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
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
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
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
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
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Stephen Strum
Mar 21, 20232 min read
What N Scale Track Should You Use?
In my latest video I look at six different types of N Scale track. Kato Unitrack, Bachmann EZ Ttrack, Atlas Code 80 and Code 55 and Peco...
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Stephen Strum
Feb 7, 20231 min read
2x4 Foot Layout Benchwork Preview
I have most of the benchwork done on the 2x4 foot N scale layout, and have moved onto laying track and installing the initial wiring....
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