Rehab My Railroad: A study in structure construction, Episode 12

The full Rehab crew is on hand to help push progress on the Jones Island HO scale layout section a bit further along. Join David, Cody, Eric, and Ben, as they walk through what they’re working hard to complete on their respective structure and trackwork projects. […]

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Rehab My Railroad: A study in structure construction, Episode 12

The full Rehab crew is on hand to help push progress on the Jones Island HO scale layout section a bit further along. Join David, Cody, Eric, and Ben, as they walk through what they’re working hard to complete on their respective structure and trackwork projects. […]

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Kitbash a large-scale gazebo for your garden

Large-scale gazebo with two female figures next to it.

DIY garden train gazebo While shopping at a local thrift store, I spotted an aluminum tea light candle holder. The shape and size approximated a large-scale gazebo. With minor modifications and spray paint, it would make a weatherproof and inexpensive display piece in the railroad. I added a miniature hanging basket plant, made from a […]

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Kitbashing a yard office – the finishing steps, Episode 45

Cody Grivno standing at the sink in the MR workshop holding an unpainted model structure in his hands.

To complete the work on his HO scale trackside structure, Cody shares how he primed and painted the assembly. After allowing the finish to dry, he also shows the process for adding details and weathering effects that give the styrene kitbashing project an authentic appearance.     […]

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Kitbashing a yard office – the finishing steps, Episode 45

Cody Grivno standing at the sink in the MR workshop holding an unpainted model structure in his hands.

To complete the work on his HO scale trackside structure, Cody shares how he primed and painted the assembly. After allowing the finish to dry, he also shows the process for adding details and weathering effects that give the styrene kitbashing project an authentic appearance.     […]

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Kitbashing a yard office, Episode 44

Cody Grivno sitting at his workbench in the opening shot of Cody's Workshop Episode 44

In this episode of Cody’s Workshop, our host has returned with a clear focus on custom-building a small trackside structure for Model Railroader magazine’s MR&T HO scale layout – The Jones Island project. Cody tackles the effort by combining three of the same styrene kits into one unique yard building. Examine his planning, prep, and […]

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Kitbashing a yard office, Episode 44

Cody Grivno sitting at his workbench in the opening shot of Cody's Workshop Episode 44

In this episode of Cody’s Workshop, our host has returned with a clear focus on custom-building a small trackside structure for Model Railroader magazine’s MR&T HO scale layout – The Jones Island project. Cody tackles the effort by combining three of the same styrene kits into one unique yard building. Examine his planning, prep, and […]

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Lionel No. 97 Remote Control Coal Elevator

Roger Carp with Lionel No. 97 coal elevator

Professor Roger Carp discusses the origin and evolution of the vintage Lionel Trains motor-driven coal conveyor accessory. CTT Editor Hal Miller also chimes in with operating insights and helpful tips. Learn even more about this unsung classic in the May 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains magazine. […]

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Lionel No. 97 Remote Control Coal Elevator

Roger Carp with Lionel No. 97 coal elevator

Professor Roger Carp discusses the origin and evolution of the vintage Lionel Trains motor-driven coal conveyor accessory. CTT Editor Hal Miller also chimes in with operating insights and helpful tips. Learn even more about this unsung classic in the May 2021 issue of Classic Toy Trains magazine. […]

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Build a large-scale fueling facility in a small space

Closeup of model diesel fueling facility at work

I have a crossing where trains automatically stop and thought it would be nice to add a diesel fueling facility there, but I have a very limited space. First, I attached a walkway and tank/equipment pad using tile scraps to the main station pad with Plumbers Goop, and brass strips to keep everything in alignment. […]

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