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| Building Your Model Railroad is Proudly Listed On: The Recreation and Hobby Directory A Wealth of Hobby Resources |
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New and Updated Pages...
Jan 7, 2012
Model Railroad Stories
We all have model railroad stories we could tell - some funny, some not-so-funny, but maybe educational. If you have a story to tell about your model railroad experience, let us know about it here.
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Dec 5, 2011
Technique for Painting Locomotives and/or Rolling Stock, from John Staehle
Try this technique for painting locomotives or rolling stock:
1. First, using a green scouring pad, lightly scratch the surface of the model you wish to paint, this roughs up the surface without damaging details. (I use this for all my models.)
2. Using an airbrush acrylic paint mix that is thinned with Blue tint windshield wiper fluid will assure a fine looking finish. Mix to about 60% thinner/40% acrylic paint.
3. Airbrush the model with thin layers of paint at about 25psi and let each layer dry. The alcohol in the wiper fluid will cause the paint to dry almost as fast as you apply it. This is what you want to have happen. Eliminating streaking and runny paint will have the desired results with practice.
4. The final step for setting and hardening of the paint can be done with a hand held hairdryer set on LOW heat. Gently go back and forth over the entire model with the hairdryer as this acts like a the poor man's paint drying booth.
5. A note about acrylic craft paints: Although some readers might want to use pre-mixed hobby paints, the paints I am referring to are found in the craft section of many hobby related stores. With color charts to refer to, one can replicate RR colors as well as military colors as in my case. Acrylic craft paints were first used in ceramics and wood projects and I found them to work on all styrene plastics as well. I would suggest that one purchase several colors and try them as I described. Thinned with water, black makes a great base for weathering. They all mix with various other acrylic based products to make really great scenery as well.
Have fun!
John
Dec 1, 2011
A new beginning
A new start with photos to share within the new hobby barn. The great thing about starting over is that one can rebuild with what you have as I am in stages
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Nov 17, 2011
I Couldn't Have Said It Better Myself!
Michael Buzzeo wrote in this comment:
"This is the most user-friendly, informative site on model railroading I have ever seen. It offers clear, concise and to-the-point instructions of the hobby. Once you stop here, there will be no reason to go anywhere else!!!"
[Thanks, Mike. I really appreciate it!-GJW] See more comments here!
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Nov 17, 2011
Looking for a job?
Our company provides awards for a Locomotive Manufacturer. We need a person that we can send HO scale locomotives to and have the railings and small parts put on and ship back to us. We don't make a lot - maybe 40 to 50 per year. We usually do in lots of 2 to 5 at a time. The person that currently does these for us is "retiring" and he tells us it takes about an hour. He mounts the train to a plaque, drills it and glues railings or little parts. They are mostly put together. We are located in Erie PA.
If you are interested or know of someone interested, send an email to me, (Rob Hess) at rhess@paragonprintsystems.com
Nov 17, 2011
New Tips
I discovered a few helpful tips, I would like to pass on. So, here we go!
If you are tired of using the various colors of masking tape for drapes/curtains, you might like to try the white self-adhesive wallboard tape. It has threads that run N,S,E, and W. It does adhere well to the plastic parts and I think it does look very realistic.
The next tip deals with making scale hay for hay bales. Do try the home coffee grinder to grind up the pieces of hay from the animal/pet supply house. Just cut your scale hay bales from wood, paint them yellow, and glue the ground up pieces of hay to the bale.
And the last tip deals with the purchase and/or ordering on line the battery operated LED lights that the stores are now selling for the holidays. For example, the Home Depot is selling some sets under the Martha Stewart Living Line of products. These sets have 36 mini lights on a 9 foot ultra slim wire. Operates on three AA batteries and has three settings-steady-flashing-phasing(on for six hours-off for 18 hours). The price is around $8.00 and comes in two colors-white&red.
-Submitted by Arnold Davis
Oct 2, 2011
Small N Scale Train Layout
Step-by-step creation of a small N Scale model train layout - A great way to get started, or if you just want to take a break from the big layout.
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Sep 22, 2011
Track Cleaning with a Pencil!
Hi All,
I read an article about track cleaning on the internet the other day, not sure where abouts. The article stated that using Graphite (Pencil) rubbed on the rails will promote better electrical pickup.
I rubbed a Pencil all over my railroad (N Scale). My trains run 100% better!!! It really works. I can now run my trains so slowly that a train takes 45 - 50 minutes, to go from my lower staging yard on the lower deck to my Staging loops on the 4th upper deck, with no jerky running it's just smooth running all the way.
I model the Rio Grande so my grades are close to 2.5% over most of the railroad so electrical contact is a must.
Currently I'm using DC but hope to convert to DCC, the same should apply to DCC Layouts as well.
