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 […]
Section: Videos & Photos
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 […]
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 […]
Texas Eagle charges through Terrell
Amtrak’s Texas Eagle for Chicago charges through Terrell, Texas, on Oct. 14, 2008. Photo by Steve Schmollinger […]
Modeler’s spotlight video for April 8, 2010 — Inside Cody’s Office
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page See new model train products with Model Railroader Associate Editor Cody Grivno. This week you’ll also get tips for installing track feeder wires from Managing Editor David Popp. […]
Gliding through Elm Grove, Wisconsin
Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern SD40-3 no. 6097 is on point of train 486 as it glides through Elm Grove, WI on its way south to Chicago. This train’s counterpart, 487, will head west to the Twin Cities later in the day. Photo by Drew Halverson […]
Norfolk Southern thunders through Salisbury, N.C.
Norfolk Southern train 119 thunders through Salisbury, N.C., on Jan. 23, 2008, led by SD60 No. 6694. Photo by Clint Renegar […]
Building the N scale Salt Lake Route part 4
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 […]
The N scale Salt Lake Route project layout part 5
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. […]
Modeler’s spotlight video for March 18, 2010 — Inside Cody’s Office
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Using rock molds and Hydrocal plaster, Model Railroader Associate Editor Cody Grivno shows you an easy method for making realistic rock outcroppings on your layout. You’ll also see a selection of the latest model train products. Cody will also answer a viewer question […]
Blue Skies and Boxcars
Orange poppies and a beautiful blue sky frame Union Pacific boxcars at Eugene Yard, Ore., in May 2009. Tyler J. Dzierzek photo […]
Shades of the Q
Bloomer Line GP9 No. 7561 spots grain cars at Cullom, Ill., on Aug. 13, 2007. Though Bloomer operates ex-Illinois Central track, its locomotives are an unmistakable homage to Chicago, Burlington & Quincy. Matt Lastovich photo […]