Model Railroad Operations: Helper Service

train on the MR&T HO scale model railroad layout

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Andy Sperandeo, a contributing editor for Model Railroader magazine, is back with another helpful model railroad operations tip. This time Andy uses the MR&T HO scale layout to demonstrate how a helper (or “pusher”) diesel locomotive assists a heavy train over a stiff […]

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HO scale Iron Mountain, Marquette & Lake Superior RR

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HO scale Iron Mountain, Marquette & Lake Superior RR Name: Iron Mountain, Marquette & Lake Superior RR Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 17 x 28 feet Prototype: freelanced, based on Lake Superior & Ishpeming Locale: Michigan’s Upper ­Peninsula Era: 1930s to 1950s Style: Along the wall, with peninsulas Benchwork: 1 x 4 open grid Height: 32″ […]

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HO scale Union Pacific Butte Line

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HO scale Union Pacific Butte Line Name: Butte Line Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 38 x 38 feet Prototype: Union Pacific’s branch line from Pocatello, Idaho, to Butte, Mont. Locale: Southeastern Idaho and south-central Montana Era: 1954 Style: Point-to-point walkaround Mainline run: 280 feet, including hidden staging and return loops (140 feet excluding staging) Minimum radii: […]

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Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Build an L-girder frame

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The legendary model railroader Linn Westcott pioneered L-girder benchwork in the 1960s. But even today, it remains the most versatile layout framing system around! In this first of several instructional videos, MRVP’s David Popp shows you how to start assembling the key L-girder […]

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Prototype drawings: Railroad MOW sheds

RailroadMOWsheds

Railroad MOW sheds make easy scratchbuilding projects for a model railroad. In the article “A tale of two sheds” author Harold W. Russell describes two prototype railroad maintenance-of-way (MOW) sheds and includes scale drawings. Use the drawings and the article as a basis for a scratchbuilding project on your model railroad. Prototype drawings: Railroad MOW […]

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Running repairs keep loaded cars on the move

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Railroad equipment sustains a great deal of wear and tear as the freight cars travel about the country. For this reason, all cars receive careful attention from car inspectors anytime they move through a yard or terminal. Car inspectors are trained to look for anything that’s wrong with a freight car, from damaged safety appliances […]

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5+ multi-deck layout design and construction tips

HO scale Yosemite Valley RR

Builder Jack Burgess uses two layout decks on his HO scale Yosemite Valley RR to yield a long main line. Author Tony Koester discusses the key points he, Jack, and other successful builders considered before they began constructing double-deck layouts. Jack Burgess photo Why would anyone want, let alone need, a model railroad with more […]

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Red Oak Series: Applying static grass

David Popp holding static grass.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   In this video, David Popp demonstrates the steps for adding static grass that will help make your scenery texture appear more authentic – even in small spaces like those found on Model Railroader magazine’s 3 x 7-foot N scale Red Oak project layout. […]

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Refurbishing a railway in the redwoods

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1. The Sierras. From Little Truckee River’s sawmill, trains pass several towns all the way to Lake Tahoe’s mines in the distance. Thirty years ago, Don and Sue Watters planted more redwoods in their already woodsy backyard to remind them of their favorite recreational area. The effect is quite dwarfing for viewers, who can picture […]

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Red Oak Series: Installing fascia

David Popp next to a half built layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page One the quickest ways to give even a small layout a more finished appearance is to add a protective fascia around its perimeter. That’s exactly what David Popp did for Model Railroader magazine’s 3 x 7-foot N scale Red Oak layout. In this […]

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