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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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Layouts I Almost Built
A look at some track plans for layouts that I almost built but never did for one reason or another. My Track Plan Page:...

Stephen Strum
Jan 281 min read


N Scale Christmas Train Set!
A look at Micro Trains 2024 Christmas train set. A great locomotive and passenger car set decorated in a Christmas theme for the holiday...

Stephen Strum
Dec 10, 20241 min read


More Structures for the N Scale Switching Layout
I've completed four more structures for the N scale switching layout including one with a rail door that opens. The layout is nearly done...

Stephen Strum
Sep 3, 20241 min read


Running Trains One Last Time
A collection of the final video and photos I took of the 2’x4’ N scale layout before packing it up in a shipping crate and sending it off...

Stephen Strum
Jun 7, 20241 min read


Atlas N Scale GP15 with a TCS Keep Alive Capacitor!
I picked up a DC versio of an Atlas GP15 and then added a TCS drop in decoder along with one of their small Keep Alive capacitors and...

Stephen Strum
May 28, 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


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


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


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


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


Running Seven SD70ACes in One Consist on the 2x4 N Scale Layout
I recently purchased seven new Kato N scale SD70ACes showing the Union Pacific heritage fleet. I’ll be using these in another project...

Stephen Strum
Jun 13, 20231 min read


How to Fail and Not Fail at Dual DC and DCC Train Control
In this week’s video, I go over how I set up part of my 2x4 foot N scale layout for dual DC and DCC train control. Eventually, I will...

Stephen Strum
May 30, 20231 min read


Installing Kato Unitrack
Want to help support the channel? Buy me a cup of coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stephenstrum Ok, so I started by assembling all...

Stephen Strum
Apr 11, 202314 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


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


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


Athearn 50' PS-1 Plug Door Boxcars and a Quick 5-Minute Weathering Technique
A few months ago I had a post on some new Athearn 50' PS-1 boxcars: https://www.steves-trains.com/post/new-athearn-boxcars-and-3x5-n-scal...

Stephen Strum
Jan 30, 20224 min read


New Athearn Boxcars and 3x5 N Scale Layout Update
I recently posted a video on some nice Athearn 50' N scale boxcars that are now available as well as an update on the 3x5 N scale layout...

Stephen Strum
Oct 26, 20211 min read
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