Workshop Tips and Projects for Model Railroaders

Tools and adhesives
-Put together a basic tool kit. Jim Hediger
-Select tools that bend, grip, and cut. Terry Thompson
-Get a grip on glues and adhesives. Jim Hediger
-Glue structures using braces and jigs. Cody Grivno

Track and wiring
-Ballast track easily. Cody Grivno
-Work with curved thrnouts. Jim Hediger
-Use magnetic couplers. Andy Sperandeo
-Tune up turnouts. Jim Hediger
-Use connectors for easier layout wiring. Jim Hediger
-Wire a layout for two-train operation. Neil Besougloff
-Shape and install spike-head feeders. Andy Sperandeo
-Solder wire and track feeders. Jim Hediger

Structures
-Scratchbuild a station from drawings. Cody Grivno
-Make simple hoses. Cody Grivno
-Model a weather-beaten structure. Cody Grivno
-Put a big industry in a small space. Cody Grivno
-Glaze windows with adhesive. Cody Grivno
-Cast your own wall sections. Andy Sperandeo
-Cut door and window openings. Cody Grivno
-Kitbash large modular structures. Jim Hediger

Locomotives and freight cars
-Perform rolling stock checkups. Jim Hediger
-Service locomotives. Jim Hediger
-Open handrail holes with reamers. Cody Grivno
-Remove and replace molded details. Cody Grivno
-Install a distinctive nose bell. Jim Hediger
-Clean locomotive wheels. Cody Grivno
-Repair and paint acetal handrails. Cody Grivno

Scenery
-Add mounting pins to fence sections. Cody Grivno
-Make a forest of puff-ball trees. Neil Besougloff and David Popp
-Uncover the basics of ground cover. Cody Grivno
-Create a quiet grade crossing. Cody Grivno
-Cast rocks in place. Cody Grivno
-Add gravel parking lots and roads. Cody Grivno
-Model water with two-part resin. Cody Grivno
-Build a ballasted-deck bridge. Cody Grivno
-Install modern car-stopping devices. Cody Grivno

Painting and decaling
-Learn the basics of airbrushing. Cody Grivno
-Loosen paint jar caps. Cody Grivno
-Airbrush models with acrylic paint. Cody Grivno
-Paint yellow boxcars. Cody Grivno
-Tint turn signals and taillights. Cody Grivno
-Detail with different brands of decals. Cody Grivno
-Model patch out freight cars. Cody Grivno

Weathering
-Weather and string line poles. Cody Grivno
-Create hard-working diesel locomotives. Cody Grivno
-Re-letter and weather steam engines. Cody Grivno
-Make couplers look realistic. Cody Grivno
-Produce great ghost lettering. Cody Grivno
-Add grime with an airbrush. Cody Grivno
-Apply washes with artist's oils. Cody Grivno
-Weather with powdered pastels. Cody Grivno
-Simulate rust with makeup applicators. Cody Grivno
-Drybrush different weathering effects. Cody Grivno