Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page MRVP answer man David Popp is never afraid to field your tricky questions! This month, David, with help from MR’s Neil Besougloff and Cody Grivno, tackles topics related to adding decals, improving locomotive and rolling stock performance, selecting era-appropriate details, building bridges, turntable […]
Train Topic: Beginners
What is “HERZOG?”
Herzog freight cars are often seen in track maintenance and repair projects, such as this ballast train. Mike Yuhas Q I have seen private freight cars on the major railroads carrying the logo and letters for “HERZOG.” Who owns them and what do they carry? – L. Frank Herman, Springfield, Ill. A You likely saw […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 17
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Here on MR Video Plus, September is back-to-your-railroad month! Ask MRVP is also back in session, with host David Popp addressing topics related to trackwork/turnouts, weathering stains, coupler repair, DCC, scenery, and more. Hal Miller and Steve Otte from Model Railroader magazine also […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 17
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Here on MR Video Plus, September is back-to-your-railroad month! Ask MRVP is also back in session, with host David Popp addressing topics related to trackwork/turnouts, weathering stains, coupler repair, DCC, scenery, and more. Hal Miller and Steve Otte from Model Railroader magazine also […]
Steam whistles
From the beginning of U.S. railroading, each railroad chose its own whistles that varied from high to low in pitch. Alex Mayes Q Have American steam engines always used a low-pitched or bass whistle, instead of a high-pitched whistle? – James Kelty, San Anselmo, Calif. A Steam whistles chosen by American railroads were almost always […]
Blue bearing caps
Two blue end caps for bearings made by Amsted Rail’s Brenco Inc. appear on a freight car truck at the Union Pacific’s Butler Yard in Wisconsin. Steve Sweeney Q What is the significance of the blue paint that I see on the rotating bearing caps on freight car wheelsets? – Tito Porfiri, Olney, Md. A […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 16
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page It’s time once again for another fun-filled round of Ask M-R-V-P! For those scoring at home, your magnanimous host David Popp fields contestant’s questions regarding turnout installation, selecting track, painting foam board, drawing a track plan, and so much more. Don’t miss David’s […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 16
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page It’s time once again for another fun-filled round of Ask M-R-V-P! For those scoring at home, your magnanimous host David Popp fields contestant’s questions regarding turnout installation, selecting track, painting foam board, drawing a track plan, and so much more. Don’t miss David’s […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 15
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this hands-on edition, MRVP Producer and show host David Popp addresses your inquiries, and then demonstrates helpful solutions right before your eyes. This time, topics include structure modeling, electronics/lighting, scenery application, and so much more! […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 15
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this hands-on edition, MRVP Producer and show host David Popp addresses your inquiries, and then demonstrates helpful solutions right before your eyes. This time, topics include structure modeling, electronics/lighting, scenery application, and so much more! […]
NS ‘barcode’ unit
SD70ACe No. 1111 Randy Olson Q I recently saw a Norfolk Southern locomotive passing through Vermillion, Ohio, with only four vertical stripes on the cab where a unit number should be. Can you explain what this designation is? — Joseph McCormick, Oberlin, Ohio A The stripes are really four “1s” for NS’s SD70ACe No. 1111. […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 14
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page This June edition of Ask MRVP is packed full of answers to your model railroad-related questions! Host David Popp addresses MR Video Plus subscriber inquires regarding freight car modeling, painting and weathering, working with scale drawings, layout wiring, realistic railroad operation, and so […]