Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader executive editor Andy Sperandeo shows how to wire a layout for electrical reliability. […]
How to wire a model railroad layout
Magazine: Model-Railroader
How to wire a model train layout for Digital Command Control (DCC) part II: Bus wiring
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader editor Neil Besougloff shows how to install bus wires when creating new power districts. […]
How to wire a model train layout for Digital Command Control (DCC) part I: Boosters and circuit breakers
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader managing editor David Popp show how to upgrade a layout using Zonemaster power supplies and Zoneshare circuit breakers. […]
A cure for noisy track
A number of years ago I started to experiment with substitutes for white glue to hold down the track and fix the ballast in an attempt to limit the transmission of sound through the benchwork. Part of my solution came in the form of acrylic-latex caulk (the type used around doors and windows). I use […]
Bachmann 1:20.3-proportion 2-6-6-2T steam locomotive
Bachmann 1:20.3-proportion 2-6-6-2T steam locomotive The Biles-Coleman Lumber Co. 2-6-6-2T was never built in 1:1 scale, but that didn’t stop Bachmann from making a well-detailed, smooth-performing model Mallet. The 1:20.3-proportion steam locomotive has plenty of pulling power and a versatile “plug and play” electronic interface for adding a Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder or radio-control […]
Model Rectifier Corp. Tech 6 Sound Controller
Model Rectifier Corp. Tech 6 Sound Controller Most Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoders sold these days are dual mode, meaning that they will operate on DC layouts as well as DCC layouts. However, on DC layouts, these decoders offer limited access to sound functions and programming. The Model Rectifier Corp. Tech 6 Sound Controller […]
MTH Electric Trains HO scale SD70ACe diesel locomotive
MTH Electric Trains HO scale SD70ACe diesel locomotive Remotely opening couplers set this HO scale SD70ACe from MTH Electric Trains apart from other recent locomotive models. This is a feature that hasn’t before been seen on a ready-to-run HO locomotive. The MTH SD70ACe also has many realistic sound effects and operates on DC, Digital Command […]
Atlas HO scale GP39-2 diesel locomotive
Atlas HO scale GP39-2 diesel locomotive Atlas has added to its growing Trainman line of HO scale diesel locomotives with the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) GP39-2. This ready-to-run direct-current (DC) model uses Atlas’ proven five-pole skew-wound motor and features railroad-specific details. Prototype history. When Santa Fe needed a turbocharged four-axle road switcher designed for operations in […]
Walthers HO scale New York Central observation car
Walthers HO scale New York Central observation car Price: $69.98 ManufacturerWm. K. WalthersP.O. Box 3039Milwaukee, WI 53201www.walthers.com Era: 1948 to 1967 Comments: A five-bedroom buffet-lounge-observation car completes Walthers HO scale 1948 New York Central 20th Century Limited. The plastic model has many separately applied parts, including rooftop vents and antenna and many underbody details. The […]
Athearn HO acid tank cars
Athearn HO acid tank cars Price: $27.98 ManufacturerAthearn Trains2883 E. Spring Street, Suite 100Long Beach, CA 90806-6834www.athearn.com Era: 1970s to present Comments: A great-looking HO scale contemporary acid tank car is now available from Athearn. The 13,600-gallon HO scale car is modeled after a Union Tank Car Co. prototype. The model comes assembled and ready-to-run […]
Micro-Trains N scale heavyweight RPO
Micro-Trains N scale heavyweight RPO Price: $19.35 ManufacturerMicro-Trains Line Co.351 Rogue River ParkwayTalent, OR 97540www.micro-trains.com Era: 1940s Comments: This 60-foot Railway Post Office (RPO) is typical of heavyweight mail cars built in the 1910s and ’20s. Many served into the 1960s. Micro-Trains had specifically modeled RPOs built for the Great Northern in 1918. The car […]
Modeler’s spotlight video for November 5, 2009 — Inside Cody’s Office
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Along with a selection of the latest model train products, Model Railroader Associate Editor Cody Grivno shows you the basics of drybrushing. Cody uses this weathering technique to simulate rust on the roof of an HO scale boxcar. He’ll also answer viewer mail. […]
