Fallen flag

  It’s a cool, fall afternoon in Wixom, Mich., where the Michigan Air-Line Railway has completed its interchange with CSX and is retreating to its base in Walled Lake on Nov. 20, 2011. Six months after this photo was taken, these former Grand Trunk Western tracks were ripped up for a bike trail. Photo by […]

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Build a covered loading platform in 1:29 scale

Build a covered loading platform in 1:29 scale

Download the PDF of this project here. This PDF is formatted to print on your home printer. Most pieces are formatted to fit on a 8.5″ x 11″ piece of paper. For larger parts of the plan, you will see “break lines.” Line up the break lines to create the larger piece. PLEASE NOTE: This […]

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Cody’s Workshop: Episode 12 – adding etched brass steps

Cody Grivno sitting at his workbench

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode of Cody’s Workshop, host Cody Grivno shows how to install etched-brass steps on a diesel locomotive. He also shares how to use tools specifically designed for bending thin metal parts to shape. Finally, Cody’s Express Mail segment reveals answers and […]

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The Roundhouse: Episode 15

Hal Miller, Jim Wrinn, and Rob McGonigal

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Host Hal Miller welcomes Trains Editor Jim Wrinn and Classic Trains Editor Rob McGonigal on The Roundhouse set to talk railroad preservation, including insightful banter regarding stations, steam locomotives, and even vintage diesel power. […]

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Rice Harbor Series: build a swing-up staging section

David Popp with his hinged layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In addition to boasting a unique sectional design, MR’s 5×9-foot Rice Harbor HO scale layout also features a swing-up staging section topped with a car float. David Popp shares how he assembled and then installed this hinged section to the layout. […]

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Rice Harbor Series: Installing benchwork alignment pins

David Popp holding pins.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Are you building a sectional or modular layout that requires precise alignment of adjoining sections? If so, then you’ll want to see how David installed benchwork alignment dowels, also called pattern maker pins, on MR’s HO scale Rice Harbor. These steel dowels make […]

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Video: Broadway Limited Imports Paragon2 HO scale PRR K4s

Broadway Limited Imports upgraded its HO scale Pennsylvania RR K4s with its Paragon2 Digital Command Control sound decoder and electronics. The model also features lighting effects and puffing smoke. Watch the HO scale steam locomotive as it hauls a PRR passenger consist around the Model Railroader staff’s club layout, the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy. […]

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Basic Training: Modeling damaged trees

Kent Johnson in front of layout

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Add a touch of realism to your modeled forest or wooded grove by including decaying or damaged trees. Kent Johnson demonstrates a quick and easy technique for making plague pines using plastic tree kits available for layouts of any size or scale. […]

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Video: Pelle Søeborg’s HO scale Daneville Sub part 2

Pelle Søeborg’s HO scale Daneville Sub part 2

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Contributing editor Pelle Søeborg provides more scenes from his HO scale Union Pacific Daneville Sub model railroad. This video showcases the stunning desert and town scenery of this modern-era model train layout. Watch DCC sound equipped locomotives haul freight, coal, and intermodal trains. […]

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