Model railroad layouts typically depict towns or industrial areas where the action of the railroad happens. These scenes are usually separated by some open country scenery.
But what should we depict in that open scenery? What can we model that will fill the space while creating interest?
One good option it to model agricultural scenes. Farms and ranches add a sense of life and action to what otherwise might seem a very static, lifeless scene.
In this Model Railroad Academy class, “Creating an Agricultural Scene,” you’ll learn start-to-finish how to model an agricultural scene depicting a hay field and a corn field during the fall harvest.
You will see how to plan and develop the scene; how to build up the scenic base to add drama and interest to the overall scene; and how to detail the scene to depict the corn harvest.
You’ll be introduced to materials and techniques to help you depict the earth in a farm field, fence posts, individual corn stalks, wet earth, and more. You will also learn how to select colors that tell the story of the scene, depicting realistically the right season in the right location.
When you are finished with this class you will be able to create an agricultural scene for your own model railroad layout that is realistic and dynamic.
In addition to your video instruction, you’ll get a helpful Class Guide downloadable PDF that you can print out and use as a reference as you plan for, and work on, your agricultural scene.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Introduction
11:33
In this introductory session, you’ll learn how to plan out and lay out an agricultural scene. You will also be introduced to the materials and tools you will need to complete such a scene.
Session 2: Finding the Radius and Glue Down
10:00
In this session, you’ll learn how to prepare the Styrofoam base for the fields, cut them to shape around track and other scenic elements, and adhere them to the layout base.
Session 3: Forming Embankments
26:09
See how to use a hot knife tool to shape the Styrofoam for embankments, driveways, and drainage ditches. You will also see how to use plaster cloth to prepare the base for scenery.
Session 4: Working with Plaster
9:25
This session will teach you how to apply a plaster layer to the scenic base. You will also learn various techniques for smoothing the plaster or texturing it to represent various scenic forms.
Session 5: Coloring the Terrain
20:31
Here, you’ll learn how to paint the scene to realistically represent earth in the field areas. You will learn to choose colors that depict different types of soil in different areas of the scene. You will also learn how to add interesting details like tractor tire tracks and various grass and weed highlights.
Session 6: Planting Corn
16:49
In the final session, you’ll see how to lay out the cornfield in a logical, realistic manner and how to plant the corn stalks in the field. You will see how to represent stubble in the harvested portion of the field and add a fence to the field.
Your Instructor
Doug Hodgdon
Douglas Hodgdon joined the Model Railroad Academy in 2016 and has a passion for helping fellow railway enthusiasts pursue their love of trains. He received his first train set at just three years old, a Marx wind-up, which captivated his interest. Since then, Doug has maintained a fascination with model trains. His journey began as a teenager working at a hobby store, eventually evolving into a 50-year-long profession dedicated to constructing model railroads across various scales, from Z scale to 1 1/2" to the foot (1:8) scale. Doug specializes in S scale, specifically the Proto 64 variety, where he operates his Southern Pacific "Citrus District" layout, spanning 2' x 18' and utilizing a waybill system. Doug believes that model railroading, often referred to as "The World's Greatest Hobby," offers a fantastic avenue for learning, growth, and the creation of three-dimensional art. In his role as a host for the Model Railroad Academy, his aim is to inspire and unite fellow hobbyists.
Bonus Material
Printable Class Guide PDF
Download this Guide as a reminder of the key details you’ll see in the video instruction
Video: Meet Your Instructors
Download this short video to meet your class instructors, Doug Hodgdon and Mike Swiridow
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Model Railroad Academy to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on Model Railroad Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great railroading videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
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Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Model Railroad Academy. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
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Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
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Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and MRA contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
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Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
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If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at modelrailroadacademy@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-208-7399. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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