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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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Wiring Tools and Supplies and How to Use Them
I'm getting ready to wire up my 2x4 foot N Scale project layout, and these are the primary wiring tools and supplies that I normally use...
Stephen Strum
Mar 7, 20231 min read
Affordable, Great Looking Paper Structures!
I Are you looking for an affordable way to add structures to your layout, try a paper structure kit! The one I build in this video below...
Stephen Strum
Feb 25, 20231 min read
2x4 Foot N Scale Layout: Building the Benchwork
In this post I’ll go over the construction of the benchwork for the 2x4 N Scale project layout I’m working on in early 2023. First off,...
Stephen Strum
Feb 17, 202311 min read
The Proxxon Hot Wire Cutter
The Proxxon hot wire cutter is a great tool to add to your workshop if you spend a lot of time cutting foam for your modeling projects....
Stephen Strum
Feb 14, 20231 min read
2x4 Foot Layout Benchwork Preview
I have most of the benchwork done on the 2x4 foot N scale layout, and have moved onto laying track and installing the initial wiring....
Stephen Strum
Feb 7, 20231 min read
7 Essential Scenery Supplies
Anytime I have a scenery project to work on, these are the seven items I always have on hand and use on just about every single project....
Stephen Strum
Jan 31, 20233 min read
Kato Pocket Line Tram on 4.5” Radius Curves
A look at the Kato Pocket Line Tram and how it runs on the 4 5/8” radius curves that I will have on the top level of my new project...
Stephen Strum
Jan 25, 20231 min read
4Ways to Attach Kato Unitrack to Your Layout
In the video below, I cover four different ways you can attach Kato Unitrack tor your layout project. You can nail or screw your track...
Stephen Strum
Jan 17, 20231 min read
Exciting New 2’x4’ N Scale Project Layout!
I'm starting work on a few new N scale project layouts, the largest being 2x4 feet. While still small, this layout will feature four...
Stephen Strum
Jan 13, 20233 min read
ChatGPT Answers Model Railroading Questions!
The release of ChatGPT in 2022 has ushered in a new era of productivity and possibilities. Let’s see what this artificial intelligence...
Stephen Strum
Jan 10, 20239 min read
Four Battery Powered Controllers for your N or Z Scale Model Trains (and maybe HO too)
I look at four different battery-powered controllers in the video below that you can use to power your model trains. Three of the four...
Stephen Strum
Jan 10, 20231 min read
A Van Down by the River
My brother-in-law jokingly asked for a van down by the river for Christmas, so I made him a simple HO-scale diorama depicting one as a ...
Stephen Strum
Jan 10, 20231 min read
A Model Train Yule Log
I put together a video with one hour of trains running on some of the layouts I built during the past decade along with background...
Stephen Strum
Dec 21, 20221 min read
Bachmann On30 Norman Rockwell Christmas Trolley Set
Here is a video on the Bachmann On30 Norman Rockwell Christmas Trolley Set. This is a battery powered set that has a point-to-point track...
Stephen Strum
Dec 16, 20221 min read
Progress on the Portable N Scale Switching Layout in a Case
In the video below, see how I added some roadway areas and structure bases that have various metal brackets and washers embedded within...
Stephen Strum
Dec 3, 20221 min read
Take a Ride on a San Francisco Cable Car
Watch the video below to take a ride on one of the San Francisco cable cars and learn a little on how they work. My family and I recently...
Stephen Strum
Aug 5, 20221 min read
Build a Scale Model of any Location on Google Maps!
I built a scale model of a ski resort. You can do the same for any location you can find on Google Maps. Watch the new video and find out...
Stephen Strum
Jun 18, 20221 min read
N Scale Switching Layout in a Portable Case!
This is the first post in a series on building an N scale switching layout in a portable wooden case that runs on DCC and contains a...
Stephen Strum
Jun 1, 202216 min read
1’x5’ N Scale Switching Layout in a Wooden Case Sneak Preview
I’ve been working on a new N scale switching layout built into a nice wooden case that I made. Once I have the wiring finished, I’ll...
Stephen Strum
May 4, 20221 min read
3x5 Layout Build From Start to Finish
There are four main blog posts for this layout going over the entire construction process. Part 1 Benchwork: https://www.steves-trains.co...
Stephen Strum
Feb 7, 20221 min read
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