Scale It Down: Ground covering for industrial outlots, Episode 7

Series host Steve Brown heads for the homestretch, as he works to complete the scenery on his down-sized (N scale) depiction of the Winston-Salem Southbound Railway. Follow the “Regular Guy” routine to learn simple ways for adding both fine and clump ground cover materials to the outlots of this industrial area.   […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Wiring a layout for DC power, Episode 8

David Popp holding a meter

After a quick update with Jenny to see how her Walther’s bungalow kit is coming along, David gets to work on electrical projects. Follow along, and you’ll see how he installed feeder wires and added a power bus line under the State Line Route N scale layout. […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Wiring a layout for DC power, Episode 8

David Popp holding a meter

After a quick update with Jenny to see how her Walther’s bungalow kit is coming along, David gets to work on electrical projects. Follow along, and you’ll see how he installed feeder wires and added a power bus line under the State Line Route N scale layout. […]

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CTT’s fall 2021 special: Toy train layouts for small spaces

the magazine cover next to a tablet showing the cover featuring toy train diesel train on a layout

The latest special issue from Classic Toy Trains! If you’re looking to build your first toy train layout, or maybe just something more manageable, Toy Train Layouts for Small Spaces has you covered! It’s full of plans for layouts under 100 square feet that will fit in a spare room, including island and around the […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Bridge installation and laying curved track, Episode 7

David Popp talking about laying curved track on an N scale layout

In this episode, David’s projects include repairing benchwork, installing a bridge, and laying curved track sections.  Tune in for David’s tips and techniques for making flowing, smooth curves with Micro Engineering Flex-Track. […]

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Len Smith’s O gauge layout

Track plan overview

Facts & features Name: Len Smith’s O gauge layout Dimensions: 24 x 27 feet Track and switches: Atlas O (diameters range from 54 to 99 inches) Motive power: Atlas O, Lionel, MTH Rolling stock: Atlas O, K-Line, Lionel, MTH, Weaver Controls: Lionel types KW and ZW, MTH no. Z-4000 (2) transformers with MTH Digital Command […]

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Bill Clark’s S gauge layout

Track plan overview

Facts & features Name: Bill Clark’s S gauge layout Dimensions: 9 x 20½ feet Track and switches: Gilbert American Flyer Motive power: American Models, Gilbert and Lionel American Flyer Rolling stock: American Models, Gilbert and Lionel American Flyer Controls: American Flyer nos. 12B (2), 30B (2) transformers with Lionel FlyerChief and Legacy command control Accessories: […]

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N scale Montgomery & Cole Subdivision

Track plan overview

Facts & features Name: Montgomery & Cole Subdivision Scale: N (1:160) Size: 10′-0″ x 10′-0″ Prototype: Great Northern, BNSF Ry., and CP Rail Locale: western Montana, eastern Washington Era: 1970s – ’80s Style: walk-in Mainline run: 78 feet Minimum radius: 9″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum grade: 3.5 percent Benchwork: open grid Height: 441⁄2″ Roadbed: […]

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The Eastport Branch in HO

Track plan overview

Facts & features Name: The Eastport Branch Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 15 x 20 feet Prototype: freelanced, representing various New England railroads Locale: New England Era: steam-to-diesel transition era to second-generation diesel Style: around the walls Mainline run: 70 feet Minimum radius: 26″ Maximum grade: 2 percent Benchwork: L-girder on cabinet tops and wall brackets […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Laying down track, Episode 6

David Popp standing next to the State Line model railroadholding up an N scale turnout

After sanding the cork roadbed, David is ready to lay track on the State Line Route N scale layout. His tip: start with the most complex piece of track, which, in this case, is in the train yard! Plus, David checks in with Rene and Jenny to see how their structures for the layout are […]

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State Line Route in N scale: Laying down track, Episode 6

David Popp standing next to the State Line model railroadholding up an N scale turnout

After sanding the cork roadbed, David is ready to lay track on the State Line Route N scale layout. His tip: start with the most complex piece of track, which, in this case, is in the train yard! Plus, David checks in with Rene and Jenny to see how their structures for the layout are […]

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