbuildings.org/fire-department-ambulance-police-station-models/
Which Materials Are Best For Making Roads?
Norman asks:
“I haven’t had much success in making roads. I have tried Plaster of Paris and board but neither looks convincing. What materials are best?”
Add your comments to assist Norman.
Equipment At Work – Sent In By Patrick
Patrick was impressed with this busy scene he snapped at the National Model Train Show in Kansas City back in 2018. Looks like a big magnet attached to that crane. Hopefully, we will get back to the good old days of visiting train shows sometime next year.
Easy To Extend Backdrop Industrial Buildings
Here are plans for some background industries you can easily adapt and/or extend.
Confused With Airbrush Types
Kel posted this question:
“I want to start learning to airbrush and was all set to buy a boxed set with jars. Then I found out there are single action and double action types. Now I’m confused about what to buy. Input wanted if someone knows?”
Small Town Ideas
Peter Field from South Africa has kindly offered this follow-up to Keith’s question on planning a small town rural layout.
Peter writes:
“Before I started my present layout I roughly drew up a layout as I stay in a city and we have a historic village some 15kms from I opted to go for the rural scene made a small village with small shops etc and church of course. I also opted for three small businesses/factories and settled for a Furniture factory, a Car maintenance plant, a water house, and a scrap dealer. I made up two farms; one a maize farm, the other a general farm.
My layout is 5.5m x 1.5m wide big enough for me to control. Good Luck. Here are two pictures of the farm and village.”
Thanks for sharing the photos Peter.
Using Cheap Cork Roadbed
Many rail modelers use cork for their road bed because it is cuts and shapes easily, is lightweight, has a consistent thickness, provides good sound absorption, and is cheap to buy.
One option is to buy self-adhesive cork roadbed strips or squares. Another option is to buy Roll Cork, which is available at Walmart, Home Depot, Amazon, and most hardware stores. It typically comes in widths 3ft or 4ft by 3/16″ or 1/4″ thick, and the price varies from about $5/foot.
A sharp craft hobby knife can be used to cut straight edges across the width to slice off strips of cork to the width you want. So, for example, you could cut off one-piece 3/4″ wide which, depending on your scale, might equate roughly to the width of the ties. If you are methodical with your measuring and cutting, you can maximize the number of strips you can cut from the roll of cork, hence making your money go further. Carpenters glue (white or yellow) can be mixed with water and alcohol to glue the cork in place.
If the cork doesn’t extend past the ties, this can allow for a more natural slope for the ballast… if that is the look you want. Be aware that not having the cork separated in two pieces with one laid on each side of the centerline of the tracks can be a little more difficult to position perfectly centered. However, using your craft knife, you can go back and trim away any excess cork to make it flush with the ends of the ties.
You could, if you wanted to, slice the cork pieces to 3/8″ wide so you can tack one piece to each side the centerline of the tracks. Your track will be ready for painting and ballasting.
Obviously, the more strips you can cut from your cork roll, the cheaper the job becomes. You might average around 14 or even 16 strips (3/4-inch wide) from a 12-inch wide piece.
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