One of the great things about HO scale model railroading is that the modeling never ends. I suppose that can be true of any scale, but for me, HO scale is a perfect example of a modelers dream. I started building the Maple Valley Short Line model railroad four years ago. My train room is …
Continue reading HO Scale Model Railroading: Learning Through Mistakes
I ordered a package of one hundred HO scale people. Having never purchased so many figures at the same time before, I didn't realize there would be so many duplicates. No worries, I just made sure I didn't place a bunch of the same ones in a small area. The second mistake I made was …
Continue reading Adding People to the Maple Valley Model Railroad
I ordered a package of one hundred HO scale people. Having never purchased so many figures at the same time before, I didn't realize there would be so many duplicates. No worries, I just made sure I didn't place a bunch of the same ones in a small area. The second mistake I made was …
Continue reading Mistakes to Avoid When Using HO Scale Figures
My new layout is basic, no clever design schemes, just two mainlines for simultaneous train operation and some sidings. There is a long branch line that runs from one end of the layout to the other. The destination is Maple Valley. The train running the line will be a vintage model engine like “The General” …
Continue reading How to Install Foam Risers on Your HO Scale Model Railroad
My Maple Valley Short Line Model Railroad in HO scale has more detail than any of my previous layouts. Model railroading is a learning experience, which is a big part of the fun. Scenery on a layout is never quite finished because there is always some little item that can be added to make a …
This is the Maple Valley Supply Company. It sits on the line that brings passengers from Midtown to Maple Valley on The Old General. The two-story structure is scratch-built in balsa. The windows and doors are plastic models purchased at a model railroad swap meet. I drew plans for the structure on card stock. I …
Continue reading Scratch-Build a Two-Story Trackside Structure in HO Scale
This is the Maple Valley Supply Company. It sits on the line that brings passengers from Midtown to Maple Valley on The Old General. The two-story structure is scratch-built in balsa. The windows and doors are plastic models purchased at a model railroad swap meet. I drew plans for the structure on card stock. I …
This definitely has to go in the category, "If I can do this, absolutely anyone can." I made my own static grass applicator that really works! I've been working steadily on the scenery of The Maple Valley Short Line Model Railroad. I'm creating scenes with more detail than I have on any other layout. On …
Continue reading Make Your Own Static Grass Applicator for Realistic Scenes
I love looking at photos and videos posted by fellow model railroaders. I have learned a great deal about scenery by watching others do what they do best. I recently discovered I've been making a mistake. When I go into my train room, I tend to look at my whole layout from one end to …
Continue reading More Scenery Details on the Maple Valley Short Line Model Railroad
I love looking at photos and videos posted by fellow model railroaders. I have learned a great deal about scenery by watching others do what they do best. I recently discovered I've been making a mistake. When I go into my train room, I tend to look at my whole layout from one end to …
Continue reading Transform Your Model Railroad Layout in Small Steps
A Coffee State of Mind 