The Wild West in a 5 x 9-foot space

CTT-J1006-APLAN

Layout designer: Kent Johnson Scale: O Layout size: 5 x 9 feet Track type: Lionel FasTrack Minimum curve: O-36 Originally appeared in the October 2006 issue of Classic Toy Trains. Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan. Track plan Schematic Parts list […]

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Red Rock Green River

Red Rock Green River

Name: Red Rock Green River Layout designer: Bill Iwan Scale: On21⁄2 (1:48, 30″ gauge) Size: 10 x 20 feet Theme: Freelanced Denver & Rio Grande Western and Rio Grande Southern Locale: New Mexico and Colorado Era: 1940s Style: walk-in Mainline run: 80 feet Minimum radius: 28″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum grade: 0.95 percent Originally […]

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Basic Training: How to install feeder wires

Hand adding feeder wire to piece of track

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Good electrical connections are key to a smooth running model railroad, and one way to help achieve this is with feeder wires. In this basic training video you’ll learn how to attach feeder wires to the rails of model railroad track. […]

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Selective compression techniques for large-scale structures

Selective compression techniques for large-scale structures

In the April 2011 issue, Kevin Strong describes how to create purpose for your garden railway. He suggests using a technique for structures called “selective compression.” Download this related article by Jack Verducci, who describes how to use this technique. […]

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Miniaturizing trees using bonsai techniques

tree on garden railway with house in the distance

 Bonsai is an ancient horticultural practice that has been developed into an art form. Years can be spent studying and perfecting it. I doubt there are many garden railroaders with the time or inclination to get into true bonsai culture. Fortunately, there are some shortcut (and likely unorthodox) methods to make miniature trees with less […]

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Soo Line

Soo-Line

Track plan at a glance Name: Soo Line Scale: HO (1:87) Size: 14 x 34 feet Theme: Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie (Soo Line) granger railroad Era: 1954 Style: portable oval Minimum radius: 48″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 yards, no. 8 main line Maximum grade: 1 percent Originally appeared in the April 1998 […]

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Ashland & Southern

Ashland & Southern

N ame: Ashland & Southern Layout designer: Terry Thompson, publisher Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 4 x 8 feet Prototype: freelance Locale: north-central Ohio Era: 1950s to present day Mainline run: 14 feet Minimum radius: 18″ Minimum turnout: Atlas 18″ radius Snap Switch Maximum grade: 2.5 percent Click on the link to download the PDF of […]

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