Whats Neat in model railroading | June 2018 Model Railroad Hobbyist | Ken Patterson

mrhmag.com - MRH columnist Ken Patterson's June 2018 What's Neat column:
- Paul Brennecke’s N scale layout
- Walthers Paper Mill kit construction
- Making trees with Campbell Rice
- David Stewart’s O scale layout
- Drone footage by Steven Conroy
- Great runbys, and more ...
Get even more great FREE how-tos for model railroading on the Model Railroad Hobbyist website. This video is just part of the TOTALLY FREE June 2018 issue of Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine.

[@billyray94]

Campbell's tree making video is hands down the best pine tree making method I've ever seen.

[@wheelslip]

Thanks Billy

[@kevinjhonson5925]

that tree building process was so cool it will save me some serious cash.

[@billbrassea7879]

i have made about 14 trees since this aired. Love it. They are sweet and each one is unique.

[@radfordjones6977]

I thoroughly enjoy each segment. I have been in the hobby since the middle 50's and learn with each segment. Excellent job in covering the many aspects of model railroading in a relaxed and informative manner.

[@azmike1]

Fantastic engineering by Dave on his O scale railroad. I am really impressed on his "dumper." Genius. Donald is a rocket man!

[@ghewitt94]

Great show Ken. N scale, trees, buildings. In a word awesome - this would be the best one so far.

[@jameswoverdurff3804]

The cows interest in the drone is very interesting to them and the viewer, brings life to the video.

[@the4000class]

Thanks for a great Show. My 5 year old son enjoys watching it with me and is excited about the ideas He gets from the show as we are planning his first layout!

[@paulturenne434]

More N scale.....yahoo...sweet !!That was a spectacular drone fly by!Another great show !

[@joevidal7616]

Oh my Campbells trees are the bomb!!, great show Ken.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Great show, Ken. Love both of those layouts--always nice to see some N scale. Thanks.

[@garylester55]

Fantastic show Ken, the layouts are amazing, thank you for covering them. Regards Gary 👍🏻😊

[@kyleschessiecumberlanddivi5581]

You always come out with some of the nicest ideas, loved that pine tree deal, looked so real. Then that O scale layout with the working retarders just blew me away. I'm pretty sure if you or someone sat down and thought about it, you could find a way for all scale modelers.

[@pbyfr]

A great one, hard to say which part was the best as all are excellent. I like this new format with one or two quick layout presentations, a good balance with the other parts.

[@brucecampbell5599]

That was an awesome episode! Everything inspiring and the O scale layout blew me away. Thank you for sharing.

[@daviemaclean61]

Another quality What's Neat. Thanks Ken

[@whitefordpipeshandmadebymi7238]

Wow the most awesome video yet ! Leaned so much! Especially the tree making and everyone was so nice 👍🏻 thanks so much! Enjoyed big time! Take care! Peace from Welland Ontario Canada 🇨🇦

[@CreativeRails]

Great video!! Love both of those layouts, but that hump yard was insane!

[@jolliemark6294]

Good show, it's nice to see you are now doing some more n scale stuff too, the trees look really good and I have seen a jump yard done In n scale years ago but they use air to slow the cars, thanks for sharing....😃

[@philrabe910]

What a great show! I love the tree technique! My first job in CA was at 'the Christmas factory' [think large mall decorations] and they had a machine that spun fake trees, but I never thought it could be scaled down for RR enthusiasts! So Cool!

[@cprtrain]

When you do a layout tour, could you include a track diagram?

[@zonegamma8197]

really happy to have discovered your channel !

[@bobditts]

Paul!!!! Rockin the DeNtrak shirt! Love it. Miss that club. Thanks for sharing your layout. Next time i am in town, I will try to schedule a viewing if possible.

