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!
Tips Using Water-Based Model Paints
There are various brands of acrylic model paints including Testor, Tamiya, Polly Scale, and Accu-Flex and they are easy to use, and clean up afterwards. The other benefits are that they work well in an airbrush, they dry quickly, and stick well to most surfaces. The main downside with acrylic model paints is you need to be careful with traces of oil from your fingers or from lubricants as that can repel the paint. After all, oil and water don’t mix. To avoid this, properly clean your plastic model with water and detergent before applying the paint. A toothbrush can remove dust and oil from recessed detail areas.
Paint flow can also be a problem in some situations. The trick is to add a wetting agent to the acrylic paint when diluting it. Add a couple of drops of dish-wash detergent in a pint of water.
POLL RESULTS – What do you prefer to use to do switch work on your (or someone else’s) layout?
Here are the results of last weeks poll which asked: What do you prefer to use to do switch work on your (or someone else’s) layout?
>> 4 – axle switcher (42%, 147 Votes)
>> Steam Loco (33%, 117 Votes)
>> 4 – axle road unit (18%, 63 Votes)
>> 6 – axle road unit (4%, 14 Votes)
>> I don’t operate model trains (3%, 13 Votes)
Total Voters: 354
Constructing A Scale Model Church For A Model Railroad Layout
I’m sure you’ll agree that this scale model church looks very authentic and would fit nicely on most model railroads if the scene allows for it. Of course not every model railroad has a town, but most do. Watch this short video to see how it take shape from start to finish.It can be constructed in OO scale, in HO scale, or in N scale, or Z scale.
Have a go constructing this model church and send in a photo to have it published on the blog.
The plans can be downloaded from http://www.modelbuildings.org/church-B423.html
How To Find Industries To Model?
If you are looking for industries to model, chances are that you already have a railway route map in mind or you are just randomly doing this. It doesn’t matter what your plans are, the best way to find industries to model is using Google Map to locate the locations and get an aerial view of the railway layout in the area so that you can create the place as it is. Google maps will give you a 3D impression and better understanding on the depth of field, which is essential in creating models. The second step is to get some photographs online to closely inspect every detail of the industry and recreate it with ideal materials.
Constructing Model Railway Scenery Made Simple
Brian Miller’s Model Railroad Scenery Construction Techniques e book is well worth a read if you are building a model train layout. He covers all the basics from applying ground cover, constructing rocks and cliffs, bench-work construction, to making streets and sidewalks, creating rivers and pond etc. Brian has a great grasp of the topic and his experience shines through.
His ebook is available now from http://www.modelrailwayscenery.org/model-railroad-scenery.html
Building an Engine Shed Workshop for your Locomotives
Many model railroad layouts feature a marshaling yard, mainline and branch line, maybe a harbor (with train ferry) and perhaps a town, an industry or two and some countryside or a river and mountains. The possibilities are endless. However, one thing most model railroads have in common is at least one or more engine sheds for locomotive storage and maintenance. This quick video shows a simple, inexpensive way to build an engine shed for your model trains. I comes in a concrete finish or a metal sheet finish. The http://www.modelbuildings.org/Engine-Shed-Workshop-B436.html website also has another engine shed design to choose from if you want to add more than one to your layout.
Spares for Bachmann and Lifelike Engines
Gil asks readers:
“Where in the wonderful world of model trains can I find spare parts for Bachmann and Lifelike engines. I have two good engines but the Nylon Wheels that mesh with the worm gear and work are worn and won’t drive the wheels – Help!!”
Rail Bridge Supports
Steve asks readers this question:
“I am building a new N scale layout and want to include new york city like subway system, one that goes above and below ground . I have it all worked out except for realistic looking support for the elevated section. I have seen decal rivets to be added but no supports for the track in N scale. I have seen it in HO scale but not N scale. Does anyone have a suggestion as it is holding me up at this point, please help?”
Add your suggestions to help Steve.
Tips for Creating Background Scenery
Background scenery enhances a model railroad. It’s better to leave it for the end because it’s easier to visualize the picture once all the 3d structures and models have been put up. Although, in saying that, you will need easy access to work on the background. You may choose to draw anything on the backdrop but a few points should be followed in all cases.
>>> The horizon line should be painted low to give a more natural effect.
>>> Paint the background images first and then put in the foreground details. This gives a 3d effect.
>>> Objects which are closer should be drawn larger.
>>> If the backdrop is close to the trains, add details. If it’s far, keep the image blurry and smudged.
Building A Scale Model Barn With Grain Silo
This realistic looking barn with grain silo can be built in HO scale, OO scale, N scale, or in fact to any scale your want. These models look very authentic with much of the clever weathering techniques already done (although you can still add your own). They are a lot of fun to build and you can make as many as you want (for your own use) after downloading the plan. Have a go – you’ll enjoy making this barn and grain silo.
Click here to download this model railroad building plan.
Poll Results: What is your favorite railroad hobby activity?
Here are the results of the last reader poll with a response from 537 readers:
The question was – What is your favorite railroad hobby activity?
Results were:
- Working on a layout (52%, 281 Votes)
- Operating model trains (29%, 155 Votes)
- Watch train operations (6%, 32 Votes)
- Planning a layout (6%, 31 Votes)
- Historical research (3%, 14 Votes)
- Collect railroading artifacts (2%, 12 Votes)
- Meet and discuss railroading with others (1%, 6 Votes)
- Collect railroad photos etc. (1%, 6 Votes)
Total Voters: 537
HO Car Hitches and Remote Hitching
Lang wants to hear what others think and asks:
“I am just restarting my interest and activity working with an HO layout. In the process I will need to purchase new locos and/or cars and I am just a neophyte in every respect. My question is – What are the names of the top end hitches and what are the advantages of one version over another? I will be considering some form of remote hitching an un-hitching. Will appreciate any help.”
Add your comment
OO Couplers NEM Socket
Eric has a question you might like to answer:
“Has anybody found a good way of fitting Kadee couplers to the usual dovetail NEM socket that Hornby, Bachman, etc use? The swallowtail box is easy (usually!) but the dovetail seems to require butchering the chassis.”
HO Decals on Walthers Cornerstone Building
Ed wants advice from others in the hobby and asks:
“I have been trying to decal a concrete ice House, Walthers Cornerstone, Building. I have used decal set, micro sol and still cannot get the decal to lay flat over the building detail. Am I asking too much for it to lay down on the raised concrete seam? Or did I do something wrong or didn’t do something.”
HO Code 100 Mixing Rails
Lou needs advice from others in the hobby and asks:
“I am just starting back into HO and have been buying my track from Ebay. I want to start my layout right away. Is there a problem with mixing Brass and Nickel silver track? I will eventually use all nickel silver. Thank you.”
Add your comment
Shunter Problems
John has a question for readers:
“I have the Hornby 08 shunter (OO) with sound EWSwith sound, when I run it with the sound on it keeps on stopping then starts back up then just repeats itself, but if I run it with out the sound it is okay. Does anyone have any ideas as what to do pleas?”
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