Model Railroad Academy

Modeler Martin Tärnrot presents the methods he uses for modeling a scrap yard line-side on an HO-scale layout.

The Scrap Yard Modeler Martin Tärnrot presents the methods he uses for modeling a scrap yard line-side on an HO-scale layout. This project has several component parts, starting with ground preparations. When the...

Modeler Martin Tärnrot demonstrates a technique for painting figures to add to the structures and scenery in your layout.

Painting Figures Using the High-Contrast Priming Technique Modeler Martin Tärnrot demonstrates a technique for painting figures to add to the structures and scenery in your layout. It’s called high-contrast priming or artificial shadowing, and it gives more...

In this detailed video, modeler Martin Tärnrot demonstrates a common build on a model railroad.

Tunnel Scene From Start to Finish In this detailed video, modeler Martin Tärnrot demonstrates a common build on a model railroad – a slight grade going down and into a tunnel. He shares his methods and...

In this video you’ll get an introduction to narrow gauge modeler Bob Brown’s Tuolumne Forks Model Railroad.

Overview of the Tuolumne Forks Railroad In this video you’ll get an introduction to narrow gauge modeler Bob Brown’s Tuolumne Forks Model Railroad. Tuolumne Forks is a O&3 freelanced narrow gauge logging and mining railroad. The...

Working with a boxcar with orange sides, Martin demonstrates how he weathers each of these areas.

Quick Weathering Using PanPastels If you want to get some freight cars weathered quickly, this method works well. Modeler Martin Tärnrot believes the priority areas for quick weathering are painting the wheel sides, removing...

Modeler Martin Tärnrot shares ideas for creating a siding after a curve – varying trackwork to get the same functionality but higher reliability (fewer derailments and less fuss with rolling stock).

Trackwork: Siding Following Curve Modeler Martin Tärnrot shares ideas for creating a siding after a curve – varying trackwork to get the same functionality but higher reliability.

The benchwork is the foundation on which you build your model railroad.

Benchwork The benchwork is the foundation on which you build your model railroad. Modeler Martin Tärnrot gives an overview of the common types of benchworks, what the pros and cons of...

Harold Werthwein’s layout of the Delaware Division of the Erie Railroad had a fair amount of hidden track, to move the trains between adjacent scenes that in reality were some distance apart.

Hidden Track Harold Werthwein’s layout of the Erie Railroad had about 200 feet of hidden track, to move trains between adjacent scenes that in reality were not close.

Tunnel portals are present on almost every model railroad, so we need to know how to make them.

Concrete Tunnel Portals Tunnel portals are present on almost every model railroad, so we need to know how to make them. Martin Tärnrot shows how to make a concrete tunnel portal.

Take a plastic kit model railroad warehouse and assemble it out of the box, spend 15 extra minutes and almost no money, and transform it into something that really pops on your layout.

Transforming a Kit Warehouse MRA’s Martin Tärnrot shows how to transform a plastic kit warehouse into something that really pops on your layout, without spending much time or money!

n this detailed video, modeler Martin Tärnrot demonstrates a common build on a model railroad – a slight grade going down and into a tunnel.

Tunnel Scene From Start to Finish In this detailed video, modeler Martin Tärnrot demonstrates a common build on a model railroad – a slight grade going down and into a tunnel. He shares his methods and...