Signature scenes of the Puffer Lines

Explore signature scenes of the Puffer Lines, as notable Model Railroader contributor Seth Puffer takes viewers on an in-depth tour of the detailed settings across his HO scale layout. Along the way, you’ll discover some of the helpful insights Seth used to compose realistic mini-scenes with unique characteristics. Seth also takes time to share one […]

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Hans Schlegel’s Gogebic Iron Range in HO scale

In this visit to the Gogebic Iron Range, layout builder Hans Schlegel hosts an exclusive video tour of his HO scale (1:87) model railroad highlighting Chicago & North Western (C&NW) and Soo Line railroad operations under steam and diesel-power during the mid-1950s and early-1960s. Travel with Hans, as he takes you to faithfully modeled Michigan […]

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Preparing an N scale locomotive for repainting

Preparing an N scale locomotive for repainting. That’s what expert modeler Cody Grivno highlights in his latest Cody’s Workshop series video. From his workbench and vented spray booth, our host will lead you through the necessary steps for disassembling an Atlas EMD GP38-2 diesel locomotive model, stripping off the factory paint job and decoration, and then applying an […]

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How to make a lake on a model railroad

By popular demand! Back on Track host Gerry Leone jumps ahead in time to begin an effort to shape a common layout space into a unique place! In this episode, you’ll see the start of the lake scene takes the curved mainline into consideration. First, Gerry works to build up a plate girder bridge to […]

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Building the N scale Salt Lake Route part 4

Dick Christiansen next to layout

Layout builder Dick Christianson shows you a couple of ways to install feeder wires with the N scale Kato Unitrack track system. He’ll also show you how he wired the layout’s power bus using terminal strips and you’ll see how he stores the Digitrax Digital Command Control (DCC) command station on this Model Railroader project […]

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The N scale Salt Lake Route project layout part 5

Scene of Salt Lake layout

Learn some of the techniques used to build the desert scenery on the N scale Salt Lake Route. Layout builder Dick Christianson shows you tips for using extruded foam insulation board, rock castings, and more. You’ll also see some prototype photos that Dick used as inspiration for this N scale model railroad. […]

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History according to Hediger 10

Office interior in black and white

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader Senior Editor Jim Hediger shares a vintage story about a practical joke involving former Associate Editor Gordy Odegard, former Editor and Publisher Russ Larson, and a rather complicated oscilloscope kit. You’ll also see photos of the staff and the Model Railroader […]

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Two quick painting tips

Cody Grivno at his desk

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows how to keep your paint supplies and isopropyl alcohol organized. […]

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The N scale Salt Lake Route project layout part 2

Dick Christiansen next to layout

One interesting feature of this Model Railroader project layout are the folding legs that support the benchwork. Dick Christianson, the layout builder and Model Railroader magazine’s former managing editor, gives you a demonstration of how the folding legs work. He’ll also discuss the fascia and backdrop material that he used for the N scale Salt […]

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