Model painting and the associated tools are an essential part of our model railroad hobby.
In this class, your instructor Doug Hodgdon will show you the assortment of paints, solvents, stains, brushes, and other tools that he uses at his own workbench, and how they may fit into your creative process.
Doug’s idea is to get you, the modeler, to really enjoy experimenting with many different types of products available. And, in time, you’ll see that using a variety of materials and techniques adds a higher level of believability to your model railroad scene.
Follow along with Doug and try out model painting and tools for yourself. It’s fun and rewarding. Explore your creativity.
Meet your instructor Doug Hodgdon in this opening session, and get a bit of perspective on his modeling experience and the line-up for this class.
In this session, Doug gives you an overview on paints, including hardware paints, craft paints, artist paints, and model paints. Each product has its own particular use in our hobby. With so many choices, it’ll help you to understand the differences of each. Doug also likes to use hardware stains. You will see his favorites in this session.
Doug keeps a full range of solvents on hand for his assortment of paints and stains, and some can be toxic. Using care and small quantities in labeled mixing bottles are the way to go. Try this out for yourself.
Having a large variety of brushes within reach is a must as you work. In this session, Doug explains using inexpensive hardware or craft brushes for non-essential painting and artist quality brushes for critical work. Experimentation is key in our hobby.
An airbrush is probably one of the most versatile tools you can acquire for modeling use. You’ll see an inexpensive model for scenery and weathering work and a quality brush for model painting. Experimentation will provide the correct amount of thinning for the paint that you’re using.
A selection of small hand tools is important for cleaning up parts before you paint. You’ll see how Doug uses some key tools, including an air compressor and a spray booth with a hood and vent fan. Let your creativity flow!
Doug Hodgdon
Douglas Hodgdon joined the Model Railroad Academy in 2016 and has a passion for helping fellow railway enthusiasts pursue their love of trains. He received his first train set at just three years old, a Marx wind-up, which captivated his interest. Since then, Doug has maintained a fascination with model trains. His journey began as a teenager working at a hobby store, eventually evolving into a 50-year-long profession dedicated to constructing model railroads across various scales, from Z scale to 1 1/2" to the foot (1:8) scale. Doug specializes in S scale, specifically the Proto 64 variety, where he operates his Southern Pacific "Citrus District" layout, spanning 2' x 18' and utilizing a waybill system. Doug believes that model railroading, often referred to as "The World's Greatest Hobby," offers a fantastic avenue for learning, growth, and the creation of three-dimensional art. In his role as a host for the Model Railroad Academy, his aim is to inspire and unite fellow hobbyists.
Class Guide PDF
Download this Guide as a reminder of the key details you’ll see in the video instruction
Video: Meet Your Instruction
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, Doug Hodgdon.
Video: Antique Air Brushes
Listen to Doug talk about how some old-school models of air brushes.
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
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Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
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How do I contact Model Railroad Academy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at modelrailroadacademy@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-208-7399. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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