Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page David shows viewers how to add roads and other paved areas to the surface of the Family Train Layout. He then shares tips for placing and permanently securing various structures. Would you like to learn more about how to get started in the great […]
Section: Layouts
Dave Durling’s O gauge layout
A Lionel starter set purchased for Christmas led to this great compact layout. Dave Durling has modeled favorite places from his life in New England, complemented by several stunning scratchbuilt structures. […]
Video: Building a 5 x 8 Harbor Railroad part 1
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page The Model Railroader staff’s 5 x 8 harbor railroad project begins in the January issue. In part 1 of this new video series, you’ll get an overview of the layout with its designer, David Popp. David also built the modular benchwork for the […]
The Model Railroader staff’s Eagle Mountain RR
Don’t miss the latest Model Railroader project layout, the Eagle Mountain RR, in the January 2016 issue. The HO scale layout is inspired by mining operations in Southern California during the 1960s and 1970s. Follow along as associate editor Eric White shows you highlights of this 4 x 6-foot model railroad. […]
Family Train Layout: episode 2 – install foam scenery board
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page After building a 40 x 60-inch lightweight base for our family-friendly layout, David demonstrates how to fill the interior of the frame with foam insulation board used to support the train set tracks and scenery. Would you like to learn more about how to […]
Family Train Layout: episode 1 – building the frame
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Ready to build a model railroad the entire family can enjoy? Starting with a basic train set, David guides you through the materials, tools, and step-by-step instructions needed to build a simple 40 x 60 inch base for a lightweight and family-friendly layout. Would […]
Richard Coyne’s O gauge Christmas railroad
Visit Richard Coyne’s O gauge 15 x 15-foot layout any day of the year and you’ll find it covered in snow and full of holiday cheer. Richard keeps this holiday layout running all year – he prefers to be called a “Christmas guy” rather than a model railroader! […]
Thin Branch Series: Backdrops part 4 – Clouds
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In our final backdrop painting installment, artist Jay Smith shows you how to add clouds to the sky of your model railroad. To complete the scene, he also provides tips for painting simple birds. Look for Jay’s other backdrop-painting videos on MR Video […]
Thin Branch Series: Foam scenery part 1 – build a tunnel
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page For our Thin Branch project railroad, David used foam insulation board as a base for much of the scenery. In this video installment, he shows how he used the foam to build a simple tunnel liner. […]
Thin Branch Series: Foam scenery part 2 – making hills
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In our second foam scenery installment, David shows how he built a variety of hills by stacking strips of foam insulation board. He also covers some basic shaping and finishing techniques in this video. […]
Becky Chestney’s Christmas layouts
Three layouts are a lot to fit into one article! Enjoy the additional photos of Becky Chestney’s three Christmas layouts in this video slideshow; visit the 7 x 15-foot O gauge Disneyland layout, the 4 x 5-foot prewar layout dominated by Standard gauge, and the 4 x 6-foot “Postwar Central” that features both O and […]
Jay Cain’s innovative O gauge layout
Jay Cain’s O-27 empire was one of the last O gauge layouts to be featured in our sister publication, Model Railroader. This new 12 x 30-foot O gauge layout reflects his wealth of experience in the hobby, along with his artistic and mechanical talents and vast imagination. […]