[@jorginhodj9889]

As always thank you for sharing such knowledge. I always learn a lot. A big hug

[@AndyCrawford_NorfolkWestern]

I'm an O scaler with an HO guy's layout, or trapped with an HO scale guy's space (and wallet)... :) I was a 2 railer once upon a time ago. But the goal for my layout of long trains on a long run with TT&TO operation forced me back to HO. However, seeing David Stewart's O scale layout some years on, I miss O scale, it's really wonderful. His layout is really wonderful, his previous layout was one of my favorite's, and as this version matures, it's sure to stay in the top of my list. Good show, with the only consequence that the more O scale I see to more inclined I become to go back to the 1/4's!

[@1990sRailfan]

What a pleasant man in the intro.

[@davidmuse7004]

Great show and thank you for sharing and showing that "Hump Yard", I thought I would never see one on a model layout but that is awesome. Now, all we need is someone to build a version of Potomac Yard in Alexandria, Va. which was the largeset of it'ss kind east of the Mississippi. Truly inspiring segment and overall great show Ken! Thank you!!!!!! David Muse

[@davidrt9999]

Good one this month. I like the layout tours. I'm partial to N Scale but David Stewart's layout was very interesting.

[@zoltronr6]

What a great episode. Very nice.

[@oldradioshop]

Tree making was great! Love the hump yard as well

[@santiagop23]

So wonderful! More O scale!

[@waltworld]

Excellent episode. Thanks

[@bobbiemitch]

Another entertaining segment. That was the second operational hump yard that have seen. The first was by the late Larry Keeler (Keeler Enterprises and CTC80) back in 1983. He had to find the right combination of wheels and side frames for consistent rollability and I want to think he used air for his retarders. Back then, a company called Del-Aire, made an air system to operate turnouts. He either used some of their products or at least, used them as an inspiration. His layout was open for the 198 KC National Convention.

[@spacecalander]

Such a great show, now off to make trees!

[@omurcada01]

Absolutely fine stuff

[@robertsjunction4753]

Great episode.

[@engineerhall5887]

Hey Ken Patterson you should make a video how to make a hump yard. I saw you had a look like you wanna do it And you had ideas running the your mind. Thank you for the great videos as always

[@jerrysmith1929]

Nice opening shot! My choice is N scale, but enjoy model trains whatever the scale.

[@kennethkolman7367]

I do the same thing for trees using manila rope unwind the lays of the rope soak them in water comb them out twist them between the wires with a grill let them dry then spray glue use the powdered grass to make the tree trunk I use wooden dowel rod and scrape the dowel with a saw blade to make it look like tree bark and paint or stain them brown and if you want them for a winter scene you can take white paint and some glitter mixed spread lighly on the tree let dry and spray with flat laquer to keep them looking good

[@jimsmoter4510]

Thanks , great show and helpful hints

[@just4funTrains]

Cambell Rise, great technique for making trees, I just made one and looks awesome. One tip....becareful with the drill you can break the tree. thanks

[@rjl110919581]

THANK YOU GREAT SHOW ON VIDEO EVERY TIME AS GREAT JOY AND SEE NEW DETAIL EVERY TIME

[@ralpho37]

I would love to see a video special on Dave’s A&O layout.

[@toddcox1313]

Very NEAT episode

[@bradley6156]

Another amazing show ken. I was wondering how you get to do the advertisement photography for manufacturers

[@highlandersixtysix]

Another outstanding show Ken, everything from N to O, and weren't those trees just a fab idea, especially when you have a sizeable area to cover! quick question for you from us here in Ireland - what music are you using for the drone footage and also the piece for the end credits with the nice bass line.

[@scouterhans]

Hold it,.... hold it..... did he just say the whole thing is rum by an arduino??? Mind Blown!!! wish you had stopped him for clarification.... any info on the cutting room floor? Thanks for your continued contributions, Ken.... always anticipated and never disappointed.

[@LordRusty5]

Ken, between the Walthers Paper Mill build, and Campbell Rice's pine tree creations, this is one of the best What's Neat episodes in a while!!! Also ... I love the steady cam unit you're using! May I ask ... what make is that? Great episode!

