Modelling Articles

Model Railroad Article Library

The latest written articles to help you become a better model railroader.
spraying a tree
Scenery

Terrific Trees - Companion Article

All the secret tips on making awesome trees, this is a supplemental article to many of the tree videos I've filmed over the past few years and gives some additional information to help you make awesome trees.
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Elle Towan
July 15, 2018
7 min read
spraying a tree
Painting

Painting & adding Decals to a V/line Hopper

Adding decals to a model, especially one you've spent time and care to create can be a daunting task, this article shows you the simple steps to get awesome results without ruining you hard work.
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Elle Towan
July 10, 2016
4 min read
spraying a tree
Scenery

Puff Ball Trees

Sometimes we need a cheap way to fill out a large area of our model railroads, puff ball trees are the perfect background detail to use, they're cheap and they look good when done well.
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Elle Towan
September 2, 2014
3 min read
spraying a tree
Scenery

Matchstick Fence

An old school way of adding a really cool fence detail to your model railroad scene that is not only cheap but also looks really good. Works for basically any scale!
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Elle Towan
August 10, 2014
4 min read
spraying a tree
Scenery

Weathering Ballast

A very easy way to add detail to your ballast. It's very rare to see a real life train track with fresh clean ballast, and it's never been easier to get that dirty grimy look of well travelled ballast!
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Elle Towan
July 10, 2014
3 min read
experts
Layout Construction

Dust Proofing a Model Railroad

Now that the main layout structure is complete we are almost ready for scenery... but first, I want to have a way of keeping the layout clean. Given that this layout lives in the garage dust will certainly be a problem. In this video I'll take you through all the steps I've done to prevent and hopefully completely stop dust from settling on top of the layout.
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Elle Towan
November 2, 2023
7 min read
experts
Layout Construction

Model Railroad Lights Fascia & Curtains

This is where the layout starts to transform into a focal point, the fascia and curtains help guide anyone looking at the layout towards the focal point which is the scenery and track. I also install the lights so we can actually see the model because once the roof section is complete not a lot of natural light will be able to get into the layout. Finally some foam is added between the tracks so that it's ready for scenery. It's exciting seeing the layout come to life and this was a big change!
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Elle Towan
October 9, 2023
2 min read
experts
Layout Construction

Model Railroad Wiring

In this article and video I'll be guiding you through the process I've decided to use to wire the modular model railroad. This is not to say everyone must do it the same way, more so that this method works for me and there's a good chance it will work for you, especially if you are choosing to build a modular layout that needs to have the option to connect and disconnect the modules. This will make great wiring for a convention layout that will travel around to various train shows.
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Elle Towan
September 18, 2023
2 min read
experts
Layout Construction

Model Railroad Track Laying

In this article and video I'll be taking you on a step by step journey on how I lay track, specifically for joining modular model railroads together. It can be a challenge to get them to align perfectly however with the method I'm using in the video you should have no problems being able to lay good reliable track that keeps the trains on the track.
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Elle Towan
July 28, 2023
2 min read
experts
Layout Construction

Building Modular Benchwork

In this video we'll pick up from where we left in the article above. This video will describe some of the technical aspects in building the benchwork, the video will end with the track plan transferred onto the baseboards and everything ready to start laying down the cork roadbed and then track.
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Elle Towan
July 18, 2023
3 min read
experts
Layout Construction Part 2

Track Planning for a Modular Model Railroad

Taking the idea and turning it into something that will work as a functional model railroad, sometimes selective compression is necessary to get what you really want on your model railroad to fit into the available space.
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Elle Towan
July 17, 2023
7 min read
experts
Building a Model Railway

Model Railway - Research & Planning

This is the start of my journey into building a fully functional modular model railway. It's going to be a long journey but everyone has to start somewhere. Follow me as this model railway comes to life.
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Elle Towan
April 15, 2023
8 min read
experts
Expert Tips

The Number 1 Tips From 6 Influential Modelers

A collection of expert tips from some of the top influential model railroaders. Learn the secrets they hold and apply them to your own modelling.
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Elle Towan
March 6, 2016
13 min read
experts
Tools

13 Essential Tools for Modeling Scenery

A beginners list of scenery tools to help you get started building a model railroad or diorama. It's only a small list but will help you get on your way.
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Elle Towan
February 24, 2016
6 min read
experts
Scenery

Choosing the Right Color

Learn how to make a color pallet for you model railroad. Sometimes what looks green in the hobby shop doesn't look so green when you finally get it home under the layout lighting. Some of these tips will help you make better decisions 😉
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Elle Towan
September 29, 2014
10 min read
3d printer
3D printing

3D Printing - Anycubic Photon

A beginners guide to 3D printing with resin, a must read for anyone getting started with 3D printing! There's a lot to learn but it's well worth the effort.
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Elle Towan
April 24, 2018
15 min read
3d printer
Tools

Static Grass Applicator Version 2

A written article to compliment the static grass applicator videos with some more detailed descriptions of the wiring for those wanting to give the build a try.
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Elle Towan
November 30, 2017
5 min read
3d printer
Tools

Brother Scan'N'Cut

Using the Brother Scan n Cut, it's a great machine with heaps of potential, I've still got a lot to learn but it looks promising.
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Elle Towan
June 22, 2016
2 min read
3d printer
Tools

Awesome Paint Shaker - Professional Tools For Modelers

Sometimes you just need a little help to shake up those paint bottles! This is a focused article on the build process of a paint shaker.
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Elle Towan
December 22, 2018
3 min read
car with lights
Super Detailing

Woodland Scenics Just Plug Lights

Using the Woodland Scenics Just Plug Lights, some tips and ideas on how to best implement these lights into your modelling.
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Elle Towan
February 12, 2016
3 min read
car with lights
Scenery

Woodland Scenics Road System

A detailed look at the Woodland Scenics Road System, It's always a bit of a challenge getting good looking roads, Woodlands Scenics certainly make it easier!
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Elle Towan
June 20, 2016
7 min read
car with lights
Scenery

Corrugated Iron Maker

Get outstanding results using heavy duty foil and the Brunel Hobbies corrugated iron maker! I was surprised at how well this little tool worked!... And it's cheap!
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Elle Towan
January 30, 2016
4 min read
car with lights
Tools

Micro Mark Pro Etch System

How to Photo-Etch successfully using the Micro-Mark Pro Etch System. It's a complex process but this article will help guide you on the journey.
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Elle Towan
August 5, 2017
5 min read

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