I want to create a small forest in my layout. Trees are expensive and most of they feel like plastic. I decided to attempt to create a tree by using wire and rope. The process is straightforward but hard to master. I have tried different variations, in order from left to right: The tree trunks…
Author: rmolins
Improving the bridges
The layout has two bridges. One in the back composed by NOCH-21320 and one in the front composed by NOCH-21320 + 2x NOCH-21350 and the piers from NOCH-21400. The original bridge was grey, which is a common colour seen in this kind of layouts, but I felt it looked as cheap plastic. I decided to…
DIY Programming on siding track with Z21 Starter
I sometimes want to program CV to one locomotive without the need to remove other locomotives from the track (POM). To avoid this, added a siding with a DPDS connected to the Z21 white. This allows to bring a loco to the siding, change the switch, program the loco and after changing the switch again…
Railway crossing internal circle
The internal circle railway crossing is made with the same process as the one of the external circle.
Making a wire tree
I started by using garden wire. To create the structure of the tree. Then the structure is covered with modpodge mate glue. I sprayed the top with glue and added some grass to act as a small branches, it did not work as expected. Everything was then painted with airbrush. I ended up gluing coarse…
Railway crossing external circle
The external loop had a “dirt road” and a tunnel entrance that needed some improvement. After removing the dirt and cleaning, plaster was used to make a more leveled countryside road. Using a knife and an old wagon ensured clearance on the rails. Once the plaster is dry it is painted, ballast added to the…
Industrial diorama
Before adding a railway crossing to my layout, more experience was needed. This triggered the construction of a small industrial diorama. This diorama would add a first experience of road and railroad crossing construction and building painting. The construction was straightforward: wooden base, white plaster for the road, static grass and an old building I…
Adding field to rural diorama
I want to create a field in my diorama. I will start with cardboard and remove the top layer. This will be the base. After cutting to size, I glued the cardboard to the base, and painted with glue mix with water all the surface to add brown mud. For some reason, the glue had…
ROCO 10819 Z21 Ocupancy detection
My objective is to have a compact, fully automated layout that allows playing with one train while others are automated. Knowing the position of a train is critical. After using Rocrail and iTrain I find the later easier to use. The final connection setup is as follows, The current configuration of areas in iTrain5 is…
Rural diorama base
I am doing a small diorama to test new ideas. The objective is to make a straight track with a small pond, a field and some unpaved track. The result is quite satisfying, but I am not totally happy with the track painting and the ballast. I will try different colors and rust option to…









