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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
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 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
Jul 231 min read
Finishing Up the Big Pine Mine On30 Project Layout
I’ve wrapped up the On30 Project Layout. See how I finished up the scenery and wrapped up this project! I‘ll have a full start-to-finish...
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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 251 min read
Choo Choo Vision Camera Improvements!
The ChooChoo Vision cameras have been improved with higher resolution sensors and better software! You can now view as many as six live...
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Stephen Strum
Jun 181 min read
Model Railroader Resources Update
A look at all the new model railroad related resources I’ve added to my resources page here: https://www.steves-trains.com/post/resources...
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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
Jun 41 min read
Model a Big Pine Tree
I built a pine tree for my Big Pine Mine On30 layout that is two feet tall! This tree is made from a piece of bass wood with holes...
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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
May 131 min read
On30 Project Layout Part 2: Building the Base Scenery
I’ve completed the base scenery on the On30 layout. I built a mountain out of sulptamold covered foam, built base areas for the...
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Stephen Strum
Apr 236 min read
Z Scale Switching Layout Part 1
Introducing the Middle Manager’s switching layout. This is a small 8” by 36” Z scale layout that you can fit just about anywhere. A...
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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 261 min read
Ready to Build the O Gauge Switching Layout
I finally purchased the last piece of track I need to build my O Gauge switching layout: an Atlas O54 Right Hand Turnout. These things...
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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
Jan 162 min read
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...
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Stephen Strum
Jan 91 min read
Endless Z Scale Fun
A unique use for six more Z scale freight cars. I wanted to buy some extra freight cars so I could make a train on the layout that was a...
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Stephen Strum
Jan 21 min read
2024 Plans
A brief look at my model railroad projects I have planned for 2024. Plans always change, and I'll probably end up working on projects I...
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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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