top of page
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.
Search
Stephen Strum
2 hours ago1 min read
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...
100
Stephen Strum
Dec 171 min read
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...
960
Stephen Strum
Nov 121 min read
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...
3371
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...
3960
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...
1721
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...
3011
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...
107,2936
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...
1,5560
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...
3020
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...
2,4600
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...
2181
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...
1601
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...
1230
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...
2860
Stephen Strum
Nov 14, 20231 min read
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...
2181
Stephen Strum
Oct 17, 20231 min read
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...
1250
Stephen Strum
Sep 26, 20231 min read
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...
3412
Stephen Strum
Jun 27, 20231 min read
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...
4984
Stephen Strum
Apr 18, 20231 min read
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...
1880
Stephen Strum
Mar 28, 20231 min read
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...
3601
Contact Me
bottom of page