In the December 2014 Model Railroader, Seth Neumann and Chris Drone wrote an article about using radio-frequency identification (RFID) and a computer to track rolling stock and new possibilities for operation. Prototype railroads have been using scanning technology since the late 1960s. Automatic Car Identification (ACI) used an optical reader and a color-coded plate to […]
Modeling Topic: Model Railroad Operations
Tracks Ahead: Season 9 – Pelican Bay Railway
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Paul B. Scoles was an inspired modeler with remarkable talents. This video showcases his freelance Sn3 (narrow gauge) layout set in coastal northern California in 1895. […]
Tracks Ahead: Season 9 – Pelican Bay Railway
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Paul B. Scoles was an inspired modeler with remarkable talents. This video showcases his freelance Sn3 (narrow gauge) layout set in coastal northern California in 1895. […]
Tracks Ahead: Season 9 – Pennsylvania Railroad
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page This Tracks Ahead layout visit highlights Bill Kachel’s HO scale depiction of the mighty Pennsylvania Railroad running under catenary between New York City and Pittsburgh. […]
Tracks Ahead: Season 9 – Pennsylvania Railroad
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page This Tracks Ahead layout visit highlights Bill Kachel’s HO scale depiction of the mighty Pennsylvania Railroad running under catenary between New York City and Pittsburgh. […]
Member video: Chuck Davis’ HO scale Lehigh Valley RR, Dual magnet uncoupling
Here’s a video of realistic uncoupling techniques for model trains using dual magnets on my Lehigh Valley RR layout. Video shot by Chuck Davis […]
Member video: Chuck Davis’ HO scale Lehigh Valley RR, Dual magnet uncoupling
Here’s a video of realistic uncoupling techniques for model trains using dual magnets on my Lehigh Valley RR layout. Video shot by Chuck Davis […]
DCC Programming: episode 8 – TCS WOWSound Decoder Demonstration
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page John and J.D. Forsythe of Train Control Systems stop by Model Railroader magazine’s MR&T HO scale layout to demonstrate a steam locomotive equipped with a TCS WOWSound decoder. DCC Programming host Dana Kawala has them talk through the helpful TCS audio-assist feature that […]
DCC Programming: episode 8 – TCS WOWSound Decoder Demonstration
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page John and J.D. Forsythe of Train Control Systems stop by Model Railroader magazine’s MR&T HO scale layout to demonstrate a steam locomotive equipped with a TCS WOWSound decoder. DCC Programming host Dana Kawala has them talk through the helpful TCS audio-assist feature […]
Simplify operation with train sequence lists
The hybrid sequence lists John Pryke uses on his HO scale New Haven Cape Cod branch specify the switching work to be done and provide authority for trains to move between stations. Here the Boston yard operator is placing outbound waybills and the train’s sequence list into the train pouch. Most modelers build their first […]
Adding DCC power districts to a model train layout
Too many sound-equipped locomotives in one place, like those shown here on the MR&T, can spell trouble for a DCC layout. Paul Dolkos takes you through the steps he used to set up power districts on his HO model railroad. Imagine you’ve just begun running trains on a layout equipped for Digital Command Control (DCC) […]
Olympia Logging Series: Part 6 – building a sector plate
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page The sector plate used to transfer trains from one track to another is just one of the many intriguing features included on MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout. David Popp walks you through sector plate and base assembly, installation, and alignment steps, […]