Las Piedras Railroad

12/15/2025

California Screamin'

11/30/2025

Here’s a simple, reliable way to paint N-scale rail spikes and tie plates to look naturally rusty—without making a mess or losing the fine detail.

How to Paint N Scale Rail Spikes Rust
1. Tools & Materials

Very fine brush (5/0, 10/0, or a micro-detail liner)

Rust-colored paints (acrylics work best):

Dark Rust (burnt umber + a little black)

Medium Rust (reddish brown)

Light Rust (orange-brown)

Alcohol or enamel for cleaning rail before painting

Thinner/flow improver (optional)

Weathering powders (rust tones)

Micro cotton swab or makeup applicator

2. Prep the Track

Clean the rails with alcohol so paint sticks.

Make sure ties are already painted or weathered the way you want.

3. Best Method: “Dot-Streak” Technique (for tiny N-scale spikes)
A. Load VERY little paint

Dip your micro brush in paint, then wipe most of it off on a paper towel.

You want almost dry-brush levels of paint.

B. Touch each spike / plate lightly

Just tap the tip of the brush onto the spike heads and tie plates.
This makes tiny rust dots that look realistic in N scale.

C. Add variation

Use dark rust first.

Add 1–2 touches of medium rust.

Very lightly hit a few areas with light rust for highlights.

The small color variations make the rust read correctly at N scale distance.

4. Fast Method (If You Don’t Want to Dot Every Spike)
“Rust Wash” Method

Mix a thin wash: rust paint + water (or thinner) at about 1:6.

Flow it along the base of the rail and over the tie plates.

Capillary action will settle color around spikes naturally.

Clean the rail head with a cotton swab while still wet.

This gives a great overall rusty tone without painting each spike.

5. Extra Realism
Powders

Once dry, tap a tiny hint of rust powder at the base of the rail.
This makes the rust look chalky and natural.

Oil Staining

Add a dark gray-black wash to the center of the track to mimic oily drips.

6. Seal It

Use a matte finish spray (Testors Dullcote or similar).
This blends colors and protects the paint.

11/29/2025

A quick SHORT of the LPRR and future projects.

11/25/2025

I am asking the LPRR faithful on here if you haven't subscribed to TTM below, please do it, we are so close to 1,000 subs. It would be the best Thanksgiving gift ever to get there.

🚂 Train Talk Media Welcome to Train Talk Media, building a model railroading community one layout at a time. From switching layouts like the NS Danville Secondary to the freelance Las Piedras Railroad, we bring you podcasts, shorts, and videos that celebrate every side of the rail world. Join us ...

11/20/2025

11/20/2025

It's alive...cleaning track

11/18/2025

Here's a question for LPRR Fans. Modeling the high Mojave Desert, there is more growth than more arid, dry, and mostly sandy desert landscape. Should I remove some of it or keep it?

I've seen some desert modeling where less is super more recently.

This is the original thinner version and the newer version of the lots-of-brush version. Below these are some pictures I've seen recently, the first one is of Utah. Japanese modeler doing DRG&W in Utah in the 70s. Great work. Of course, N Scale Mojave Subdivision Kory's desert work is insane. I am going to try to find a UP diorama picture where it's blowing sand and desert scrub.

11/15/2025

Blast from the past a few years ago

We need your input on this video and the projections for 2023. Retirement move delayed, change in track plan and addition of building smaller layouts that wi...

11/14/2025

Working on the train shed.