[@computer5450]

Like your Santa Fe units because I model the steam trans to diesel time and like your show too.

[@addisth]

Thanks, very good session !!

[@JamesWillmus]

Great Show!!! I have a question for David Steward, where does he get all his locomotives? Building or modifying freight cars is one thing, but finding 2 rail O scale locomotives is quite difficult.

[@richfiles]

Search ebay for "pipe brush", select the option to only show "Buy It Now", and sort by "Price + Shipping: Lowest First", and you can do the same thing, but skip ahead to the part where you clip the wire off with the cutters. I used these kinda of wire brushes (also certain kinds of hair curlers... my mother hated that! LOL). I'd spray paint them green, and use them for pine trees. The addition of extra texture is a good idea, and further than I went back when I made trees liek that as a kid, but no need to put so much effort into spinning the brush, when China makes this stuff by the ton, and sells it for next to nothing... Actual green pipe cleaners can make for great coniferous shrubbery.

[@hansdejong5242]

Great show. Loved the drone video. What is the name of the song playing in the background?

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing.

[@NicksCollectableCreations]

Great layouts with some good idea's of inspiration. Fly over was nice, I wish the frame rate of the drone footage was higher but still nice to see none the less. I will have to do something similar with my UP Steam Shop project to better support the building as you did with the Walthers Papermill. I felt like I was watching Modelermanmike there for a bit with that camo paint and using a whole sheet of clear for the windows.

[@StevenMConroy]

UP Trains 4014 the drone footage quality and frame rate is way off here. You can go to my channel directly to view in it’s native resolution.

[@valentusslimroast6716]

mind blown!

[@Spur_N]

Love the N scale track but really wowed out with the O scale one... amazing... Need more space 😂😎

[@jschmid]

Awesome trees.

[@wheelslip]

Thanks Joe

[@arthurhouston3]

Walther's Paper mill kit works for you but it is so large. We use it but kit bash it big time.

[@ericblondeel4078]

I like it from Belgium !

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

Now, I want to build a 1/35 scale Stryker!

[@Phoenixknight79]

Yet another great show Ken, one question the the Tree segment instead of the glue elmers glue could you use hair spray in case you can't find the spray glue like he used. The drone footage at first I thought is was a layout model I had to watch it over just to realize it was real, and most of all love the run by and all the layouts.

[@wheelslip]

Steven, I have not tried the hairspray you could certainly try it and see. I get my spray glue from Wal*Mart or Hobby Lobby.

[@IMRROcom]

The "N" scale layout is not an operational layout? It is just a run by photo prop? Or is there some sort of hidden operations that I missed? Have you considered covering some sort of operation with switching etc.

[@jerrysmith1929]

No switching, just photo run bys. In the video you can't appreciate how small the space is. It's crowded with just 2 people. If you wanted switching in the small space there'd be no space for running. Paul likes scenery so this is what he built.

[@jerrysmith1929]

001 002 Some very fashionable shoes 😁

[@Denniss7420]

Looked all operational to me. Don't always need dispatchers and car cards :)

[@jerrysmith1929]

"Operational" doesn't usually refer to merely running trains. A train will run very well on the Grande. However, on Paul's layout you can't run even 2 trains in opposing directions because there are no passing sidings. If you want a beautiful layout on which to display a train running, then this is the layout for you. Nothing wrong with that. If you're looking for prototype style operations (and they do require a dispatcher), look elsewhere. Simply two different ways to enjoy our hobby.

[@IMRROcom]

Jerry Smith seems people do not understand what operations is. Just like a Video Games is not a Movie and a Movie is not a painting all 3 can be of the same subject. But they are all different mediums of the subject. The same but not the same. That is the question?

[@Denniss7420]

Finally, someone corrects the handrails on N scale locos. You can always tell N scale by the handrails - but not with these.

[@Tom.Gregory]

Tres bien, super double awesome

[@dwightatnorthernstar1820]

So cool....

