Lighting your garden railroad for nighttime running

Nighttime trackside scene with lit station

I’ve enjoyed some of the most peaceful times on my railroad after the sun has set. Most of us likely have a porch light we can turn on to offer some light in the back yard. If yours is anything like my light, it gives off enough light to make sure your dog does his […]

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Tunneling through tough times

The author designed her rear-of-the-railway tunnel for viewing from a glider on the front door stoop

Like a grade-school report, “What I did on my spring 2020 vacation,” this story is about optimism in the face of confusion and lack of resources. We had just started a new little garden railway loop in front of our house, but hidden from the street. Having built a gallery along the walkway, we next […]

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Scene and scale lighting options for your garden railroad

Solar powered lighting

Scene lighting allows you to shine a spotlight on your favorite railroad scenes. Again, the idea is to draw the viewer’s eye toward something you want to emphasize, like ridges, waterfalls, and pathways. You can be as creative as you want. You’ll want to hit the landscape lighting section at your local home improvement store. […]

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Pros and cons of solar lighting in the garden railway

Solar garden light in the dark

Solar lights are convenient and are available in a wide variety of styles. You just put them where you want them and you’re good to go. The sun charges the battery during the daylight hours, and the lights come on after dark. On a good charge, they may stay on all night, but they’re supposed […]

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Model Railroader’s Best of Scenery

Best of Scenery cover

  Also in this issue: Scenery from the experts, pg. 3 Introduction/by Carl Swanson TIPS AND BACKDROPS 17 tips to create authentic scenes, pg. 6 Use details selectively Paint effective backdrops, pg. 10 Great techniques for making your own clouds and landscapes Big sky, little trouble, pg. 14 An airless sprayer can make painting backdrops […]

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Inside Cody’s Office for July 2020, part 2

A new Athearn HO boxcar, Kato N scale diesel, and Scenery special issue highlight this episode of Cody’s Office. Group Technical Editor Cody Grivno will also give you tips for using Crafter’s Pick The Ultimate adhesive for attaching clear window glazing for a structure kit. Viewer mail topics this month include: the era of the […]

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Inside Cody’s Office for July 2020, part 2

A new Athearn HO boxcar, Kato N scale diesel, and Scenery special issue highlight this episode of Cody’s Office. Group Technical Editor Cody Grivno will also give you tips for using Crafter’s Pick The Ultimate adhesive for attaching clear window glazing for a structure kit. Viewer mail topics this month include: the era of the […]

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How-To Library: Spaces To Places II: Building Eagle Lake, Part 4 Finishing details

Gerry Leone

Details are what make any scene on a model railroad come alive! In the final installment of this mini-series, Gerry Leone works to add those to his streets, sidewalks, and storefronts of Eagle Lake. Watch to see how Gerry arranges components on the workbench, before they all come together on the layout. […]

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How-to Library: Working with cloth shell scenery

narrow gauge modeler Gregg Condo

Noted narrow gauge modeler Gregg Condon shares his easy approach to building model railroad scenery without using plaster. In this how-to video, Gregg demonstrates just how simple it is to combine carved foamboard, cloth shapes, and adhesive caulk to make realistic model railroad landforms. […]

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How-to Library: Working with cloth shell scenery

narrow gauge modeler Gregg Condo

Noted narrow gauge modeler Gregg Condon shares his easy approach to building model railroad scenery without using plaster. In this how-to video, Gregg demonstrates just how simple it is to combine carved foamboard, cloth shapes, and adhesive caulk to make realistic model railroad landforms. […]

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