Cheers,
Rio Grande Steve
Sep 17, 2011
Modular Benchwork
In regards to benchwork, I have built my layout in modular sections 2 x 8, 3 x 8, 3 x 6 and 3 x 6 feet. construction is 1/2 inch plywood screwed and glued to 1" X 3". I used steel studs to form 45 degree wall mounted brackets that I bolted to the walls every 4 feet. I set my modules on top of the brackets and bolted them together to form a U layout. I do not bolt the modules to the steel stud brackets. By doing this the modules can expand and contract as it needs too, just like a laminate floor. This avoids the buckling of the layout due to temperature and humidity changes. By building my layout in modules I can turn the module on its' side, clamp it to two saw-horses and do the wiring from a comfortable standing position. -Gordon Wahay
Sep 17, 2011
Reversing Track Tutorial from Azatrax
Great to see your wonderful website continue to expand. We appreciate the links you have to our site for train detectors and crossing signals.
We've recently added a tutorial on reversing tracks to our site, and have systems for sale to automate reversing tracks on DC as well as DCC and AC layouts.-John Parsons
Sep 17, 2011
Making Hay Bales, Ballast, Coal and Ground Cover
I think I have found two new uses for the blender and/or home coffee grinder. I have obtained have loose hay from our Farm Supply House and placed a small quantity at a time in the grinder for HO and G scale hay bales.Then, its a matter of cutting the square pieces of scale lumber, painting each piece yellow, and gluing the hay. Now, for the second use. Grinding some aquarium gravel for ballast, coal, and ground cover. I purchased some yesterday for $1.00 a pound. Yes, the gravel does come in many colors.-Arnold Davis
Sep 4, 2011
Railroad Industry News
A newly relaunched site that will provide you with current prototypical railroad information. It may be helpful in designing and planning your own model railroad.
Jul 28, 2011
Horace and William Creek Railroad
Photos from Dave Coble's Horace and William Creek Railroad.
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Jul 27, 2011
Trees Made with Juniper Snips and Balsa Trunks
I use balsa wood carved to the shape of a conifer trunk, then score the trunk liberally with my razor saw to simulate bark. After this step I will then
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Jun 18, 2011
Garden Trains
Garden trains are a great way to involve your family in model railroading.
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Jun 4, 2011
OO Scale
What is OO Scale?
1:74 scale (OO) is popular in Britain and is used less so in North America. There are a distinct and growing group of followers, however, many of whom belong to the British Railway Modellers of North America (BRMNA).
Most British manufacturers make locomotives and rolling stock that will run on HO track (16.5mm gauge, 1:87 scale), although a few stick to the 18.83mm gauge, which is correct for true OO or 1:74 scale and which won't run on HO track without modification. You can choose which you would like to use, but equipment choices in North America might be more limited if you choose the 18.83mm gauge.
There are several distributors in North America that sell OO scale and of course many more in England.
You might want to consider using OO if you would like to run trains that are a little larger than HO, but not as big as S scale, or if you like to model trains running through the pleasant scenery of the English countryside.
You can get much more information about this scale and the model railroaders who use it by following the link to the BRMNA.
To see more about how OO scale compares with others, see the following updated post about model train scales...
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Jun 2, 2011
Create A Website: Getting Started
If you would like to know more about how to create a website like the one you're looking at now, this page will help you get started.
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Jun 2, 2011
My model Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
I am proud of the fact that the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is not only a means of transport but also a way of life of the
Permalink -- click for full blog post "My model Darjeeling Himalayan Railway."
Jun 1, 2011
A "Hybrid" Structure
I was in the process of looking for interesting rail yard buildings to add to the collection, and at the same time I have been practicing my skills with
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Jun 1, 2011
Model Train Layout and Your Children
Engaging your children in building a model train layout can teach them some basic skills, enhance their imaginations and creativity, and bring your family together.
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May 21, 2011
Send in Your Photos!
We need more model train pics and layout photos to display on our Gallery pages! If you have a great scene on your layout, we would love to see it. Take a picture and send it in as an attachment to photos@building-your-model-railroad.com.
Don't forget to include your name and general location. Also write a few words to tell us about the photo(s) if you would like to have that included.
This is a great way to show other modelers what you've been up to. It's also very inspirational for modelers to see what others are doing.
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May 20, 2011
Copper Trees
I like to get various electrical wires, strip them down to the copper and twist them into shapes - the thicker gauges forming the trunk and finer and finer
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May 15, 2011
Laser Cutting Service
Many model railroaders like to design their own buildings on computer and then use a laser cutting service to create the parts according to their specifications. Here's how it works.
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Mar 22, 2011
Trolley Layout
Building a trolley layout is another facet of this wonderful hobby that can provide loads of enjoyment for the young and old alike. Here's how to get started.
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Mar 18, 2011
Model Railroad Links
Use this page to add one or more of your own model railroad links to this site.
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Mar 12, 2011
Basic Electronics
A brief tutorial on basic electronics that every model railroader should know.
