Structures
Fill out your layout with better buildings and scene components. Whether you need a sturdy bridge for your high mountain pass or a styrene high-rise for your downtown cityscape, these are essential techniques for creating more realistic structures on your layout.
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6:36Paper Print Building
Does your layout have some horizontal spaces that are too narrow to fit 3D buildings? Martin Tärnrot gives a tutorial on how to work with model railroad paper buildings to create depth in narrow spaces. Martin uses an area on his own layout where the rail line is very close to the backdrop, only two…
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16:17Scratch Building Tunnel Portals with Martin Tarnrot
In this video lesson, modeler Martin Tarnrot demonstrates how he scratch builds tunnel portals for model railroad layouts. Martin uses two inch thick styrofoam to create his portals. Thin styrofoam sheets are also a good alternative if you don’t want to cut the foam yourself. To cut the foam, he uses a styrofoam cutter he…
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6:26Creating Nighttime Model Railroad Lighting
Model railroad lighting is an important element of a layout and can help depict the movement from day to night during operation. In this video, learn some tips for enhancing your scenes with lighting featuring modeler Jim Eudaly. A lamppost is a great addition to nighttime model railroad lighting. To make a lamppost, start with…
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14:10Scratch Building Real Wood Loading Docks
National Model Railroad Association Master Model Railroader Gerry Leone notes that many plastic structure kits come with simulated wood loading docks, but it is difficult to make the plastic look like wood. In this video, Leone demonstrates how to scratch build a loading dock using real wood. First determine the size of the dock, docks…
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4:03Applying and Weathering Decals on a Structure
Decals have the ability to completely alter the look of a model structure or car. They’re a simple way to add detail to your layout and most are inexpensive. If you are looking to add decals to your model railroad layout, you may want to consider implementing some weathering techniques to make the decals look…
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6:27Weathering Track
NMRA Master Model Railroader Gerry Leone says, “Track is a model too, so it only makes sense to make your track look as good as your rolling stock, your locomotives and as your structures.” In this video, Gerry shares five easy techniques for weathering your track. Gerry provides a step-by-step tutorial for a few of…
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11:19Techniques for Adding Mortar Lines to your Model
Replicating realistic brick buildings may seem daunting due to the extremely unique characteristics of the structural material. Brick buildings have been around for centuries and have endured the test of time. Over the years, bricks begin to narrate history through deterioration, cracking, and erosion. With that in mind, it’s very important to detail model brick…
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5:44Detailing Brick Buildings
It takes extra time and care to make your model railroad layout stand out. Detailing makes a complete difference in the final outcome of your layouts appearance. Detailing can be meticulous, but it’s definitely worth the effort. To help you improve your layout, NMRA Master Model Railroader Gerry Leone offers a step-by-step tutorial on detailing…
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2:29Weathering Techniques Used on the Hoosac Valley Railroad
The Hoosac Valley Railroad was built in 1959 and is now several decades old yet is still an advanced example of fine modeling. Although the main track line has stayed fairly consistent, Dick Elwell is constantly thinking of ways to update the layout. He continues to incorporate new technology and new techniques into Hoosac Valley…
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