Tour the Golden Spike National Historic Site in Utah with Trains! You’ll see replica locomotives Union Pacific No. 119 and Central Pacific Jupiter along with the many reenactors that bring history to life. Be sure to check out Trains‘ special issue Journey to Promontory, available January 2019, and the companion DVD, available now! […]
Section: Videos
Video 101: Scouting locations
Location scouting is a vital part of filmmaking. A movie-production company sends an advance team to review scenery, camera angles, lighting, weather, and more. We are one-person studios but we need to include location scouting, too, including scouting the rolling stock, the trains and their stories, structures, and environment; time and lighting conditions; camera locations; […]
Canadian Canyons Series: Wiring the Upper Level
In this layout wiring walk-through, MRVP’s Ben Lake shares his approach to completing the wiring for the trackwork, block detection system, and planned signal installations. Ben’s technical explanations will help prepare you for the next bold step into MRVP Tech — computer control! […]
How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 3 Deciphering the Maps
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page The series continues as David Popp takes a closer look at historic (Sanborn) maps to consider where and how to incorporate specific railroad trackwork, engineering, structures, industries, and more into his designs for a new layout. […]
How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 2 Aerial Photos and Maps
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In Part 2, David turns to his computer to explore how aerial photos and maps can help modelers compose a detailed overview of a region, town, or even a specific railroad site. Follow along as he walks you through the process of examining […]
How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 1 Research
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In an all-new MRVP mini-series, David Popp takes you through the steps for turning an interesting layout concept into a specific plan. In Part 1, David gets things started by revisiting memories of his favorite midwestern fallen flag. He then shows how recollections, […]
Modeler’s Spotlight Video — Inside Codys Office for October 2018
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page New locomotives, freight cars, books, and a UFO highlight this month’s episode of Cody’s Office. In addition to new model railroading products, Model Railroader staff member Cody Grivno will show you how use common kitchen sifters to screen sand and create different sized […]
Cody’s Workshop: Episode 31 – Downright Dirty Locomotive
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Cody continues adding realistic weathering effects to a modern N scale locomotive – all without using an airbrush! Follow along as he shares tips and techniques for working with powders (see the December 2017 issue of Model Railroader magazine) to weather the unit from […]
Off The Rails: Episode 31
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode of OTR, Gerry shares his tips and tricks for modeling the lineside poles that make a main line look authentic. After sorting through the many options for poles, Gerry shows how to give them realistic texture, color, and details, including […]
Preview the December 2018 issue of Classic Toy Trains magazine
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Charlie’s Trackside Postcards: A Day at the Office
Just another day at his downtown Seattle office for Charlie Conway – until he discovered that a cut of empty hoppers had derailed on the busy BNSF main line routing in front of the building! Chas grabbed his camera and captured the Hulcher Services crew working to get trains rolling again. […]
Drew’s Trackside Adventures: Episode 40 Union Pacific Sunset Route
Drew Halverson and his crew continue making the most of their trek into the Arizona desert. This time the guys scope out sites along Union Pacific’s transcontinental main line until the sweltering heat becomes unbearable. But even then, the intense action continues at the border town of Nogales, Arizona, in downtown Tucson, Ariz., and along […]