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. […]

Read More…

Video: Building a 5 x 8 Harbor Railroad part 1

David Popp building a layout.

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 […]

Read More…

The Model Railroader staff’s Eagle Mountain RR

Scene of Eagle Mountain railroad

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. […]

Read More…

Family Train Layout: episode 2 – install foam scenery board

Family Train Layout 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 […]

Read More…

Family Train Layout: episode 1 – building the frame

Family Train Layout 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 […]

Read More…

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! […]

Read More…

Thin Branch Series: Backdrops part 4 – Clouds

Jay Smith painting a bird.

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 […]

Read More…

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 […]

Read More…

Jay Cain’s innovative O gauge layout

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. […]

Read More…