Don't miss the May 2026 issue of Model Railroader magazine!

Chattanooga layout 1
Bill Orman started planning for his retirement layout in 2010, and after a few false starts, hired Lance Mindheim to bring the planning to a conclusion. The layout is set in the present day with options for excursion service with steam. In addition to Lance's help, Bill chose to use Sievers benchwork to save time and ensure a sturdy layout.

A request by the town’s historical society resulted in this layout in the former Chicago & North Western depot. Using documents from the society, including photos and Sanborn insurance maps, Glen Johnson built a diorama/railroad model of the main street through town. 

Brooks Stover offers tips on adding details, including scratchbuilt end rails. These techniques can easily be adapted to other scales.

David Popp explains how he built the backdrop panels, painted them, then added paper photographic images to create the scenes.

And much more!