Welcome to New Tracks Modeling!
New Tracks Modeling is an online modeling and mentoring community dedicated to promoting the model railroading hobby. Founded in 2020 by Jim Kellow, MMR, New Tracks is part of New Tracks Mentoring Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The organization supports the model railroading hobby through mentorship opportunities for model railroaders and by providing scholarships for young model railroaders pursuing STEAM degrees in higher education.Click here to register for New Tracks events/ website-sign-up
New Tracks Modeling is entirely volunteer-supported. We are always looking for volunteers to assist with New Tracks LIVE!!! and other activities.
Mentoring Model Railroaders
Model railroading is a hobby that encompasses a wide range of skills, including woodworking, electronics, model building, scenery, weathering, and much more. One of the greatest aspects of the hobby is the opportunity to continually learn new skills and techniques.
New Tracks LIVE!!!
The weekly Wednesday evening meetup of the New Tracks community, is the primary way mentoring takes place. In addition, the New Tracks Modeling Facebook page enables modelers to stay connected, share their work, and receive ongoing mentoring. All New Tracks LIVE!!! segments are also available on YouTube, allowing for continued skill and knowledge development over time.
New Tracks Mentoring Scholarships
Since 2022, New Tracks Mentoring Inc. (NTMI) has provided scholarships to young model railroaders pursuing STEAM degrees in higher education. Applicants are required to be actively involved in model railroading at the club or organizational level and to submit examples of models they have built.
By emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, the scholarship reflects the diversity of model railroading—everything below the layout is STEM, and everything above it is Art. By rewarding participation in model railroading alongside the pursuit of STEAM degrees, NTMI both promotes the value of the hobby and helps young modelers remain engaged through the challenging college years.
NTMI is always seeking both scholarship applicants and donations. Over 95% of donated funds are used to support scholarships, with the remaining funds covering tools and resources for New Tracks LIVE!!! meetups.
New Tracks Modeling Facebook Group
The New Tracks Modeling Facebook Group is a great place to interact with the New Tracks community 24/7. With over 1,500 members, sharing your modeling work often receives great feedback, and asking questions about specific techniques leads to helpful guidance. The group is an excellent source of ideas, encouragement, and validation for your model railroading pursuits.
New Tracks Modeling YouTube Channel
The New Tracks Modeling YouTube Channel is a great source of information and inspiration for building exceptional models and an outstanding model railroad. With over 1,500 videos, the channel offers mentoring for virtually any model railroading endeavor. This extensive archive allows viewers to catch up on missed content or find specific techniques to support current modeling projects.
Workshop
Tips and tricks
Bob Davidson shows neat ideas that help solve modeling problems.
Build-alongs
These hands-on segments allow you to construct various models along with mentors. Discounts are available from the manufacturers.
Watch me build
Tools, techniques & tips.
My builds
Monthly
Share your building efforts with fellow modelers and have some fun doing it. Finished models and works-in-progress are welcome.
Bits and pieces
See creative ways to use everyday objects.
Clubs and NMRA divisions
Bi-weekly
Mentoring resources from the NMRA
Other programs:
Scholarship
New tracks modeling has created the “New Tracks Modeling Mentoring Scholarship”, an independent program to assist young modelers pursue STEAM education after high-school.
Support New Tracks Modeling
New tracks modeling is an all-volunteer organization. Once you subscribe and have had a chance to see all the benefits of new tracks modeling, we hope you’ll help to support our programs through a donation to our Patreon account. Click below to help us continue our work mentoring modelers.
- Building a micro layout
by New Tracks Modeling on January 23, 2026 at 5:14 amBuilding a VERY small layout in On18 – N scale track.
On Zoom and YouTube, new tracks modeling meets every Wednesday evening at 7 PM Eastern / 4 PM Western and features recurring segments all geared to the modeling hobby.