Model painting and the associated tools are an essential part of our model railroad hobby.
In this class, your instructor Doug Hodgdon will show you the assortment of paints, solvents, stains, brushes, and other tools that he uses at his own workbench, and how they may fit into your creative process.
Doug’s idea is to get you, the modeler, to really enjoy experimenting with many different types of products available. And, in time, you’ll see that using a variety of materials and techniques adds a higher level of believability to your model railroad scene.
Follow along with Doug and try out model painting and tools for yourself. It’s fun and rewarding. Explore your creativity.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Introduction
2:45
Meet your instructor Doug Hodgdon in this opening session, and get a bit of perspective on his modeling experience and the line-up for this class.
Session 2: Paints & Stains
17:09
In this session, Doug gives you an overview on paints, including hardware paints, craft paints, artist paints, and model paints. Each product has its own particular use in our hobby. With so many choices, it’ll help you to understand the differences of each. Doug also likes to use hardware stains. You will see his favorites in this session.
Session 3: Solvents
5:07
Doug keeps a full range of solvents on hand for his assortment of paints and stains, and some can be toxic. Using care and small quantities in labeled mixing bottles are the way to go. Try this out for yourself.
Session 4: Brushes
9:12
Having a large variety of brushes within reach is a must as you work. In this session, Doug explains using inexpensive hardware or craft brushes for non-essential painting and artist quality brushes for critical work. Experimentation is key in our hobby.
Session 5: Air Brushes
8:54
An airbrush is probably one of the most versatile tools you can acquire for modeling use. You’ll see an inexpensive model for scenery and weathering work and a quality brush for model painting. Experimentation will provide the correct amount of thinning for the paint that you’re using.
Session 6: Tools
5:41
A selection of small hand tools is important for cleaning up parts before you paint. You’ll see how Doug uses some key tools, including an air compressor and a spray booth with a hood and vent fan. Let your creativity flow!
Session 7: Wrap-Up
1:25
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
Class Guide PDF
Download this Guide as a reminder of the key details you’ll see in the video instruction
Video: Meet Your Instruction
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, Doug Hodgdon.
Video: Antique Air Brushes
Listen to Doug talk about how some old-school models of air brushes.
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?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
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Can I View A Class On My Tablet Device Or Mobile Phone?
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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?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please 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.
How do I contact Model Railroad Academy?
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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