Welcome to New Tracks Modeling!
New Tracks Modeling is the online modeling and mentoring community of New Tracks Mentoring. New Tracks Modeling is dedicated to mentoring current modelers to be better and to promoting the model railroading hobby. New Tracks Modeling was founded in 2020 by Jim Kellow, MMR. New Tracks Modeling is part of New Tracks Mentoring Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. New Tracks Mentoring supports the model railroading hobby through:
New Tracks Modeling; live and on-line mentorship opportunities for today’s model railroaders
New Tracks Jim Kellow Memorial Scholarship; providing scholarships for tomorrow’s model railroaders pursuing STEAM degrees in higher education.
Click below to register for New Tracks email’s including the weekly New Tracks LIVE!!! Zoom invites.
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.
- On30 Rustic Buff & Old Gothic – The Allegheny Grist Mill: An Exceptional Scratch-build!
by New Tracks Modeling on October 16, 2026 at 2:55 amTom Farrell’s exceptional, scratch-built, museum-quality Allegheny Grist Mill captures the character of an aging, water-powered mill serving a railroad community. Built in O-scale (1:48) over ten months, the structure represents more than 450 hours of construction, detailing, and weathering. Its distinctive clock tower rises above a blend of stone, brick, and clapboard buildings, unified by weathered roofs and the prominent rooftop mill sign. A timber flume delivers water to the large mill wheel, and an elevated wooden water tank adds another striking feature to the skyline. Along the trackside loading platform, figures, barrels, crates, and vintage advertising signs bring the scene to life. The large letter sign and an elevated wooden water tank add another striking element to the skyline. Along the trackside loading platform, figures, barrels, crates, and vintage advertising signs bring the scene to life. From the worn timber framing to the stained masonry and aged roofing, each detail contributes to the impression of a mill shaped by decades of labor. The Allegheny Grist Mill brings craftsmanship, movement, and a sense of history to the Rustic Buff & Old Gothic Model Railroad. This is an exceptional museum-quality scratch-built structure by Tom Farrell.
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.