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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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Z Scale Switching Layout Part 1
Introducing the Middle Manager’s switching layout. This is a small 8” by 36” Z scale layout that you can fit just about anywhere. A...
Stephen Strum
Apr 23, 20246 min read
Project Previews
This week, my video shows a sneak peak at my upcoming videos on a new Z scale switching layout, further work on the On30 layout, train...
Stephen Strum
Apr 16, 20241 min read
Help Me Find More Modelers Selling Goods and Services
I'm working to compile a list of great modelers selling goods and services like the following list. You can view the latest version here:...
Stephen Strum
Apr 9, 20241 min read
Building a 2'x4' N Scale Layout from Start to Finish
The video at the bottom of the post is a compilation of the many-part tutorial series on building this 2'x4' N scale layout. I've...
Stephen Strum
Apr 2, 20242 min read
Ready to Build the O Gauge Switching Layout
I finally purchased the last piece of track I need to build my O Gauge switching layout: an Atlas O54 Right Hand Turnout. These things...
Stephen Strum
Mar 26, 20241 min read
The 2'x4' N Scale Layout is Done
The 2x4 foot N scale project layout is finally done*. See all the new additions to the layout in this video along with some trains...
Stephen Strum
Mar 19, 20241 min read
New On30 Project Layout using an Ironworks Models Layout Base Kit!
In this week's video, I use an Ironworks Models Layout Base Kit to start on a new On30 Project layout. This will be a vertically dramatic...
Stephen Strum
Mar 12, 20241 min read
Looking at a TT and an S Scale Locomotive
A look at a small Hornby TT scale locomotive as well as an American Flyer Baldwin Switcher S scale. These two scales are much less...
Stephen Strum
Mar 5, 20241 min read
All the Scales?: T, Z, N, TT, HO, S, O, G Scales
In this week's video, I compare the sizes of all the major model railroad scales from T Gauge to G Gauge! Note that I did leave out OO...
Stephen Strum
Feb 27, 20241 min read
G Gauge Trains are Huge!
A Quick Look at a USA Trains G Gauge train set that I recently picked up. It is remarkable how much larger a G scale train is compared to...
Stephen Strum
Feb 19, 20241 min read
My Workspace and How I Make My Videos
In my video this week, I do a quick behind-the-scenes tour of my work space, my YouTube video recording setup, and how I currently edit...
Stephen Strum
Feb 13, 20241 min read
Top Level Done! Adding Details
The removable top level of the 2’x4’ N scale model railroad project is complete! I added catenary poles, street lights, road striping,...
Stephen Strum
Feb 6, 20246 min read
Battery Powered Controller for the Top Level of the 2’x4’ N Scale Layout
I added a Blue Line Snail controller to the top level of the 2x4 N scale model railroad and supplied power to it with a 9V battery. This...
Stephen Strum
Jan 30, 20241 min read
The Structures are Done!
I finally finished all the structures for the 2x4 foot N scale layout! This video shows some tips and tricks for building and painting...
Stephen Strum
Jan 23, 20241 min read
New Legs for the 2x4 Layout
I replaced the temporary wood legs on the 2’x4’ N Scale Layout with nice steel legs that look better and are much sturdier. These legs...
Stephen Strum
Jan 16, 20242 min read
Endless Z Scale Fun
A unique use for six more Z scale freight cars. I wanted to buy some extra freight cars so I could make a train on the layout that was a...
Stephen Strum
Jan 9, 20241 min read
2024 Plans
A brief look at my model railroad projects I have planned for 2024. Plans always change, and I'll probably end up working on projects I...
Stephen Strum
Jan 2, 20241 min read
Kato Silver Streak
A look at the Kato Silver Streak N Scale passenger train set. This is another great set from Kato that both looks and runs great. This...
Stephen Strum
Dec 26, 20231 min read
Merry Christmas 2023
My model train Yule Log for Christmas 2023. Thirty minutes of the train running around the base of our Christmas tree with our fireplace...
Stephen Strum
Dec 24, 20231 min read
My Top 5 Power Tools for Model Railroaders
The five power tools I think are most useful as a model railroader. There are dozens of power tools I use, but these get used the most...
Stephen Strum
Dec 19, 20231 min read
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