Ask MRVP: Episode 20

David Popp standing in front of Model Railroader's HO scale Virginian Ry. layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Host David Popp gets to enjoy his early Xmas gift – Go Cubs! But he also makes sure YOU receive a few stocking stuffers too! This month on Ask MRVP you’ll get to enjoy thorough responses to hobby-related questions regarding wiring a turnout […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 19

David Popp standing next to a table that has a small Christmas tree and trains set up to run around it.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page ‘Tis the season for trainsets… and questions about getting them ready for the holidays! This month, MRVP answer man David Popp fields those questions, along with others related to switch machines, N scale coupler conversion, applying decals, railroad industries, cleaning track, layout wiring, […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 19

David Popp standing next to a table that has a small Christmas tree and trains set up to run around it.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page ‘Tis the season for trainsets… and questions about getting them ready for the holidays! This month, MRVP answer man David Popp fields those questions, along with others related to switch machines, N scale coupler conversion, applying decals, railroad industries, cleaning track, layout wiring, […]

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Locomotive gear ratios

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Electric and diesel locomotives’ top speeds are governed by gear ratios and safe operations, like this Union Pacific westbound near Franklin Grove, Ill. Brian Schmidt Q What determines the theoretical top speed of a diesel locomotive? Is it the gear ratio? What other factors enter in? – Mike Pedersen, North Berwick, Maine A The maximum […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 18

David Popp standing behind a video camera pointing his finger.

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 […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 18

David Popp standing behind a video camera pointing his finger.

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 […]

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What is “HERZOG?”

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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 […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 17

David Popp wearing a Hawaiian shirt standing next to an O gauge layout.

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 […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 17

David Popp wearing a Hawaiian shirt standing next to an O gauge layout.

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 […]

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Steam whistles

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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 […]

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Blue bearing caps

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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 […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 16

David Popp wearing a Hawaiian shirt and standing behind a table with a Tortoise motor switch on it.

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 […]

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