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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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Merry Christmas!
I don't have a regular video this week. Instead, I just have a Christmas model train Yule Log. A full hour with no in-video ads of trains...
Stephen Strum
Dec 24, 20241 min read
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Kato Christmas Train!
A look at the little Kato Christmas Train! This tiny train can run on Kato’s compact 4.5” and 6” radius curve track. So, if you want to...
Stephen Strum
Dec 17, 20241 min read
391
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New Layout Project: The Helix Layout
I’m starting a new simple layout project that is based on a double helix kit from Precision Model Railroad. I plan to build the double...
Stephen Strum
Nov 12, 20241 min read
639
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How to Build a 1'x5' N Scale Switching Layout from Start to Finish
This compilation video shows how I built a 1’x5’ N scale switching layout in a wooden case. This layout was built over a couple of years...
Stephen Strum
Nov 5, 20241 min read
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How I Finished the N Scale Switching Layout
A look at how I installed the structures, ballasted and weathered the track, completed the scenery, and added the layout details to the...
Stephen Strum
Oct 22, 20241 min read
276
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A Quick Look at the Completed 1x5 N Scale Layout
A quick overview of the completed 1’x5’ N scale switching layout. The final structures are in place, the track is ballasted, ground foam...
Stephen Strum
Oct 8, 20241 min read
399
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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...
Stephen Strum
Sep 5, 202428 min read
137,931
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Ideas for an N Scale Layout on a Door
I’m considering building an N scale model railroad on a hollow core door sometime next year as one of my future projects. Here are some...
Stephen Strum
Jul 16, 20241 min read
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Operating Session on the 2’x4’ N Scale Layout
A look at an operating session with a switch list on the 2’x4’ N Scale project layout. This was a simple operating session that only took...
Stephen Strum
May 21, 20241 min read
377
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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
3,698
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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
306
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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
168
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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
133
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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
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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
245
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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
134
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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
363
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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...
Stephen Strum
Jun 27, 20231 min read
689
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Concrete Retaining Walls from Plywood and Styrene
I completed the retaining walls on the lower level of the 2x4 foot N scale layout and have a new video up on how I built them. These...
Stephen Strum
Apr 18, 20231 min read
223
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First Run of Four Trains at Once on the 2x4 N Scale Layout
I finally have all the track installed on the 2x4 foot N scale project layout and the wiring complete enough to run four trains at one...
Stephen Strum
Mar 28, 20231 min read
515
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