The East Troy Industrial Park layout in HO scale

A model railroad track plan

Facts and features Name: East Troy Industrial Park Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 14‘-2“ x 19‘-0” Prototype: freelanced industrial switching Era: present day Local: southeastern Wisconsin Style: around the walls Mainline run: 33 feet Minimum radius: 28“ (main), 18“ (spurs) Minimum turnout: No. 5 (main) Maximum grade: 1.5% at interchange Benchwork: L-girder Height: 42” Roadbed: cork […]

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Wisconsin & Michigan Model Railroad Club Display in HO Scale

Wisconsin & Michigan Model Railroad Club Display | Catch up with Host Gerry Leone, as he chats with Dave Rickaby, President of the Wisconsin & Michigan Model Railroad Club, at Trainfest 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin! Dave shares details about their Midwest-based, Iron Range-themed HO scale modular layout. Founded in 1986, the club’s modules are built to […]

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MR Classroom | Freight Car Class: Lesson 4, Airbrushing Techniques

Freight Car Class: Lesson 4, Airbrushing Techniques | Unlock the versatility of your airbrush to transform stock models into realistic, weathered railroad replicas! This segment of the freight car series shows you how to use an airbrush for effects like faded paint, dust, grime, and rust. Learn how to work your double-action airbrush, how to thin paint […]

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Cody’s Office | December 2025

This end of year episode of Cody’s Office is packed with new products, a helpful modeling tip, and answers to viewer mail questions. Senior Editor Cody Grivno begins by showcasing the latest from Bachmann Trains–a Trinity 5161 cubic foot capacity, three bay covered hopper in HO scale, which retails for $59. Next, he spotlights the […]

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The N scale Milwaukee Road North Montana Line

When I cut a hole in the living room wall in order to expand my N scale railroad into the hallway beyond, I thought that was as large a model railroad as I would ever own. I was just happy that my wife agreed to my bizarre suggestion (see “Harlowton, Montana, in N scale,” ­Model […]

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MR Classroom | Freight Car Class: Lesson 3, Weathering with Pastels

Freight Car Class: Lesson 3, Weathering with Pastels | Transform pristine products into well-weathered, prototypical models using various powdered pastel techniques! In this segment of the freight car series, you’ll learn how to apply powdered pastels with brushes, makeup applicators, and artist sponges to simulate realistic rust. Discover how to use two shades of rust pastel […]

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East Troy Industrial Park Sidetrack | Depot Developments

Join Cody Grivno for the latest Sidetrack Series departure, as he dives into the detail work on his HO scale (1:87.1) depot structure roof and chimney! See how he uses paints to create realistic shingle highlights and weathering streaks. Then learn a handy trick for filling the gap between plastic parts. Cody also shares the […]

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The Green Mountain Division of the Boston & Maine in HO scale

The track plan for the Green Mountain Division of the Boston & Maine model railroad layout

Facts and features Name: Green Mountain Division of the Boston & MaineScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 12′-8″ x 20′-0″ plus 12′-0″ x 30′-0″ additionPrototype: Boston & Maine, Central Vermont, and RutlandLocale: VermontEra: 1950 to 1958Style: Around the wallsMainline run: 120 feet (original), 70 feet (extension)Minimum radius: 28″Minimum turnout: Hand built to fit, most no. 6 with no.4 […]

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