The HO scale General Electric ES44AC diesel-electric locomotive from Athearn Trains is part of the firm’s Genesis line and includes prototype-specific detail. The models are also available with SoundTraxx Digital Command Control sound decoders. We ran two of the DCC sound equipped GEVO locomotives on our model railroad. […]
Section: Trains Video
DCC Programming: episode 4 – locomotive speed matching

Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page MR Senior Editor Dana Kawala walks you through the programming steps he uses to make multiple DCC-equipped locomotives operate as close to the same speed as possible. […]
The Roundhouse: Episode 14

Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Host Hal Miller welcomes MR’s Neil Besougloff and Steve Otte on the set. In this episode of The Roundhouse, the guys talk about the ups and downs of scratchbuilding in the 21st Century. […]
How to use ground foam in your model train layout

Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page The wide array of scenery products available for making a model railroad look realistic can be overwhelming, especially if you’re just getting started in the hobby. In this video, Kent Johnson takes a quick look at some of the most common varieties of […]
Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 5

Follow Hal Miller as he shows you the progress on the latest Model Railroader staff project layout. Much of the trackwork is complete. Work is also underway on the compact engine terminal, including a motorized, Digital Command Control turntable from Walthers that Hal has installed. Jim Hediger is also at work on a prominent structure […]
Thin Branch Series: Build a river part 4 – waves and rapids

Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page David concludes the river making tasks on the HO scale Thin Branch layout by adding waves and rapids to the poured resin water. A commercial water effects product, white acrylic paint, and a paint brush makes it quite simple to turn still […]
Dixie Creek ore train to the mines

A Joe Works HOn30 Shay pulls a string of ore cars from the processing mill back to the mining district. The train will climb approximately 17″ from the mine site. The elevation is possible on the rugged 3′ x 7′ section of the layout by utilizing a helix on each end of this part of […]
Member video: Overland Models Union Pacific experimental steam turbines

The Union Pacific Railroad flirted with steam turbine power in the 1930’s and in1939, two experimental turbines, simply named no. 1 and no. 2 took to the rails. These two examples are brass units produced by Overland Models. I installed QSI Titan decoders in each unit and utilized a custom sound file for steam turbine […]
Cody’s Workshop: Episode 11 – number board decals

Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this eposide of Cody’s Workshop, MR’s Cody Grivno heads to the workshop to show you how to add number board decals to a diesel locomotive. He also shares how to use a leather punch to cut discs from styrene. Also stay tuned […]
Dixie Creek Central RR

The video features a log train, making its way from the high country to the mill at Sawyer. The train will pass through Clear Creek, over several bridges and through several tunnels. The Dixie Creek Central shares track rights with the Fiddletown & Copperopolis Ry., which serves mines on the upper level of the layout. […]
Thin Branch Series: Build a river part 3B – Installing bridges

Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Before he could pour the resin water on the layout, David needed to finish installing the bridges over the river. In Build a River Part 3B, he shows you the final steps for completing the the through-girder bridge and the pile trestle. To […]
Thin Branch Series: Build a river part 3A – Resin water

Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page The river for our Thin Branch layout is starting to take shape. In this installment, David mixes, tints, and pours the resin water. To see how he built the river and added the surrounding scenery, see parts 1 and 2 of the […]