Make Your Rooftops From Google Maps Images!
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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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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...
Stephen Strum
Oct 31, 20231 min read
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, 20231 min read
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, 20231 min read
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, 20231 min read
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, 20231 min read
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, 20231 min read
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, 20231 min read
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, 202310 min read
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, 20231 min read
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, 20231 min read
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, 20231 min read
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, 20231 min read
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, 20231 min read
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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Stephen Strum
Aug 1, 20231 min read
Progress Update on the 2x4 N Scale Layout
I’ve made progress on the 2x4 N Scale Layout project and have worked on partially building 13 additional structures for the layout. It is...
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Stephen Strum
Jul 25, 20231 min read
Converting to O Gauge Kadee Couplers
I’ve converted my two MTH O scale boxcars and my Lionel Legacy SW1 locomotive from the standard Lionel couplers to Kadee couplers. The...
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Stephen Strum
Jul 18, 20232 min read
Build a Tiny Z Scale Layout
I recently picked up a Z Scale starter set (https://ztrackcenter.com/starter-sets) and decided to build a small layout with the included...
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Stephen Strum
Jul 11, 20231 min read
Z Scale Trains are Surprisingly Good!
A look at a Z scale train set from American Z Line and a first look at a small Z scale layout I built. The full build video of the Z...
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Stephen Strum
Jul 4, 20231 min read
Will This 72 Year Old American Flyer Train Run?
A look at my dad’s American Flyer set from 1950 or 1951. This 4-4-2 Atlantic still runs, albeit poorly. I plan to give the locomotive an...
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Stephen Strum
Jun 27, 20231 min read
Finishing up the Wiring on the 2x4 N Scale Layout
I finally finished up the wiring on the 2x4 N Scale project layout. Ok, I have a little bit of wiring to finish up on the top level tram...
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