Atlas Model Railroad Co. will distribute four new Masterpiece Ho model vehicles in August , 2007, in three different paint and body schemes each. All of these prototypically correct ready to go models will be priced at between $14.95 and $16.95. Here's a look at what's coming down the pike!

Austro Daimler - Three models, the 1908  (Maja engine), 1914 (top up) and 1914 (top down) Austro Daimler was one of the worlds first automobile manufacturing companies, and today an Austro Daimler is quite a rare find.

1936 Chrysler Airflow Imperial Eight -  In three versions, the Skytint Blue, Harvard Maroon, and Gunmetal Gray, the Chrysler Airflow Imperial Eight was the first production automobile to incorporate streamlining into its design, as well as other safety and handling features like a full-steel perimeter frame.

2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - Presented in white, red and green, the 2007 Jeep Wrangler is so popular you kind of wonder why they didn't hit on this one a little sooner. While they've gotten away from the traditional two-door design (now four) it does look ever more like an SUV, this vehicle has more than doubled  in sales since it's introduction, and proudly carries on the more than 65 year Jeep tradition.

American Walk-In Van - Presented in three formats; white undecorated, Miracle bakery, and Specter Linens, this van is suitable for layouts from the 1960's onward. You'll find many uses for them, as they are in use as delivery trucks, bread trucks, linen supply trucks and even Police and Fire Department Special operations.

These Masterpiece models will add authenticity to any layout; but not until August!

There are many ways and materials with which to model water, either still or moving, on your model railroad layout.  Understanding the nature of this water, (be it river, stream, pond, ocean, etc.) is essential to getting a grasp on just how you want to go about  modeling it, and the material you'll want to use. Here we'll look at not only some of the materials, but their relative ease of use, and lifelikeness.

I'm assuming here that your eventual aim in modeling this water is to create as lifelike a scene as possible on your model railway, so as to capture some of the natural drama that real bodies of water relate. A raging river, crashing ocean or waterfalls make for some memorable scenery, and are worth the challenge involved. Actually, modeling water itself isn't necessarily the hard part here: it's the planning and preparation that will make the difference in the end. Take or acquire as many reference pictures as you can. These will be invaluable.

Once you've settled on the exact picture in your mind, begin by preparing the base of the water by making sure the surface is leak-proof, clean, and filled with whatever you'd like to model on the water's bottom. (rocks, fish logs, etc.)

There are quite a few ways to create water for your model train layout. Here are some, and something about each:

• Real Water - Not really an option; as it is extremely high-maintenance and does this thing called evaporate! Plus, water and the electricity used to run your model railroad don't mix well.
• Envirotex - A little bulky to mix, but makes some great looking waves!
• Casting Resin - Undoubtedly the best-looking finish, but toxic fumes and laborious coats make it only for the most patient craftsmen among us.
• Acrylic Gloss - Also good-looking, but also labor intensive.
• Plaster H2O - Good for unclear bodies of water, but hard to see any depth.
• E-Z Water - Looks good, but a little difficult to work with.
• Acrylic Ceiling Tile - Inexpensive and easy, only it doesn't show any depth or "wetness".
• Acrylic Shower Door - Ditto above, though simple, not very real.
• Gloss Paints - While cheap and very photo-friendly, in real-life it doesn't look very much like water!

Give special attention to the shores and banks of your bodies of water. Make sure to look at your photos to note the color differences, as well as the changes in color from near the shore to the middle of the stream, lake, river or whatever you're trying to depict. If it's deeper, it's darker!

You can create effects like waves and falls and ripples with gels and other commercial products, and a little paint.

Modeling water effectively can make for a stunning model railway layout that will draw raves from all who see it!

While this story certainly tugs at your emotions, it got me to thinking about the changing nature of the business hobby shop owner find themselves in these days. While Wold's Hobbies during their 30 years of serving their community certainly made an impact, serving even second and third generation modelers, Chet Wold's statement that 'the internet killed our business' has to be taken with a grain of salt.

While it's no doubt true that many people nowadays buy their parts and pieces on the internet, it's probably also true that any local hobby shop that hasn't embraced this change in a way that could make some sense for them is likely headed for the same outcome as the Wolds. Even though many, especially those who've worked as a traditional retail outlet for so long are unlikely to dive headlong into the web, even some of the most long-established retailers have a web presence. It's really getting to the point that if you don't have some sort of a web presence, even if it's merely local, you'll have a tough time competing. Chet Wold laments that the when he started, people would build all sorts of projects, but now seem to opt more for the ready-to-go models.

I hope the Wold's find what they're seeking in their retirement, and escaping the day to day world of retailing will be certainly be a relief. Is this where hobby shops are headed? Or will they evolve? Food for thought…

These days you can certainly buy all the forest you can carry home for your model railroad layout. You'll probably end up enhancing those pieces and wishing you'd either done it all from scratch in the first place or at least had given it some more thought. Point is, while you can get some good basic trees from the ready-made material, the ability to make these even more realistic and to make trees from scratch is an art you'll want to get good at!

One of the first things to think about when planning your trees and forests, is to not only pinpoint the area you'll be modeling, and the trees common to that area, but the time of year, weather depicted.  You must also include any other stressors on the trees, such as a logging operation, highways, developments and the like. Each of these and other factors like them will tend to make a difference on not only how your forests grow, but how many trees, and the condition they're in as well. Each forest has several different types of trees, and while one type might be predominant, be aware that the different types exist alongside another, each with their own condition and growth rates.

