Expert Tips

Videos that help modelers produce smooth-running and realistic model railroads.
Trains.com Holiday Party: Capacitor for an RS-1, Episode 6

Trains.com Holiday Party: Capacitor for an RS-1, Episode 6

David Popp pushes the Trains.com Holiday Party to capacity! Follow along as he walks through...

Trains.com Holiday Party: Artists’ Oil Weathering, Episode 4

Trains.com Holiday Party: Artists’ Oil Weathering, Episode 4

Cody Grivno fits right into the Holiday Party festivities! In this episode, our Trains.com ace...

Trains.com Holiday Party: Whistle Wiring Work, Episode 3

Trains.com Holiday Party: Whistle Wiring Work, Episode 3

Host David Popp brings CTT Editor Hal Miller to the party! Hal has been working...

Trains.com Holiday Party: Seawalls and waves, Episode 1

Trains.com Holiday Party: Seawalls and waves, Episode 1

The holiday season is here -- and that's a pretty good reason for Trains.com's preeminent...

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 7 – Add finishing details and scenery

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 7 – Add finishing details and scenery

David Popp's O scale laser-cut wood turntable kit is now completely assembled! The project build...

Model Railroader basic training: How to cut rails

Model Railroader basic training: How to cut rails

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page When building your...

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 6 – A-frames, gallows, and truss rods

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 6 – A-frames, gallows, and truss rods

David's pile of parts is much smaller, as he works to complete the O scale...

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 5 – Wheels and track installation

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 5 – Wheels and track installation

The bridge assembly is well underway, so David can now focus on building and installing...

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 4 – Bridge parts assembly

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 4 – Bridge parts assembly

After installing the motor mechanism, David adds an automated polarity control to his O scale...

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 3 – Installing the motor mechanism

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 3 – Installing the motor mechanism

David has now arrived at the stage where it's time to install the drive mechanism...

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 2 – Installing ring rail and outer wall

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 2 – Installing ring rail and outer wall

With the pit base of the O scale laser-cut wood turntable kit now assembled, David...

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 2 – Installing ring rail and outer wall

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 2 – Installing ring rail and outer wall

With the pit base of the O scale laser-cut wood turntable kit now assembled, David...

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 1 – Pit base assembly

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 1 – Pit base assembly

Narrow gauge (On30) modeler David Popp steps aspiring structure builders through the process of assembling...

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 1 – Pit base assembly

How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 1 – Pit base assembly

Narrow gauge (On30) modeler David Popp steps aspiring structure builders through the process of assembling...

Video 101: Along the line

Video 101: Along the line

We continually search for ways to encourage children to interact with the trains on Train...

Stuff We Use: Xuron Universal Wire Stripper

Stuff We Use: Xuron Universal Wire Stripper

Whether installing a decoder or working on the layout, a sharp wire cutter and striper...

Stuff We Use How to use a scribing tool

Stuff We Use How to use a scribing tool

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Take your model...

Stuff We Use: How to use Micro Sol and Micro Set

Stuff We Use: How to use Micro Sol and Micro Set

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page It can be...

Stuff We Use: Magnetic snap and glue set

Stuff We Use: Magnetic snap and glue set

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Do you sometimes...

A noisy little railway story

A noisy little railway story

As I walked up the driveway toward Mick Spilsbury’s Black Canyon Railroad, I could begin...