As prototype modelers a large part of our job, and a fun part at that, is researching our prototype. Although there are a variety of sources for trying to pin down the elusive clue as to what the “typical” situation was in the area we model, by and large we are totally dependent upon photos. […]
Category: Model Railroad Design
Background Flats
Background flats can be challenging from the standpoint that they are frequently needed as part of the layout to backdrop transition but are also so easy to botch. If not handled carefully they can be real scene busters and literally scream that you are looking at a model railroad. A few slights of hand make them […]
Is It Worth It?
Converted to N scale, my East Rail layout would tuck easily into a wardrobe closet A few days ago, I received an email from Blake B., one of my blog followers, with the subject line above. “Is It Worth It?”. In the body of the text he elaborated, “ The new condo I moved […]
Tom Klimoski’s Georgia Northeastern RR
Featured in the upcoming issue of Model Railroad Planning is community member Tom Klimoski’s Georgia Northeastern Railroad. A sneak peak of this excellent layout is shown in his recently produced YouTube video. Shown below is his track plan. There are some great lessons to be learned from Tom’s efforts. A few that stand out to me […]
Scene Composition
A southbound local passes bridge E8, south of Bloomington, IN on my old N scale layout. I devoted a full thirteen feet to this ‘boring’ scene. There were no industries, no turnouts, nothing but the field and stream modeled as they actually appeared. Of all of the factors that contribute to realism, at the […]