My Christmas Train Layouts Over the Years
A look back at my Christmas train layouts during the last 25 years, or at least the ones for which I have photos and videos. Videos of...
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Model Railroading in Small Spaces
My focus is on building small and portable model railroads, usually in N scale. Come explore some of my recent projects.
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Stephen Strum
- Nov 28
- 1 min
Building a Two-Sided Reversible Train Layout from Start to Finish
A tutorial on how I built this 42” x 62” two-sided O gauge layout. One side is set up as a winter scene so I can put the layout under the...
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Stephen Strum
- Nov 24
- 1 min
Lionel Harry Potter Hogwarts Express
A look at the Lionel Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Train Set. This is a solid train and a good value considering the metal construction...
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Stephen Strum
- Nov 21
- 1 min
Easy Backdrop Wall Panels
Need some backdrops for your model railroad? Here is how I built some backdrop panels for my 2x4 N scale layout out of cardboard, paint,...
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Stephen Strum
- Nov 14
- 1 min
Building Roads
A look at how I built the roads on the 2x4 N Scale layout. For the top section I used drywall joint compound (a plaster mix) and for the...
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Stephen Strum
- Nov 8
- 20 min
Track Plans (Mostly N Scale)
An ongoing blog post with track plans that I will add to over time. I'll try to get the track plans for layouts I've actually built here...
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Stephen Strum
- Nov 7
- 1 min
Make Your Rooftops From Google Maps Images!
If you need a realistic looking rooftop for your structure, try printing out a screen capture of a rooftop you find on Google Maps. Cut...
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Stephen Strum
- Oct 31
- 1 min
Build Simple Model Guardrails for Your Layout
In this week's video, I show a short tutorial on how to model roadside guardrails in N scale or any scale so you can keep the miniature...
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Stephen Strum
- Oct 24
- 1 min
Are Z Scale Operations Possible?
I've begun to explore switching operations in Z scale. In this week's video I look at whether magnetic uncouplers work at all, and what...
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Stephen Strum
- Oct 17
- 1 min
First Two Structures Installed on the 2’x4’ Layout!
Progress is speeding up on the 2'x4' model railroad project. I have all the roads and structure bases done, and I now have the first two...
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Stephen Strum
- Oct 10
- 1 min
An Easy-To-Use Small 3D Printer that is Great for Making Small Detail Parts
Make as many model detail parts or complete small models as you want with the Kokoni EC1 3D Printer. This incredibly compact and...
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Stephen Strum
- Oct 3
- 1 min
Layouts That Have Inspired Me
A look at some of the layouts that have inspired me during my modeling career. While these are all great layouts, this isn't a list of...
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Stephen Strum
- Sep 26
- 1 min
Update on the 2’x4’ N Scale Layout
This week's video shows the latest progress on the 2x4 N Scale project layout. I have most of the upper level town area complete, except...
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Stephen Strum
- Sep 19
- 1 min
Fast and Removable Scenery Modules
I've been experimenting more with making pieces of scenery easily removable so you can easily change out the look of your layout, easily...
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Stephen Strum
- Sep 12
- 10 min
I Built a Working Train Hat!
Well, are you looking for a crazy hat idea or just looking for a way to draw the most possible attention to yourself at a train show? Try...
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Stephen Strum
- Sep 5
- 1 min
American Flyer Rides Again
I recently was able to get my father’s 72-year-old American Flyer locomotive (a 4-4-2 Atlantic) running pretty well once again. I...
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Stephen Strum
- Aug 29
- 1 min
More Z Scale Equipment!
I recently picked up a few new pieces of Z scale equipment to add to my collection. I picked up a CSC SD70ACe, primarily so I could...
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Stephen Strum
- Aug 22
- 1 min
The Insanity of T Gauge Trains
I recently picked up a T Gauge starter set that includes a small passenger train, track, power supply, and cleaning accessories. The...
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Stephen Strum
- Aug 15
- 1 min
What is the Best Scale for You?
In this latest video, I look at some decisions you might to help determine the best scale of model trains for you. There are many to...
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Stephen Strum
- Aug 8
- 1 min
Have Fun and Run Your Trains!
I decided to take a bit of a break from working on layout projects this week and instead ran an operating session on my 1’ x 6.5’ HO...
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