[@TheDrummerman1951]

Nice job on the trees looked easy to do. Where do you get the hook for the drill?

[@wheelslip]

Any hardware store, it is the ones you screw into the wall to hang stuff with just put the screw end in the drill.

[@TheDrummerman1951]

Thanks for your reply I have to give it a try.

[@nowayjerk8064]

trees out of thin dollar store air wow!

[@pieseasmyseas]

I was gonna do my GO yard as a hump yard but I had to give up

[@applicareinc]

The drone footage 21:48 with it's sound track is ASTOUNDING. Thanks for posting.

[@davidmiller1583]

Still trying to determine who created this sound track. Someone suggested a group named Hiroshima but I haven't found it on their music.

[@prowordsmith]

I really enjoy the "From Above" segments. Gives a unique perspective on 1:1 railroading that translates easily into model railroading! However, does,'t UP or Amtrak get all hinky about your flying over, close to and around their trains and property? And I'm not sure in today's security-enhanced world, the government and military are gonna be enthusiastic about you hovering over and photographing military movements?

[@struck2soon]

"Small things don't have to come in big packages"....in my world they usually don't!😜

[@johnkuzma7066]

Bob Symes uses that technique of making trees in his show called Model World.

[@wheelslip]

I have a friend who does military models and he's the one that showed me and I thought that would be great for the model train world.

[@trainboyyy4312]

Damn I want to make a tree but I have school soon

[@thx113868]

Great episode the tree segment was cool. And that O scale was too much.

[@farmerdave7965]

Rustoleum is excellent paint but I think it will attack plastic.

[@azmike1]

Dave Stewart! What about Rod Stewart? Both are rock stars.

[@arthurhouston3]

hemp rope from Lowes work better and way cheaper. than paint brushes

[@LordRusty5]

Those are cheap-shit paint brushes! You can get them in a multi pack at a dollar store or even Harbor Freight! ;)

[@AndyCrawford_NorfolkWestern]

I don't disagree with with Arthur, I'm a big fan of Sisal twine. Sisal makes pretty good tall growth in larger scales, but I use it to make forest undergrowth in HO. I think it makes better bottlebrush trees, since it has some natural "waviness" to it. However, in defense of the paint brush, I think variety is one of the best values in modeling dense vegetation, you need trees of a variety of methods. While I love SuperTree's, a forest of just them is a little too manicured. I like mixing Sedum in, since with a little work it makes pretty good canopy. I just use bottlebrush trees for the extreme background, they do fill in against a backdrop pretty well, and are much faster than the asparagus fern conifers I favor for more foreground locations.

[@InterCity134]

yep, but that is a lot more work to unravel the sisal vs just cutting off some cheap brush bristles.

[@paulturenne434]

I also think..IMHO of course ,that sisal twine has a more coarse/twisted/organic look to it ,a little less static than straight brush fibers..BUT...the effect is still rather nice ,and that is the point.There`s always more than one way to skin a cat, just like the old filter matt technique, which give a rather nice pine tree look and less of a bottle brush look. I actually now just buy my pine trees now as my local hobby shop got some really nice assorted trees for pretty cheap (for abouts 45-60 cents a piece..Canadian funds LOL)They look very very nice and only need a shot of Krylon camo dark green and then a small blast of Testor rattle can "SAC Bomber Green" to add highlites.The odd tree get a spritz of hair spay then a sprinkle of Woodland Scenics turf ,usually a mix of dark and yellow. 80% of my deciduous are home made in a mid/late autumn "motif" ,much like where I live up here in the "Hinterland"

[@arthurhouston3]

But DW has to have something to do that's her job.

[@bufordhart730]

Like on RFDTV

[@bufordhart730]

How come you guys don't have a cable TV show aside from KZbin

[@Denniss7420]

Because TV would require them to be too politically correct. No Thanks.

[@harryschaft5429]

paul's laye owt is ho.