Name: The Thin Branch Layout designer: David Popp Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 30″ x 72″ Prototype: Virginian Ry. Locale: West Virginia Era: spring 1955 Style: portable Mainline run: 7 feet Minimum radius: 18″ Minimum turnout: Atlas 22″ radius Snap-Switch Maximum grade: 3 percent (switchback) Originally appeared in the August 2013 Model Railroader. Click on the […]
Section: Modeling
The N scale Aroostook Valley RR
Name: Aroostook Valley RR Layout designer: Geoffrey T. Smith Scale: N (1:160) Size: 7′-0″ x 16′-6″ Prototype: Aroostook Valley RR Location: Northern Maine Era: 1950s Style: Point-to-point (shelf) Mainline run: 23′-6″ Minimum radius: 14″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum grade: none Originally appeared in the August 2013 Model Railroader. Click on the link to download […]
Desktop wallpaper from the August 2013 Model Railroader
Use this image as a background on your computer screen. Click on the image size appropriate for your monitor and drag the image onto your desktop. 1600 x 900 wallpaper 1600 x 1000 wallpaper 1600 x 1200 wallpaper […]
Video: Rapido HO scale The Canadian passenger train
Rapido Trains has announced a second run of its HO scale The Canadian. In this video you can see the HO scale passenger train led by locomotives equipped with SoundTraxx Digital Command Control sound decoders. The cars and the locomotives also feature prototypical lighting effects. See the train in action on the Model Railroader staff’s […]
Basic Training: Working with spray paint
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page There’s quite an array of spray paints that can be used for model railroading applications. In this video, Cody Grivno of Model Railroader magazine demonstrates tips and techniques for working safely and reliably with good ol’ rattle cans to get the same pleasing […]
Spray painting tips for model trains
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page There’s quite an array of spray paints that can be used for model railroading applications. In this video, Cody Grivno of Model Railroader magazine demonstrates tips and techniques for working safely and reliably with good ol’ rattle cans to get the same pleasing […]
In-depth Product Review: Rapido HO scale Canadian set
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Dana Kawala looks at Rapido’s new HO Canadian passenger train in detail in this video review. The big set features 3 locomotives and 10 passenger cars, and the models included museum-quality details inside and out. […]
Thin Branch Series: Build a Bridge part 4 – installation
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page We close our four-part Build-a-bridge series by installing the model on our Thin Branch HO scale layout. In this video David shares some techniques for building foam scenery and working with plaster abutment castings to support our through-girder bridge. […]
Video: History according to Hediger 7: A real railroading story from our senior editor
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader Senior Editor Jim Hediger worked on the Wabash RR as a relief operator. Listen as Jim tells the story of how he learned not stand on the wrong side of the diamond when a freight train passed by. You’ll also see […]
Thin Branch Series: Build a Bridge part 4 – Installation
We close our four-part Build-a-bridge series by installing the model on our Thin Branch HO scale layout. In this video David shares some techniques for building foam scenery and working with plaster abutment castings to support our through-girder bridge. […]
Thin Branch Series: Build a Bridge part 3 – Guardrails
In this video (part 3 of 4), David shares techniques for adding trackwork guardrails to a through-girder bridge kit. […]
Thin Branch Series: Build a Bridge part 2 – Airbrushing
In this video (part 2 of 4), Cody shares techniques for painting a through-girder bridge kit. […]