We continually search for ways to encourage children to interact with the trains on Train Days at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County (California). While it’s wise to keep the kids and adults at a safe distance from the live steam exhibit, the museum’s large collection of Brio train parts, the ride-on train in the […]
Section: Videos & Photos
Video: Andrew Dodge’s scratchbuilt rotary snowplow
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In the June 2020 Model Railroader, you’ll learn how Andrew Dodge scratchbuilt an operating rotary snowplow for his Proto: 48 (O fine scale) Colorado Midland layout. Get a demonstration of the model in this short video. […]
Classic Lionel orange and blue on a high-rail layout
Name: Peter Martens Forum User Name: Peter_J_M Railroad Name: Lionel Lines Location: The Silver Rail Club’s home based layout Scale: O gauge Theme: Classic Lionel colors on the high-rail! Description: Classic orange and blue colors make up these highly collectible train sets! Released individually during the 80’s and 90’s, each freight consist made up an […]
How-to Library: Airbrushing with Aaron, Episode 13, Weathering small-scale vehicles
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Host Aaron Skinner takes up the task of adding realistic weathering effects to make the trucks and machinery on your layout appear like they’ve been working hard. Follow along to learn his techniques for modeling chipped paint, adding dirt and grime, getting a […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 50
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Time to talk trackwork, winter scenery, wood glue, maintenance-of-way equipment, and so much more in this Q&A episode of Ask MRVP. As always, host David Popp and his pals are willing to dig in to dig out the answers that’ll help YOU make […]
Modeler’s Spotlight Video — Inside Cody’s Office for April part 2
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Here in Wisconsin we’re still under safer-at-home orders, so this episode of Cody’s Office comes to you from Group Technical Editor Cody Grivno’s basement. In addition to new model railroad products in N, HO, and O scales, Cody answers a question about standard […]
Off The Rails: Swingers, lifters, and setters, Episode 49
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Gerry’s former Bona Vista Rwy. HO scale model railroad included a swinging gate section that allowed operators to enter the room and the layout itself. Follow along as he shares how to keep trackwork aligned on moveable benchwork that swings, lifts, or sets […]
DCC Programming: Episode 21 – Methods for Consisting Diesel Locomotives, Part 1
Model Railroader magazine’s Senior Editor Dana Kawala examines methods for using digital command control (DCC) functionality to program multiple diesel locomotives for synchronized operation. Universal consisting is the first option Dana demonstrates how to use, before turning his attention to advanced consisting. […]
MRVP Insider: MRVP Underground with David Popp, Episode 9 – Wheels up
This time, David advances the aging effects of his gons by working up (or upside down) from the wheels. Don’t miss his handy tips for painting wheelsets, weathering trucks, and applying decals! […]
MRVP Insider: MRVP Underground with David Popp, Episode 10 — Troublesome trip pin
More work on On30 gondola trucks and wheelsets… at least until David gets tripped up by a new coupler installation that doesn’t quite measure up to the NMRA standards. Follow along, as he works out this and other issues in the fine details of his freight car project. […]
MRVP Insider: MRVP Underground with David Popp, Episode 11 — A virtual guest
David has a guest? A virtual guest, that is. But he’s certainly no stranger to MRVP! By way of virtual meeting software, Off The Rails host Gerry Leone checks out the Underground action, lets us know about his new layout progress, and even offers up a great tip. […]
MRVP Insider: MRVP Underground with David Popp, Episode 8 – Rolling stock rendered ragged
The turntable build gets temporarily tabled, but David still has plenty of projects to keep him busy in the basement. Today’s effort involves roughing up a set of On30 gons to make the sides of the car look worn and ragged from heavy use. Even David is amazed how realistic the results of his technique […]