Video: Athearn Genesis HO scale GE ES44AC

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. […]

Read More…

Olympia Logging Series: Selecting lumber and hardware

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page David and Kent head to a local home improvement store to collect the building materials they’ll need to start an all-new On30 project layout. Inside the store they’ll share insights for selecting quality lumber, essential hardware, layout lighting, and more. […]

Read More…

The Roundhouse: Episode 14

Hal Miller, Steve Otte, and Neil Besougloff

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. […]

Read More…

Basic Training: Ground foam basics

Hand applying ground cover to 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 […]

Read More…

Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 6

Neil Besougloff and Hal Miller next to a layout

The South Carolina scenery starts to take shape on the Model Railroader staff’s Rice Harbor project. Editor Neil Besougloff describes some of the material used for ground cover, while managing editor Hal Miller tackles the garden tracks and cinder ballast of the Seaboard Shore Line’s engine terminal. Meanwhile senior editor Dana Kawala works to build […]

Read More…

Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 5

Hal Miller next to a layout

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 […]

Read More…

Family Train Layout: Bonus Episode – building a plastic kit

Family Train Layout building a plastic kit

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In this bonus installment of the Family Train Layout project, David guides viewers through the steps for building a simple plastic water tower kit. Of course, the tools and modeling techniques demonstrated here can also be used to assemble numerous other structures for […]

Read More…

Colorful variety

It’s a warm Oct., 1, 2013, morning as CSX train K931-01 is coming off the Plymouth Subdivision in its namesake Michigan city with 52 empty stone hopper cars from Lansing behind BNSF No. 4992. In the distance, CSX No. 2741 waits for open track. Photo by Chris Paciocco […]

Read More…