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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2:29The 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… Read more »
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4:52
Dick worked for a phone company for many years, so it’s no wonder why his model railroad wiring is so precise and neat. He paid special attention to the utility poles on the Hoosac Valley model railroad and developed fine skills when it comes to making them. Scratchbuilding Utility Poles In the conclusion of the… Read more »
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4:39
Each store bought model structure kit requires planning, assembly, painting and detailing. For an impressive model railroad display, the goal is to transform the kit to appear as realistic as possible. To avoid the plastic sheen, you can’t simply take it straight out of the box and place it on your layout as is. There… Read more »
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3:38
If you are interested in creating a model train layout set in the coal mines, you’ll quickly learn how complex coal mining operations can be. Fortunately, Jim Hertzog has done the necessary research and wants to share his knowledge. There is much to learn from his experience and dedication to the model railroad hobby. In… Read more »
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5:35
George Sellios is creator and owner of Fine Scale Miniature Kits, a company dedicated to selling quality wooden structure kits for model railroads. At one point in his career he was producing 700-800 kits a year. The meticulous craftsman is known for creating kits with careful detailing, but what ultimately sets his kits aside from… Read more »
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5:35
Model railroad buildings allow for diverse designs similar to real life structures. A mixture of building exteriors brings variety to a model railroad layout. A perfect example of this is found in the Franklin & South Manchester layout. George Sellios incorporates a combination of brick, wood and corrugated metal structures in his display. He has… Read more »
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Enhancing the quality of your model railroad layout doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there are various common household items that can transform the overall look of your design. NMRA Master Model Railroader Gerry Leone shares four of his favorite model railroad tips that require few resources but ultimately produce significant upgrades to… Read more »
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5:10
There is a certain realism and charm in certain kits that can make your railroad more unique and visually interesting. The build runs for wooden kits tend to be a bit smaller than plastic kits, so the manufacturers have the flexibility to model specific model railroad structures. See how the detail on modern laser cutting… Read more »
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5:45
George’s passion for model railroading pushed him to become the expert modeler he is today. George Sellios has been operating Fine Scale Miniatures since May of 1967. Find out how many Kits George has made for his model railroading layouts and what he does to make sure his kits fit. George talks about how Paul… Read more »
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