Track
You spent all that time adding detailed structures and beautiful scenery to your layout, so why not build a track to match? We’ll help you do that with these step-by-step lessons on designing, constructing and maintaining realistic model railroad tracks.
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30:36There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing track for your model railroad. Code 55 or 40 is appropriate for N scale mainline but unfortunately turnouts aren’t widely distributed for either. In this case, factory made track is not always available making hand laid turnouts the only solution for building this particular scale…. Read more »
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2:51
For master modeler and kit builder George Sellios, there’s no big secret or unorthodox technique necessary for creating a realistic scene, it’s all about keeping things simple while adding as much detail as possible. In this segment, host Allen Keller sits down with George Sellios to find out what model railroad scenery techniques he uses… Read more »
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11:10
Track plans evolve over the lifetime of a layout, and often we’re faced with expanding a scene and we need to add model railroad turnouts to our existing model train layout design. As we learn from NMRA Master Model Railroader, Gerry Leone, it’s not that difficult and, in fact, can be relatively easy. How to… Read more »
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3:13
Model railroaders have various methods for creating a model train base for scenery. Stony Creek & Western’s Gil Freitag shares his easy tried-and-true method using sand with Model Railroad Academy’s Allen Keller. In Part 4 of his behind the scenes tour of the SC&W, Gil demonstrates how he was able to create so much mountain-like… Read more »
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4:32
Most model railroaders’ first layouts utilize sectional track of fixed curves and straight pieces. While convenient and easy to install, sectional track is limiting in variety and realism. In this video, learn how laying flex track is easy to do and can take your layout to a whole new level of realistic and reliable track… Read more »
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3:53
While it’s not uncommon to see model railroad crossings or diamonds designed into a layout, it’s rare to see them modeled as anything other than just a neat scenic element due to space limitations. But, as we see in Part Six of Bruce Carpenter’s BNSF HO layout, he designed his four-way crossing to be totally… Read more »
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10:57
Any proficient modeler knows, if you take your time and apply the necessary effort to build good, sturdy model railroad track, your layout is going to last you a long, long time. Conversely, if you rush through the process of designing and installing model railroad track and you don’t pay attention to the details, you’ll… Read more »
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7:44
In large scale and small, ballast is a vital component for a successful railroad. Good, uniform ballast on a full-scale railroad helps secure ties and keep them dry from the elements. On a model railroad, ballast serves to add realism and depth to your scene (when done correctly). When it comes to selecting model railroad… Read more »
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1:24
You don’t need any special skills or background in electrical engineering to properly connect the trackage on your model railroad layout to your digital command center. All it takes to safely and correctly wire tracks to the DCC on your layout is a basic understanding of resistance and wire gauge, along with a quick trip… Read more »
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