Whether we’d like to admit it or not, a backdrop can make or break a model railroad. We’ve all seen examples of fantastic modeling that was let down by a backdrop filled with puff ball clouds against a neon blue sky. On the opposite side of the coin though, a “Plywood Pacific” with a nice …
Here’s proof that grabbing 15 minutes here and there can result in getting some good work done quickly. I knew that getting rid of what was originally supposed to be a dramatic and iconic scene for the branchline was going to be difficult, but it made no sense to keep the Box Canyon scene where …
Recently, I decided to roll back the clock on my model railroad to the last days of steam. Doing so requires some reworking of the layout as it currently exists to move away from a proto-freelanced version of the Pend Orelle Valley Railroad and towards a more realistic interpretation of the Metaline Falls Branch as …
After lessons learned from this weekend’s Ops session, I sat down to finalize my plans for the new Metaline Falls Branch. The goal was to keep as much of the original railroad as possible while updating it to improve operations and allow me to run steam locomotives in a prototypical manner. The biggest changes coming …
It was a pleasure to talk with Chuck of Train Talk Media about my model railroading interests on the latest episode of his excellent show. If you haven’t checked out Train Talk Media yet, you’ve gotta do it now! It is an excellent podcast!
In the latest video I share BIG CHANGES coming to my layout. After many years (and three layouts) spent with my modern-era freelanced Metaline Falls Railroad, I felt it was finally time to put on my prototype modeler’s hat and turn back the clock to the 1950s to model the last days of steam on …
I’ve got a new video showing how I put together a remote-controlled crossover with lighted switch indicators! Many great modelers helped me figure out how to set this up, and I couldn’t have done it without them! Along with the video here, I’ve got the wiring diagram for how I wired everything up. Hopefully this …
Vacationing with my extended family is the perfect time to recruit some free help for making trees! I’ll still need to detail the backdrop and ground cover a bit more, but this scene is starting to look like something. Check out the video below to learn how to make super looking trees for yourself.
The Metaline Falls Railroad episode of the Around the Layout Podcast is now live! Thanks again to Ray Arnott for having me on. It was a lot of fun! ATLP always delivers with great episodes. I highly encourage checking out their website to see the many amazing guests that have been on the show. below …
A few of the layouts I’ve visited have offered an operations guide as part of an email sent out to visitors before an ops session. these guides help to inform the operator about the history of the railroad, the location and industries served, as well as provide information about the type of jobs available for …