For those who don’t already know, an airbrush is simply a precision air driven paint sprayer. However, it
differs from a conventional paint gun or spray can, because it is precision instrument that can be adjusted
to achieve different and highly detailed effects.Airbrushing can add amazing realism and special effects to any model railroad layout. An airbrush can be
used for all sorts of projects from weathering buildings, adding subtle effects to landscapes and
backdrops, through to adding realism to advertising signs and rolling stock.
Airbrushing is a skill that takes time and practice to master, but when done well, results in a very good
finish. However, don’t expect to get a good finish first time… it takes practice.
Many airbrush artists create works that are so sharp in detail, so lifelike as to mimic the real thing. An
airbrush can also be used to get the opposite effect of feather-edged, cloud-like softness… the type of
subtlety that couldn’t be achieved with a paintbrush. So, whether it is detail, from fine lines to wispy, or
mere suggestions of color, an airbrush is a versatile tools to use on any model railroad layout.
Airbrush Spraying Techniques The first important tip is to always start spraying before reaching the model and continue spraying after
leaving the model. This will give a more even paint coverage on the model. It will also give you time to stop
spraying if the paint splatters or the color or effect doesn’t look right. Here is what I mean:Test the spraying again on a piece of old newspaper before spraying your model.
1. Start spraying before reaching the model. When spraying hold the airbrush at an angle to the model
being sprayed. The paint cup needs to stay upright to
avoid spillage.The airbrush should usually be positioned between 6
inches to 18 inches from the model depending on the size
of the model being sprayed and the volume and intensity
of paint required
2. Move the airbrush smoothly at a steady pace.
3. Don’t stop spraying until you are past the end of
the model
IMPORTANTDon’t try and coat the roof with just one coat of paint. Three or four light coats are usually best. Make
several smooth passes with the airbrush with the first coat being just a light dusting of paint that might
look very pale in color. Allow drying time between coats by following the paint manufacturers guidelines.
Repeat process 3 or 4 times
If you watched the video (in my video) when I started my layout, you can see I have come a long way. I have had allot of fun building it and allot of time has gone into it. In the video I said I was going to put in round house, but it didn’t turn out
the way I wanted so I got rid of it. I’m going to put a freight yard in were the round house was going to go. The mountain that you see in the picture. (above) The train goes inside and comes out the bottom tunnel and returns inside goes around again and comes out 2 more times before it reaches the top, when it get to the top the train will travel around the top of the room, returning to the mountain cross over the bridge and go down another mountain.
You can see where I have done a little landscaping. I build all my own trees and shape all the mountains myself. I’m coming out with a video that will show you how to make your own trees.
As you can see in the picture above I have started to install my control panel, So far all I have put in it is the switches to separate the different parts of the track. Right now all I have separated is the loop that you see at the top of the picture. I also have 5 electric switches ( you can only see 4 in the picture) that will be put all in one spot. On the panel I have 1 uncupler but I have room for more when I need them.
In the picture above it’s probability hard to figure out what I’m doing. I’m starting to build my next mountain. For the track to go inside the mountain I have to have a steady grade. So I started my track from the highest point of the track that I’m working on and begin the grade there. First I lay my track out the way I want it, the I put the white blocks under it and the farther I go the higher the track get. After that I put the 2 X 4 Blocks under it and plywood over the blocks. It’s really very simple.
For now that is as far as I’ve gotten. Hope you have enjoyed it sofare
Thanks Robert Pitt
In the real world, most American railroads connect with other
railroads or other forms of transport. Railroads interchange cars
between each other, facilitating the movement of freight without
the need to move freight into other freight cars at the end of
each railroad.
Model railroads normally do not have a physical connection to
another model railroad, although layout owners may still
physically or virtually exchange cars. Incorporating interchange
traffic into your model railroad can be an good way to add
interest to you layout operations
The Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers are constructing the largest model railroad installation in the state of Washington. An HO-scale (1:87) model representing local railroading in the 1950’s, the 25′ by 95′ exhibit area provides a compressed view of local historical landmarks from Tacoma’s Asarco Tunnel to Stampede Pass, with trackage and equipment from the Great Northern, Northern Pacific, Union Pacific and Milwaukee Road railroads.
The exhibit is located in the History Lab Learning Center, on the 5th floor of the museum, and can be viewed during most normal operating hours. When no PSMRE operators are in attendance, four trains run automatically at the push of a button.
Just started in the Hobbie about a year. I am prototyping the Littleriver lumber co. with a lot of freelancing thrown in. here is a pictue of whats going to be the Elkmont area.
The terms scale and gauge are two of the most confused terms
in the model railroad hobby. So let’s explain the difference
once and for all!
The SCALE proportion is expressed as a fraction of a real
life-sized railroad. As an example, HO scale is 1/87 the
size of real life-sized railroads.
For model trains, track GAUGE is the width between the inside
running edge of the rails. For toy trains, gauge is the
measurement from the center of the two outside rails.
Do Tracks Have The Same Gauge?
No they don’t, but there are two main types: standard gauge
and narrow gauge. In the US, Canada and most European countries,
trains run on “standard gauge.”
Interesting Fact:
There are few narrow gauge railroads still in operation.
Some have been converted to the standard railroad system.
Others have been dismantled and turned into scrap. Even
though narrow gauge railroads were inexpensive to build,
off loading and on loading became too much of an expense.
Each time a narrow gauge railroad met a standard railroad,
shipments would have to be unloaded and reloaded.
