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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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Broadway Limited Conrail SW7 — A Great Running Small N Scale Diesel
This Broadway Limited SW7 with a Paragon 4 DCC board is a great small N scale locomotive that runs better than others thanks to an...
Stephen Strum
Dec 12, 20231 min read
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...
Stephen Strum
Dec 5, 20231 min read
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...
Stephen Strum
Nov 28, 20231 min read
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...
Stephen Strum
Nov 24, 20231 min read
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,...
Stephen Strum
Nov 21, 20231 min read
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...
Stephen Strum
Nov 14, 20231 min read
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...
Stephen Strum
Nov 7, 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...
Stephen Strum
Oct 31, 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...
Stephen Strum
Oct 24, 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...
Stephen Strum
Oct 17, 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...
Stephen Strum
Oct 10, 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...
Stephen Strum
Oct 3, 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...
Stephen Strum
Sep 26, 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...
Stephen Strum
Sep 19, 20231 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...
Stephen Strum
Sep 12, 202310 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...
Stephen Strum
Sep 5, 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...
Stephen Strum
Aug 29, 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...
Stephen Strum
Aug 22, 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...
Stephen Strum
Aug 15, 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...
Stephen Strum
Aug 8, 20231 min read
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