Installing cork roadbed is the first step to laying reliable trackwork on MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout. In this video, David shows you basic techniques for preparing, cutting, fitting, and securing the HO scale roadbed along the main line, sidings, and on the sector plate. Plus, David also demonstrates how one specific product […]
Section: Modeling
Video: HO scale Union Pacific Daneville Sub part 3
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader contributing editor Pelle Søeborg scratchbuilt a cement plant on his HO scale Union Pacific Daneville Sub based on a prototype near Tehachapi, Calif. You can watch trains work the cement plant in this last part of the video tour of Pelle’s modern-era […]
Video: HO scale Union Pacific Daneville Sub part 3
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader contributing editor Pelle Søeborg scratchbuilt a cement plant on his HO scale Union Pacific Daneville Sub based on a prototype near Tehachapi, Calif. You can watch trains work the cement plant in this last part of the video tour of Pelle’s modern-era […]
3D Track Plans: The HO scale Milwaukee Road 14th Subdivision
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Branchline railroading is a great subject for a spare room layout. In this 3D rendering by MRVP’s Ben Lake, you’ll see how layout designer Bowen Tubbs neatly fit a scheme for an HO scale Milwaukee Road branch into a 12 x 17 space. […]
3D Track Plans: The HO scale Milwaukee Road 14th Subdivision
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Branchline railroading is a great subject for a spare room layout. In this 3D rendering by MRVP’s Ben Lake, you’ll see how layout designer Bowen Tubbs neatly fit a scheme for an HO scale Milwaukee Road branch into a 12 x 17 space. […]
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) […]
How to wire a layout for two-train operation
The initial goal of a new model railroader flush with locomotives, track, and rolling stock is to operate two trains on his layout at the same time, each with independent speed and direction control. This milepost can be reached with cab-control wiring. With two direct- current power packs, single-pole double-throw toggle switches, and hardware-store wire, […]
HO scale Progressive Rail
Name: Progressive Rail Layout designer: Jim Hediger Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 3 x 16 feet Prototype: Airlake Industrial Park Locale: Minnesota Era: 1970s Style: Island Minimum turnout: no. 5 Originally appeared in the June 2002 Model Railroader. Click on the link to download the PDF of this track plan. […]
MR Insider Exclusive: A visit to the Colorado Model Railroad Museum
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Neil Besougloff, Editor of Model Railroader magazine, recently traveled to Greeley, Colo., with a video camera in tow. Watch the stunning footage he captured of the Colorado Model Railroad Museum’s massive HO scale layout. And don’t miss the bonus coverage of his side […]
MR Insider Weekly: May 26, 2014
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page David Popp catches MRVP host Drew Halverson in Kent Johnson’s office stealing a sneak peek at video clips of Union Pacific’s Big Boy no. 4014 steam locomotive on the move from California to Wyoming. Drew shares tales of his travels with fellow Trains […]
Olympia Logging Series: Part 7 – modifying a turnout
Before the trackwork can be added to MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout, David Popp first makes a few modifications to the turnouts. In this video, he guides you through trimming the ties, preparing the connection points, soldering new wires, cutting the rails, and testing the modifications – steps that are intended to make […]