Visited the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad the last couple days.  I highly recommend it.  Very railfan friendly, and feels like its an active RAILROAD rather than a tourist ride.  I will post some pix as I get them organized.

http://cumbrestoltec.com/

So you are interested in getting a laser cutter-engraver, and you are wondering about what dose it take to scratch build a building. Here is the first in a series of videos that I show how I do it. I am not an expert but have built a few buildings. The first part of the video is on researching buildings and a look at drawing one out to be cut.

Part two will be about engraving textures and how the laser understands the drawing.

Part three will be on what I learned about the laser and what I would look for in buying one. I will also show how to set up for a cut. 

Hope this is helpful for someone looking at this subject and I share what I have learned so far.

I made this video way back in 2014. I first made and started using these stains in 2008. This video contains insights into how experienced wood modelers make a stronger stain to be able to work faster. 

Warning, these recipes are used actively by me in my work. They do require some practice to make sure you know how they will affect your modeling. Personal experimentation with these solutions are a requirement, especially for newer modelers.

Hi I'm Isaac, and this is my first post ever.  Before I explain my problem, I'd like to thank everyone on this forum and the other railroad forums for helping me get where I am today; I would not possess even the slightest bit of knowledge I now have without you all.

A little bit of background on my layout specs:  Atlas code 100 #6's and flex on cork, Digitrax DCC (Zephyr Xtra & IR Loconet), Feeder wires about every 3' (soldered to the bottom of rail joiners)