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...
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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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Stephen Strum
Nov 51 min read
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...
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Stephen Strum
Oct 221 min read
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...
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Stephen Strum
Oct 81 min read
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...
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Stephen Strum
Sep 528 min read
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...
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Stephen Strum
Sep 31 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...
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Stephen Strum
Aug 272 min read
More Door Layout Ideas
I'm still working on ideas for a 36"x80" N scale layout that I plan to start building next year. Previously I've been playing around with...
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Stephen Strum
Jul 301 min read
Easy Custom Structures
In this week's video I show how I used modular structure elements to create a custom structure for my small N scale switching layout. I...
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Stephen Strum
Jul 161 min read
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...
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Stephen Strum
Jun 71 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...
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Stephen Strum
May 281 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...
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Stephen Strum
May 211 min read
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...
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Stephen Strum
Apr 22 min read
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...
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Stephen Strum
Mar 191 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...
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Stephen Strum
Feb 66 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,...
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Stephen Strum
Jan 301 min read
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...
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Stephen Strum
Jan 231 min read
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...
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Stephen Strum
Dec 26, 20231 min read
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...
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Stephen Strum
Dec 12, 20231 min read
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...
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Stephen Strum
Nov 21, 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,...
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