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!
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.
Winter Scenes On A Model Railroad
Leon asks readers:
“Hi, would anyone have pictures, tips, ideas for winter scenes in model railroading? I’m in S scale but the scale is not important here.”
Add your comments.
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
N Scale LED Electronics
Bill has posed this question for readers:
I have some 3 volt LED street lights that were supplied with separate resistors. How do I wire these resistors to the lights?
Add your comment.
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?”
Add your comment/
Train Set Power Packs
John sent in this piece of advice to share:
In keeping with Robert Anderson’s Tip about power supplies, it’s time to examine the power that comes with train sets. The power packs that come with most model train sets are not the greatest, and should be considered along with buying locomotives or cars by themselves or in sets. The word “sets” does not include the way some manufacturers include three or more cars with different numbers in a single package, which are usually very good products.
Train sets are relatively inexpensive and are great for putting around a Christmas Tree, or for someone who is just starting out in The World’s Greatest Hobby. For the oval or circle of track that is usually provided, the Power Pack should work accordingly, but expanding the track into a regular railroad may provide difficulties. You get basically what you pay for, and the loco or pack is not up to expectations for making a large layout, but should give you years of good running around a Tree as packaged and put away carefully until next year. A word of caution though – spend a little more and get Nickel Silver track rather than steel track. It works and looks better under “normal” conditions.
As someone who loves running model trains the old way with a Power Pack, I’ve had great results with MRC. Even the less-expensive MRC packs (about $25-$30) work more than adequately for N, but for larger scales it is suggested to go to a more expensive pack with higher readings and more bennies attached to it.
N Gauge Spart Parts
Gil asks for your help:
“I have a Bachmann Plymoth Diesel Shunter and a Lifelike Engine (model unknown) which has trucks at either end with plastic gears inside. Both have worn gears as they are not meshing – where in the world can I buy spare parts or does one just throw them away? If that’s the case no more Bachmann or life like Engines.”
Comment below.
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