The 2008 National Train Show was held at Anaheim (site down? try Google Cache) on July 18th-20th.

Some Highlights
Model Railroader has a preliminary and a final report listing the new products that came out.

Model Railroad Hobbyist has a bunch of product videos including Microsoft Train Simulator 2 first public showing.

Some of the better photos from the event i found were Mike's and Harry K. Wong. Both have a ton of pictures from the show to satisfy all who could not be there.

Orange Country Register's video of the show sums it all nicely.

I have been trying out different methods of making windows
and finally settled for this method. Its fast and the windows come looking decent.

Glazing
I use Butyrate Sheet (0.010 thick) made by K&S engineering. I had got them from Micro-Mark but they are not available there anymore. I did find some at Internet Trains or you could look for it at you local hobby or craft store. Some also call it clear acetate sheet.

Frames and Muntins
For the window framing i used 1/16" White Matt Graphic Tape and for the muntins i used 1/64" tape. These i got from GrafstickTapeLabel. It not expensive as the 1/16" was $1.50 and the 1/64 was $3. They also have a ebay listing.

Left: 1/16" Right: 1/64"

Assembly Process
I used ModelBuilder to create and print out my HO scale windows that i used as a template. I used three windows at a time to speed up the assembly process.

1: Window template taped

2: Butyrate sheet placed/taped on the template.

3: Used the 1/16" as the window framing/casing. Cutoff the excess/overlap using an xacto knife.

Using a template helps in keeping the lines straight.

3: Used the 1/64" as the window muntins. Cutoff the excess/overlap using an xacto knife.

Don't bother with trimming the excess window framing as they will be hidden.

4: Windows done and ready for cutting

5: Windows installed.

Dirty Windows
Since this will be a workshop, i wanted to weather the windows. This is a neat trick i learnt from the Easy Weathering DVD to dirty the windows. I used a file to ground a brown pastel chalk.

Ground brown pastel powder

Dab a dry paintbrush in it and apply to the back of the windows in an up-down stroke.

Dirty windows

Once you are done, spray the wall with a Krylon "Preserve-It" matt fixative spray. This will prevent the powdered chalk and the printer color from fading over time.
Note: Spraying it with Krylon, made the windows look frosty/unclear. Since this is to be a workshop structure, i was happy with the way it came out, however i would not do this if it was a residential structure.

Dirty and frosty windows after the Krylon application

You can use this method for any window opening. Check out actual windows manufacturers sites for sizing and print and re size the images to use as a template. Hope you will find the pictures and explanations easy to follow. Drop me a line if you have any questions regarding this method.

Funny Intercity advert...

Pictures are better than words but a video can explain everything much better. I had read articles and magazines on weathering techniques but never attempted one. Was a bit afraid of not knowing how much to put and thereby messing it up. So i decide to get the Easy Weathering Techniques DVD to see how it is properly done.

This DVD, a transfer from a VHS, runs for around 60 minutes and costs $24.50 It shows the various standard weathering techniques that modellers use. Dave and Bob take a squeaky clean rolling stock and then weather them using Pastel and Dry powder, Stains and Washes. They show Dry brushing techniques, Commercial weathering products and how to use them.

The clips of each technique are close-ups and they go slowly with the brushes so that we can see how its done. They also show a prototypical photo of a weathered boxcar and show how to get the same effect using all of these techniques.

NOTE: Check out real railroad pictures. Hidden Images has great closeup photos of locomotives and rolling stock that you can study for real-life weathering.

The last 20 minutes of the DVD is devoted to airbrushing. They weather a freight, oil tank, passenger, steam engine and flextrak using this method. I don't have an airbrush but Dave mentioned in the video, that you can achieve the same results using the earlier methods.

They showed all products they used. They explained the steps in detail and recapped it at the end. Watching them apply the pastel powders and seeing them dry brush, my apprehensions were laid to rest and i might try their technique on some of one of my boxcars.

The DVD mentioned about a Quick Reference card listing the tools and materials used, mixing formulas, and suppliers that was included. Mine did not contain any cards but you can download them off Dave's site.

