Thin Branch Series: Build a layout mock-up

David Popp holding a layout mockup.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   Although track plans are fairly accurate, you don’t really know how a layout will turnout until you build it. In this video, we’ll show you a test step where you can build a mock-up using cardboard and track sections to see if […]

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Build the HO scale Beer Line: Add lights to a layout

The darkened street of a model town layout.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader’s HO scale Beer Line layout was built to celebrate the magazine’s 75th anniversary. In this video, David Popp shows you how he added miniature lighting to the layout. This is a project that can be accomplished on most model railroads. […]

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Thin Branch Series: Working with cork roadbed

David Popp laying cork roadbed.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Cork is one of the common materials used when adding roadbed to a layout. In this video David Popp explains how to get the best results with cork, and he shows you how to lay one of the more difficult pieces of roadbed […]

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Thin Branch Series: Laying track

David Popp laying tracks.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Time to lay the track on our HO scale Thin Branch. In this video David Popp shows how he starts with the complex stuff first, making the entire tracklaying project a breeze! […]

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Thin Branch Series: Switchmotor part 2 – wiring

A close-up of model tracks.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page To operate the turnouts on your layout by remote control requires some sort of switch machine or motor. In part 2 of this video series, we install a DC power bus, connect the motors and toggle switches, and align the mechanism to work […]

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Thin Branch Series: Wiring a model railroad for DCC

David Popp showing wiring.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Wiring for your model railroad depends upon the type of control system you wish to use. When working with Digital Command Control, you’ll need a power bus and feeders. In this video we show you how we installed those items on our Thin […]

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Building the HO scale Winter Hill Quarry Branch part 11

Jim Hediger next to layout

Model Railroader senior editor Jim Hediger built the gravel loader for the HO scale Winter Hill Quarry Branch project. In this episode Jim describes some of the kitbashing techniques he used as well as how he fit the structure into the scenery and over the model railroad track. You’ll also hear from associate editor Steve […]

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Building the HO scale Winter Hill quarry branch, part 7

Cody Grivno next to layout with scenery

As the Model Railroader staff continues to work on the scenery for the HO scale Winter Hill quarry branch, it becomes apparent that they need to add the illusion of distance to the scene. An easy solution to this common model railroading problem is to add a distant treeline along the layout backdrop. Follow associate […]

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