Model Railroader January 2021

Modeling forbidden spacesby Dave AbelesDave Abeles shares some of the "forbidden spaces" on his layout, and how to model and photograph them. Building a layout gives you access to places you may not be able to visit in real life. Add real rocks to your sceneryby Lou SassiModel Railroader contributing editor Lou Sassi shares his techniques for adding real rocks to your layout's scenery. Nothing looks more like the real thing than the real thing, when it comes to rocks!track, ballast, and soilUsing grout to model soilby Lance MindheimLance Mindheim shows you how to use tile grout to create earth textures on your model railroad. This material is inexpensive and readily available in a broad range of earth tones.Two Tortoise motor switchesThe care and feeding of Tortoisesby Gerry AlbersSome installation and repair tips can keep these switch motors thriving under your layout. Into canyon countryby Bob McLaughlinHow the Florida Scale Rails club extended its HO scale Denver & Rio Grande layout. Creating better layout photosby Brooks StoverFrequent contributor Brooks Stover offers suggestions for improving your photographs of your model railroad. Installing fiber optic lightingby Paul Jack McCartyThis wiring-free solution allows you to add illuminated scenes to your layout without any soldering.