I really learnt a lot from this DVD and is a great addition to your model railroad library.

For more details, check out the sample clip via Micro-mark.

10 great rail journeys as depicted by the Telegraph.

If your next flight is short and you are purchasing the tickets within 14 days of your departure, maybe you want to check out the rail connections. Travellers Notebook did a cost comparison of short hops between trains and flights and found 21 cheaper trains.

In this article, Boston to Portland via train is $48 compared to flying at $353. Considering gas prices these days, they could have added that to show train travel becoming a better alternative. Boston to Portland is around 225 miles. This in a 30 mpg car with $4 per gallon gas would be around 30$ for the round trip. Now you include the hassles of driving, miles on your cars...Train travel wins!

Trainz Classics
For those who are interested, the third volume of the Trainz Classics has started shipping. It is also available via digital download. The price of both format is $25.99.

I am not sure if i will go for it yet. I use Trainz 2006 and feel let down after purchasing the earlier Classics. As it was not compatible, i could not bring over my favourite locomotives and scenery from Trainz 2006. However, I really like the screenshots and new features of Classics 3. I also like passenger operations. So maybe?


Subway Simulator
A new ingame video has been posted. It runs for about 3 minutes and is around 65MB. I extracted a 20 second clip as a teaser. I really love the lighting effects but i dont think my current pc configuration will be able to handle it. Anyway, enjoy the teaser and then download the whole video.

I use Chipboard as the main building component. These come in various thickness. I generally use 0.024 inch thick for the roofs and
0.04 inch as the walls. Again, there are no hard and fast rules. I choose these thickness as i found them to be sturdy enough but also can be easily scored and cut.

In relation to the real world, a 0.024 inch thick would be the thickness of a cereal box and the 0.04 would be the backing of a writing pad or the thickness of a US dime.

If you are staring out building your first structure in card, you can use the cereal box and the writing pad. Also, sometimes, the photo framing section of your craft store like Michael's sometimes sell scrap matt board cheap. These are usually thicker than 0.04 and you will need a few extra passes with your knife to cut out windows. However, you can try them and see what you are comfortable with.

If you are making a lot of structures, you will need a good supply of cardstock. I get mine through ckresale. They have a lot of different sizes and price wise they are reasonable. If you want you can try their sample set for $1 + free shipping. Payment is through Paypal, so is safe. I did try out their sample first
and then looking at the various thickess and sizes settled for .02 and .04 thick in 8.5 x 11 size for my models.

The other material i use is matt photo paper from any office store. Keep a lookout for some deals on photo paper. Since i use Model Builder software for plans, i print them to a photopaper. It has some weight to it. I then use gluestick to apply the plan onto the cardstock.

In Part 3, I will talk about some cuting cardstock and making windows.

Here are some of the work-in-progress based on my Scratchbuilding using CardStock series.

Plans and windows printed on photo paper

Photo paper stuck on cardstock using gluestick

To make window frames, you can cut out the whole frame as i have done. This gives it a one piece look. More about windows will be in a later post.

One wall and windows cut out.

Walls, windows and doors all cut

Close-up of a wall

Ben Jervey, for GOOD Magazine, recently took a trip from New York to San Francisco to understand what the American Rail system lacks. He files this excellent report called Train in Vain. What he had to say about the types of passengers was very true.

I counted four types of passengers. There are thrifty ones looking to save a few bucks on plane tickets. There are those who are scared of flying, a group that has no doubt grown in recent years. There are the zealots—without exception, older men—who describe themselves with charming lack of inhibition as “rail junkies,” “railroad nuts,” “train buffs,” or, my personal favorite, “railfans.” The rest—indeed the majority—say they’re here for “the experience.”

[via Mefi]

I was looking around for a new structure to build. I prefer using plans/structures that other modellers have built. This gives me a reference point to see how mine is coming along. This time i decided to try a small structure by Paul Templar. Paul's site has a wealth of information about all the facets of model railroading. For this structure, he has used real wood but i will be doing it using card stock/computer printout.

