Video: Athearn Trains HO scale sound-equipped reefer

Cody Grivno

This HO scale refrigerator car from Athearn Trains models a Fruit Growers Express (FGE) prototype. The model also includes a SoundTraxx decoder that reproduces the sounds of the refrigeration unit. Follow along as associate editor Cody Grivno shows how the car’s placement in a train affects the clarity of the sound. Cody also reviewed the […]

Read More…

Video: Athearn Trains HO scale sound-equipped reefer

Cody Grivno

This HO scale refrigerator car from Athearn Trains models a Fruit Growers Express (FGE) prototype. The model also includes a SoundTraxx decoder that reproduces the sounds of the refrigeration unit. Follow along as associate editor Cody Grivno shows how the car’s placement in a train affects the clarity of the sound. Cody also reviewed the […]

Read More…

Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 10

Scene from Harbor railroad

The Model Railroader staff’s Rice Harbor layout is finally complete. Get a behind-the-scenes look at a magazine photo shoot of the harbor railroad with editor Neil Besougloff and MR photographer Bill Zuback. Senior editor Dana Kawala will also show you some of the rolling stock used on our Seaboard Shore Line model railroad. Thanks for watching! […]

Read More…

Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 9

Scene of modeled shore line

With most of the structures and ground cover in place, all that’s left to do is finish up the waterfront on Rice Harbor. Associate editor Cody Grivno describes some of the painting techniques that he used to add depth to the harbor bottom. He’ll also talk about some of the other scenic details around the […]

Read More…

Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 8

Cody Grivno and Hal Miller next to a layout

It’s time to lay tracks along the waterfront on the Model Railroader staff’s HO scale Rice Harbor project layout. Associate editor Cody Grivno shows you how he used styrene to simulate concrete apron. He’ll also give you some tips for modeling rails in pavement. The harbor bottom has also been painted and is ready for […]

Read More…

Building a 5 x 8 harbor railroad part 7

Neil Besougloff and Hal Miller next to a layout

In this episode editor Neil Besougloff continues scenery work on the Model Railroader staff’s Rice Harbor project. You’ll learn about the ground cover used for the South Carolina setting as well as Neil’s tips for planting trees on a model railroad. Meanwhile senior editor Dana Kawala works on a retail oil depot. Because of the […]

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 4

Steve Otte working on a model house.

Structures and trackwork dominate this episode of the Model Railroader staff’s Rice Harbor video journal. Associate editor Steve Otte describes the lighthouse for Rice Harbor. Steve built the structure from a Branchline Trains kit, and the model also features a working beacon. Editor Neil Besougloff is also at the workbench finishing up a depot, coal […]

Read More…

Building a 5 x 8 Harbor Railroad part 3

A Model Railroader holding a model building.

Layout designer David Popp describes his strategy for using various turnouts on the Rice Harbor project layout. The turnouts are controlled by New Rail Models Blue Point controllers. You’ll also get a look at the benchwork for the folding staging track and see how pattern maker’s pins make is easy to align the layout sections. […]

Read More…

Building a 5 x 8 Harbor Railroad part 2

Hands holding a structure

Work continues on the Model Railroader staff’s HO scale Rice Harbor project layout. David Popp begins track work on the railroad. Editor Neil Besougloff discusses his options for modeling a passenger station that will fit the model railroad’s setting and era. […]

Read More…