This small, portable N scale (1:160) layout is designed to create a big impression. To learn even more about the layout details, be sure to read the November 2023 issue of Model Railroader magazine. […]
Greg Albert’s Portable Steel Mill in N scale
Magazine: Model-Railroader
Model Railroader After Hours | October 5th, 2023
Model Railroader After Hours | October 5th, 2023. An all new series, After Hours is a fun and informal livestream hosted by David Popp… live from his basement workshop. In this episode, David Popp walks you through the process of starting a river scene on an N scale T-Trak module. David covers scene planning, how […]
A portable steel mill layout in N scale
Facts & features Name: Steel mill with a twistScale: N (1:160)Size: 3′-0″ x 6′-8″Prototype: FreelancedLocale: Upper MidwestEra: Mid-20th centuryStyle: IslandMainline run: 17 feetMinimum radius: 11.25″Minimum turnout: NoneMaximum grade: NoneBenchwork: Hollow-core doorHeight: Varies by venueRoadbed: NoneTrack: Kato Unitrack and Bachmann E-Z TrackScenery: Extruded-foam insulation boardBackdrop: NoneControl: Direct-current cab control with Bachmann Auto-Reversing Systems Download a […]
The Pacific Southern Railway layout in HO scale
Facts & features Name: Pacific Southern RailwayScale: HO (1:87.1)Size: 46 x 96 feet Prototype: FreelancedLocale: GenericEra: FlexibleStyle: WalkaroundMainline run: 1,000 feetMinimum radius: 48″ (main), 36″ (branch)Minimum turnout: no. 4, some hand-laidMaximum grade: 1.3% (main), 3.1% (branch) Benchwork: L-girderHeight: 36″ to 60″Roadbed: Cork on 1⁄2″ plywoodTrack: Visible track: handlaid code 100 (main), code 83 (yards), code […]
The Grand Strand Western Railroad layout
By Ken Kilby Tucked away in the northeast corner of South Carolina lies a stretch of coastline known as the Grand Strand. The Strand, as it is locally known, is roughly 90 miles of beaches, high-rise hotels, and condos. About a mile from the beach, you’ll find the Myrtle Beach Mall, home to the Grand […]
Rapido Trains UK Great Western Railway AA20 Toad brake van
Available at www.rapidotrains.co.uk in 10 road numbers and several paint schemes. List price: £39.95 (approximately $50.00 as of this writing) Pluses Fine handrails, detailed interior, free-rolling metal wheels, and NEM coupler pockets Minuses Loose interior detail needed repair Verdict A highly detailed rendering of a staple of GWR and early British Railways rollingstock – every […]
Reasons to use DC block control on your model railroad
The simplicity of operating with a DC power pack like this MRC Tech7 is just one of several reasons to use DC block control on your model railroad. Though Digital Command Control may be the wave of the future, DC has its advantages and die-hard adherents. MRC photo Digital Command Control’s fervent fans to the […]
October 2023
Also in this issue: ON TRAINS.COM, pg. 6 The latest features on our website FROM THE EDITOR, pg. 8 Integrating industries and railroading NEWS AND PRODUCTS, pg. 10 Rapido HO scale Amtrak RTL Turboliner reviewed, plus the latest new products ASK MR, pg. 18 How do I add DCC passenger car lighting? RAILWAY POST OFFICE, pg. […]
How to make ‘good enough’ better
How to make ‘good enough’ better: The N scale shipping house shown here isn’t finished, but I want to make a point about the roof, namely the diamond-pattern shingles. They were made from laser-cut paper by GC Laser and laid one row at a time. That was a modeling decision I ordinarily wouldn’t make because […]
How to choose a power pack for your model railroad
Though multiple manufacturers offer power packs meant for model railroads, three main companies currently offer the packs as separate-purchase items: Model Rectifier Corp., Kato USA, and Bachmann Trains. If you choose to use direct-current control instead of Digital Command Control (DCC) on your layout, buying a DC power pack (or power supply) that fits your […]
News & Products for the week of October 2nd 2023
News & Products for the week of October 2nd 2023 Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of October 2nd […]
How do I model glazed block walls?
Q: I am researching and modeling Jefferson, Ohio. There are a number of buildings that are constructed from glazed block, as in this photo. I’ve seen the hobby manufacturers make all kinds of brick, stone and block sheet material, but I have not found material that looks like this. Do you have any ideas on […]
