How to choose signals for your layout

Signaling has entered a golden age in the hobby. More options exist now than have ever existed before for modelers to add signals to their railroads. Resources and online groups allow access to information and photographs at an unprecedented level. Possibilities cover the full range of options from a single stand-alone manual signal to a […]

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Is extruded-foam insulation board benchwork tricky?

A hand reaches in to move a piece of pink foam board from an N scale layout under construction

Q: What are the drawbacks of extruded-foam insulation board benchwork? Much has changed with model railroading since my childhood. As a retiree, I’m re-entering the hobby with a modest HO scale layout in a 10 x 15-foot room in my garage. I’ve consulted several articles, books, and videos on benchwork, but I’m still uneasy about […]

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Planning a Layout Design Element

A pencil drawing on graph paper of a track plan depicting Lebanon, Ohio, in 1907

This month I decided to try planning a Layout Design Element. According to Model Railroad Planning editor Tony Koester, who invented the term, a Layout Design Element (LDE) is a visually and operationally recognizable model of a prototype railroad location. An LDE is a notch of realism higher than layouts that are merely inspired by […]

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Choosing how high to place a layout backdrop

A model train rolls through a desert landscape in front of a mountain with a winding road

Q: Can you help me decide how high to place a layout backdrop? I am a long time modeler and have used backdrops on a prior double-deck HO layout. I’m now faced with planning backdrops for a single-deck N scale layout with rolling hills. How do I handle a scene that drops on a 2% […]

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How to model railroad signals

A dark red streamlined diesel leads a train under a signal bridge

Unless you model a short line or branch line that owns only one locomotive, your layout probably needs some kind of model railroad signals. Signals are used to convey information to an engineer about the block of track ahead: whether it’s safe to enter, whether it’s occupied by another train, and how fast it can […]

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The basic tools to start building your train table

Steven Otte applies glue to a board as he assembles benchwork on the workshop floor

The basic tools to start building your train table: If you’re interested in building a train table for your layout, you’ll need a few basic tools to get started. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced model railroader, having the right tools can make all the difference in the success of your project. Safety Gear […]

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How do I model a switch heater?

A boxy metallic device with a rectangular chimney stands next to a section of railroad track with two metallic ducts extending between the rails

Q: How exactly do switch heaters work? And how can I model a switch heater? – Bob Kolankoski A: Over the years, railroads have tried many different methods to keep switch points from getting clogged with ice and compacted snow. One of the earliest was placing burning smudge pots between the rails. Later, more permanent switch […]

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An N scale layout in a coffee table

A pencil sketch of an N scale model train layout in a coffee table

Over the years, I remember reading articles in Model Railroader about model train layouts built into furniture, like cabinets, dining tables, and coffee tables. I always thought this was a great idea, allowing modelers to bring their hobby out of the cold, lonely basement and into the welcoming atmosphere of the family room. It was an especially intriguing […]

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My favorite caboose: MR staff picks

Model of a red caboose follows a yellow boxcar

My favorite caboose: The MR staff picks their favorite caboose model and explains why it’s their favorite. What’s your favorite caboose? Leave a comment and let us know!   Mitch Horner International Car Co. I-18 steel bay window caboose I’ve been enamored recently by Tangent’s Chessie System “’73+ Repaint Version 2” International Car Co. I-18 […]

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Another single-industry layout: An ethanol plant track plan

A pencil drawing on track paper of a 3 x 8-foot shelf ethanol plant track plan

In last month’s “Sketching with Steve,” I explored a single-industry track plan by drawing a 4×8 paper mill layout. This month I’m doing it again, this time creating an ethanol plant track plan. If you’re looking for a modern industry that offers lots of business for your model railroad, an ethanol plant is for you. Jeff […]

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A 4×8 HO scale paper mill layout

A pencil sketch of a 4x8 HO scale paper mill layout on graph paper

Modelers often compress industries to fit more of them on our model railroads. But doing the opposite – expanding a modeled industry to prototypical proportions – can create an intensely realistic operating experience that can’t be matched. Let’s explore that idea with a 4×8 HO scale paper mill layout. Some industries are just too large and […]

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Should I use terminal joiners on Kato Unitrack?

Q: I’m building a new layout using Kato HO scale Unitrack. I have read many different opinions on whether to solder all track joints. What’s the best practice? Some say that using terminal joiners on Kato Unitrack for connection to the DCC bus is OK, while others say they’re unreliable. I use terminal joiners every […]

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