Layout Construction
Constructing a model railroad layout is actually a fine art. It comprises sculpting, model building, painting, and even some electronic engineering. When modeling a real location, photography plays a big part in the preparation. Before construction begins, track layouts are designed using templates or specialized CAD programs on a computer. Computer graphics may be used to create miniature billboards and signs. Oh... and most serious modelers make their own decals too.
Model Railroad Space Planning
Before you can build a model railroad you need a place to put it. Here's an overview of the different ways people allocate space for their model railroad layouts.
Before you can build a model railroad you need a place to put it. Here's an overview of the different ways people allocate space for their model railroad layouts.
Sectional Track Pieces
Model railroad track sections fall into five categories: straight, curve, flex, crossing, and turnout. This article illustrates and explains each type.
Model railroad track sections fall into five categories: straight, curve, flex, crossing, and turnout. This article illustrates and explains each type.
DCC Made Easy
A DCC primer and buyer's guide from Kalmbach Books.
A DCC primer and buyer's guide from Kalmbach Books.
Track Codes and Types
All model railroad track has an MNRA code number which specifies the height of the rails. Track is also available with or without with an integrated roadbed.
All model railroad track has an MNRA code number which specifies the height of the rails. Track is also available with or without with an integrated roadbed.
E-Z Model Railroads
Bachmann's track planning book for their HO Scale integrated roadbed model railroad E-Z Track System.
Bachmann's track planning book for their HO Scale integrated roadbed model railroad E-Z Track System.
Integrated Roadbed Track
Model railroad track with an integrated roadbed makes constructing a layout much easier. Here is a list of brands, scales, and types of integrated roadbed track.
Model railroad track with an integrated roadbed makes constructing a layout much easier. Here is a list of brands, scales, and types of integrated roadbed track.
Model Train Track Curves and Minimum Curve Issues
Model railroad track curves may seem like a simple issue, but there can be much more to them than meets the eye.
Model railroad track curves may seem like a simple issue, but there can be much more to them than meets the eye.
Model Train Track Grades and Maximum Grade Issues
Track grade is the slope of a railroad track. Well planned grades can make a layout interesting. Badly planned ones can be a disaster.
Track grade is the slope of a railroad track. Well planned grades can make a layout interesting. Badly planned ones can be a disaster.
Model Railroad Track Switches a.k.a Turnouts or Points
Railroad switches route rail traffic. Trains enter turnouts by a single track and can be routed to either of two, or sometimes any of three, exiting tracks.
Railroad switches route rail traffic. Trains enter turnouts by a single track and can be routed to either of two, or sometimes any of three, exiting tracks.
Making Easements with Segmented Model Railroad Track Pieces
How to make model train track easements on your model railroad layout
How to make model train track easements on your model railroad layout
Model Railroad Layout Rigid Foam Insulation
A tip about sculpting landscape on a model railroad layout using rigid foam insulation. Links to a series of YouTube videos demonstrating the sculpting of this kind of foam insulation.
A tip about sculpting landscape on a model railroad layout using rigid foam insulation. Links to a series of YouTube videos demonstrating the sculpting of this kind of foam insulation.
Narrowing Woodland Scenics Incline Foam
How to narrow Woodland Scenics incline foam for N and TT scale grading
How to narrow Woodland Scenics incline foam for N and TT scale grading
Woodland Scenics
America's largest supplier of model railroading layout and scenery construction materials.
America's largest supplier of model railroading layout and scenery construction materials.
Easy Model Railroad Landscaping Tutorial
A tutorial on building model railroad layout landscaping.
A tutorial on building model railroad layout landscaping.
Building Your Model Railroad
Greg Warth's tutorial site.
Greg Warth's tutorial site.
Fast Track Jigs
Jigs and supplies for making hand-laid track and turnouts.
Jigs and supplies for making hand-laid track and turnouts.
Dr. Joern Pachl's Model Railway Pages
Noted German railroad authority, university professor, and author Dr. Joern Pachl built these pages about his German and American prototype model railway layouts. Pages include track plans, equipment rosters, and photographs.
Noted German railroad authority, university professor, and author Dr. Joern Pachl built these pages about his German and American prototype model railway layouts. Pages include track plans, equipment rosters, and photographs.
Mt. Albert Scale Lumber
Specializes in manufacturing scale lumber and kits for model makers.
Specializes in manufacturing scale lumber and kits for model makers.
Sweetwater Scenery
Offers supplies for making trees in various sizes for different scales. Online tutorials for building their kits are found on the website.
Offers supplies for making trees in various sizes for different scales. Online tutorials for building their kits are found on the website.
Scale Modeler's Handbook
A variety of resources for scale modelers.
A variety of resources for scale modelers.