I will be documenting my progress and will use this as a tutorial to building structures using card stock. That being said, i want to note that there are many methods and materials to use while scratch building and no one method is the best. This is the method i use. Also, i receive no monetary "kickbacks" from the vendors that i mention. I use their product and am happy with it.


So, lets start by looking at the tools required. You need to invest in a good set of tools if you plan to make structures. I am a sucker for Mirco-Mark and have got the basic items from them, however you can check your local art/craft stores.

X-acto Knife No. 1
The standard knife that will help you to make precise cuts.

No. 11 Blades
Angled straight blades no. 11. These have to be sharp so always get a bundle as they are not costly and as a rule try using a new blade for each structure.

Self Healing Cutting Mat
You need this to protect your dining table. (that's where i do my cutting). It also protects the knife blade. Please do not skimp on this and try to get the biggest size that's is affordable. If your hand slips while cutting, you will be safe from the errant scratch.

Scissors
You will need this to make general cut around the area and then do a more precise cut using the No.1 knife.

Scribber/Scoring tool
Sometimes you will need to score card stock along a perfect straight line for making folds. A good scribber helps. I tried using the knife in some projects and if you are not careful, you might cut the card stock. If you have a compass from your geometry box, you can use the pointy end too.


Model Railroader's Ruler
This ruler which is graded in HO, N, O, S and Inches is a real time saver while converting measurements from the real world.

Mini-Square
I never used to get a perfect 90 deg cut while cutting out windows. You can use the mini-square to guide your knife and get the angle perfect.

Straight Edge
Straight edge protects your fingers and your drawing/plans while you cut. There is a 12 inch version but this 6 inch edge is the perfect size for HO/N scale plans.

Mini Tweezers
A decent tweezers is needed to hold the small parts. This mini-tweezer set has 4 kinds including a self-locking one.

Filing Set
A set of assorted mini files. You need this to file flashing from plastic parts or around the window opening.

Good lighting
You need a good task lighting for your work, preferably the ones which simulate daylight.

Elmers Glue and Glue stick
You will need Elmers/white glue to glue the various parts. I also use glue stick for sticking the printed plans onto the card stock. I was using Elmer's for that job, but sometimes i left a spot and then i would end up with bubbles.

Toothpick
Plenty of toothpicks! While gluing windows or other small parts to your structures, by dipping the toothpick in elmer's glue, you will get a much better control to apply the glue.

Cloth Rag
This is essential in gluing parts. By dabbing the glued part slighting, you apply pressure. I tried bare hands before, the glue oozes out and gets on your hands and then when you handle the structure, it gets on the surface and smudges your walls.

In Part 2, i will talk about the materials/boards that i use.

Thinking of cool weather and snow on a hot, humid, hazy day like today is logical. So keep cool by looking at these mean looking snowplows.

[via kottke.org]

Steam on the web contains perfect video clips of Preserved Steam Locomotives from all around the UK. These include the Severn Valley, Bluebell Railway, West Somerset and many others.

The video are professionally done (no shaking) and the links are to individual WMV files or to Youtube clips. I found the sight of steam working its way through the green rolling landscape very mesmerizing.

Trains would be more efficient if they dont have to stop to drop off and pick up passengers. To solve this problem, Taiwanese inventor Peng Yu-Lun has introducted a new concept for a constantly moving train. It consists of a separate car atop a moving train that is dropped off and picked up at the stations. Check out the video to see this radical concept.

[via Boing-Boing]

The upcoming Subway Simulator has been on my radar for some time and while checking it out today, i noticed new screenshots. Passengers and rolling stock in game screenshots have been posted. These look awesome, though some are kind-a-creepy! I am hoping for some in game video clips. I want to see the blur effects that they talk about.

Modelrailcast, a resourceful podcast on all features of model railways got their first sponsor on their 19th show. Will and Ryan have also started selling their first DVD of their show. Its nice to see them start making some money.

They know and we all know that its not about making money but if they have some in their kitty, they will able to buy products and give us an unbiased review. So i wish them all the best and hope their show grows even more.

They are currently doing a series on making your own model railroad. The last two shows they talked about the design elements and various options to start one. Catch this series by subscribing to their free podcast via iTunes.