You can make trees with any number of materials, such as balsa wood, wire, twine and more. There are many techniques to make all different sorts of trees. The trick is knowing exactly what you would like to depict, and to determine the best way to make that particular tree. Pine trees for example can be made with a length of wire, manila twine, rubber cement and model foliage. While this can produce some stunningly realistic trees, it can also take some time. Allow for that, though, as it is definitely worth it when you see the results. Setting up an assembly line process for your forest may be a good idea, as it will allow you to compartmentalize some of the work, and maybe save some time. This is especially helpful if you're modeling a few types of trees in your forest. Before long you'll have a stand of trees that will be ready for planting!

When considering how and where to plant your newly 'grown' trees, there are several things to keep in mind. First, when looking at your photos or real-life scene you are modeling, pay particular attention to the vegetation and ground cover you find on the forest floor. Underneath a forest canopy will be very different from the edges of the tree cover, so take notice. There are many commercially available ground coverings, as well as natural products (like dirt!) you can use as well. Experiment with the look you get, don't be afraid to weather and paint your ground, and remember that most forests have not only some dead trees, but some fallen or broken trees, and if depicting a logging operation, plenty of stumps.

I find it advisable to work one section of your layout at a time, allowing for the scenery to evolve and grow. This can only work, however, if you stick to your original plan. Making trees from scratch is a real art, and one of the most rewarding scenery projects you can undertake, as you'll certainly understand when you look upon your newly-finished forest!

If you've decided to take the plunge and get into model railroading, this article will offer a few tips to not only help you get off to a successful and enjoyable start, but to set you up for a lifetime of great fun and satisfaction.

A model railroad is more than a kids train set running around the Christmas tree, although that's likely where many of us got our start. The hobby has evolved into a multi-million dollar business, and while that's usually not why we're involved in model railroading, you can see that it has sustained its popularity despite the decline in train travel. The nostalgic and historical aspects of the hobby lure enthusiasts who long to model and represent a piece of yesteryear, and whose passions and attentions to detail make those scenes come alive.

The first and most important step you'll make when starting your first layout is to carefully plan it. Take some time, and if at all possible, view as many existing layouts not so much for ideas as to see what is possible. You'll come up with plenty of ideas all by yourself.

If you have a particular interest in a certain time in history, or a certain rail line or event, begin researching it to learn as much as you can. Decide how large your layout can be, and if there will be room for expansion later, and how would that be handled.

Decide up front if you'd like to use a DCC system (Digital Command Control) which makes it all computerized and easier to control, as well as much more realistic. (It's simpler to start this at the beginning than to have to switch over everything later.)

After deciding how much room you can devote to this layout, you'll need to pick a scale to work within. The most popular scale is HO (1:87). This scale has by far the most trains, track and accessories available to populate your layout. Other popular scales include O (1:48), S (1:64), N (1:160) and Z (1:220).

Once you've got your planning done, (and be sure to take plenty of time with it!) you're ready to start purchasing and building. The first time you step into a hobby shop can be a daunting experience, so make sure you know at least generally what you're after, and can answer the basic questions you'll be asked about what scale you want, what you're trying to model, and how much space you have.

The salesperson will likely be able to give you guidance, but it's always better to come a tad bit prepared. Model train kits are sold as complete with locomotives, some rolling stock, track, a power supply, and some basic scenery. You can go this route if you wish, or do what many modelers do, and that is construct their layouts piece by piece.

If you're modeling a specific time and/or rail line, you may want to go this latter route, instead of buying a generic set. There are literally thousands of pieces available, and finding what you need will not be hard. It may be hard for the hobby shop to have what you want in stock at the moment you're there, but they are always willing to special order any pieces you may need, and if their prices or availability don't suit you, there's always the internet!

Probably simultaneously to your purchasing you're also constructing your bench work to support your masterpiece. An L-girder table with support reinforced at critical junctures (again why you plan!) should do nicely. There are plans for this sort of train table published on the internet, as well as in books available at the library. Building scenery and laying track also are part of the foundation process.

While most of the actual train pieces you'll buy are ready to roll, you have a choice to make regarding the rest of your layout, regarding just how much time, sweat and devotion to detail you wish to invest on your layout. Much of the scenery and accessories are also available readymade, but again will most likely have a generic, plastic look to it.

My personal preference is to use some pre-made pieces, but to augment these with scenery (mostly natural landscaping, bridges and some buildings) by hand crafting them. This is where the art of the modeler comes into play. You can create some incredibly realistic scenery doing it by hand, and the payoff is much more than merely a great-looking layout. The pride associated with crafting pieces that elicit much praise is a big reason why we do this hobby in the first place.

Take your time with this, however, as these skills are not learned overnight, and can take some time to implement. Best to incorporate pieces into your layout as you go, so that you'll be getting enjoyment from the trains as you continue to refine and work on your overall layout plan.

There are many bells and whistles (pun intended) that you can easily incorporate into your layout, such as sounds, a stunning backdrop that adds dimension and depth to your layout, dramatic lighting and even special effects to liven up the action! If you haven't guessed by now, creating the world of your model railroad is going to take a little time, and a few bucks. Ideally, you'll have planned for some of these when you planned your layout, but in truth, many times detail is thought of and worked in as we are constructing our layouts, and it's usually not too much bother to work something in.

The most important thing to remember about your new hobby is to take your time and enjoy yourself! Join a model railroad club near you for help and inspiration. Attend an NMRA (National Model Railroading Association) event and learn even more from those who've gone before. Model railroading is a great hobby, and one that can bring you years of enjoyment!