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Jan 23, 2011
Kids and Model Trains
Comment from Russ:
I'm getting concerned about what's looking to me to be declining numbers of kids getting into this great hobby. Too many of 'em are all wrapped up in phones, tv, video games, etc. and don't know how to build something! Some of my favorite memories as a kid are when my Dad and I built my first model train layout. We even built hills and tunnels the old fashioned way, with screen, flour & water paste, and newspaper! I sure wish I could do more to encourage more kids and their parents to try it out. I don't have a layout right now, but am trying to work out where to put a garden train in my yard. Someday. Thanks for listening.
Russ' website: http://www.modeltrainguidereview.com
Jan 16, 2011
Newsletter! Next Issue on February 1
Due to popular demand, we're starting up the newsletter again! Lots of new tips and tricks to improve your model railroading experience. Don't miss it! Sign up by clicking on the link below...
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Jan 8, 2011
Ground Cover 1: Ground Goop
Ground Cover 1: Using a layer of "ground goop" on the surface of the model railroad scenery base is a great way to add texture and color before adding the turf, etc. Here's how to make it.
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Jan 1, 2011
Retaining Walls for Your Train Layout
How to make retaining walls for your model railroad layout
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Dec 31, 2010
Rural Church Diorama
After planning the scene, I gathered all my materials, which I had purchased (HO scale church,tombstones,scenery materials, adhesives, etc.) at hobby shops,
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Dec 17, 2010
Model Train Benchwork for the BR&S
My model railroad benchwork history and construction shows one example of how it can be done and what to keep in mind while you're building it.
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Dec 16, 2010
Model Railroad Backdrop for the BR&S
The model railroad backdrop for the BR&S is fairly simple using extruded foam sheeting.
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Dec 12, 2010
Northlandz
Northlandz is the epitome of model railroading on a grand scale. Words like awesome and amazing don't really do it justice. Neither do the pictures. It's like the Grand Canyon. You have to see it.
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Dec 7, 2010
NYC Garden Railroad
The garden railroad on display for the 2010 Holiday Season at the NYC Botanical Garden is timeless and inspirational to say the least. Check out the photos on this page.
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Dec 7, 2010
Winter Diorama - Step by Step
Learn how to create a winter diorama -step by step. Follow along as I demonstrate how I did one.
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Nov 26, 2010
The Chesapeake Bay and Western Railroad
The Chesapeake Bay and Western Model Railroad is one of the largest HO scale train layouts in Virginia. Its colorful history and a gallery of photos are shown here.
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Nov 9, 2010
Spanish Moss Trees
I like to use Spanish moss of many colors to make my trees. You can use it right out of the bag by pulling the moss apart and cutting it to size so that
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Nov 2, 2010
Chesapeake and Ohio Railway
The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway was one of the strongest and most colorful railroads in American history.
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Oct 30, 2010
Make a Winter Scene!
This is the time of year when many of us start thinking about snow. The first snow of the season is usually the most beautiful and awe-inspiring. You might even get the urge to model a winter scene for your layout.
There are some model railroaders who like to show all four seasons on their layouts, starting with spring on one end and ending with winter on the other. Another idea is to use late fall for the lower elevations and winter for the mountainous scenes.
If a winter scene would not be appropriate for your particular layout, that's okay. You still may want to have fun creating a small diorama of a winter scene with or without Christmas decorations to display in your living room around the Holidays! Imagine a real Burl Ives type of scene in 3D with operating lights, etc.
Before you get started, you may want to get some tips on how to do a great snow scene from the following page on this site...
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Oct 2, 2010
Pennsylvania Railroad
The Pennsylvania Railroad was one of the greatest railroads in history and continues to be an inspiration for model railroaders everywhere.
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Sep 15, 2010
Norfolk and Western Railroad
The Norfolk and Western Railroad spanned over almost 150 years and incorporated over 200 mergers during its time. The modeling potential is virtually unlimited.
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Sep 12, 2010
Railroad History
Railroad history is an important part of model railroading that helps inspire us to do what we do. It also provides a reference for us whether we freelance or model the prototype.
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Sep 12, 2010
The Virginian Railway
The Virginian Railway is an historically interesting railroad that has been an inspiration to many model railroaders over the years.
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Sep 9, 2010
Seaboard Railroad Station
This restored railroad station in Suffolk is now a museum containing a large 2-room model railroad accurately depicting the area and the time when the station was at its peak.
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Aug 29, 2010
Layout Wiring Management
How do you manage all that layout wiring for your model railroad? Here's how I did it for the Blue Ridge and Southern.
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Aug 5, 2010
old rail road magazines for sale
hi, I have a lot of very, very old rail road magazines and railroad related items for sale. See the following link to CraigsList for more info and contact
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Jul 31, 2010
Grades and Clearances
Planning for proper grades and clearances prior to laying track is critical to avoiding disappointment later.
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Jul 4, 2010
Model Train Builder
You may wish to check out a new website complementing this one about building model railroad layouts. It contains additional information, including mathematics and geometrics about track planning, turnouts, grades and elevation, benchwork and more...
