Member video: Demonstration of Keep-Alive Digital Command Controler decoder in an HO scale short wheel base locomotive

Keep-Alive Digital Command Controler decoder in an HO scale short wheel base locomotive

Here’s a short demonstration showing how a DCC decoder with a Keep-Alive capacitor can help short wheel base locomotives get through complicated track work that they sometimes stall on. In this example, a TCS KAM4 decoder is installed in a Athearn SW1000 switcher. Operation of the switcher before and after installation is shown for comparison. […]

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Basic Training: Adjusting wheelsets

Hands checking wheel gauge

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page If you have trouble with your rolling stock staying on the rails, you should check the wheelsets. In this video, Cody shows you how to check and adjust the wheels on model trains. […]

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Basic Training: Adhesives and Glues

Kent Johnson next to assortment of glues

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page With such a wide array of materials used in model railroading today, it can be challenging to figure out which glues and adhesives you’ll want to have on hand. Kent Johnson of MR Video Plus takes a quick look at some of the […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Video: Walthers HO scale Metroliner

side of an Amtrak model train

Check out the Walthers HO scale Metroliner as it makes a run on the Model Railroader staff’s model train layout. Each of the cars features prototypical interior and exterior lighting as well as a SoundTraxx Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder. […]

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Build a covered loading platform in 1:29 scale

Build a covered loading platform in 1:29 scale

Download the PDF of this project here. This PDF is formatted to print on your home printer. Most pieces are formatted to fit on a 8.5″ x 11″ piece of paper. For larger parts of the plan, you will see “break lines.” Line up the break lines to create the larger piece. PLEASE NOTE: This […]

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HO scale Lime Ridge & Hercules and Portland & Western

LimeRidgeHerculesandPortlandWesternRR

Name: Lime Ridge & Hercules and Portland & Western Layout designer: Steven Otte Scale: HO Size: 8 x 12 feet Theme: Stone and gravel industries Locale: generic Era: late steam to early transition era Style: around-the-walls Mainline run: 63 feet Minimum radius: 15″ Minimum turnout: Atlas 18″ Snap-Switch (rest are no. 4) Maximum grade: 2 […]

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