Workshop Tips and Projects for Model Railroaders

Cody Grivno, host of "Cody's Office" on ModelRailroader.com, is an associate editor with Model Railroader magazine. A native of Crookston, MN, Cody has been interested in trains as long as he can remember.

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