Great Model Railroads 2020 is packed with articles, photos, tips, tricks, and track plans from 10 incredible layouts. As an online bonus this month, registered members of ModelRailroader.com can download images from all 10 featured model train layouts, sized appropriately for computer desktop images. Click on the links at left to download this image sized […]
Tag: Beginners
How-to Library: Easy Model Railroad Photography – Episode 3 Depth of Field and Lighting
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode, Gerry Leone talks about how to adjust your camera settings to capture model railroad settings with a realistic depth of field. He also addresses lighting options (type and placement)! […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 46
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page David Popp and his colleagues are back to answer your hobby-related questions regarding scenery, backdrops, MR products and project layouts, DC wiring, modeling glue, and more! […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 46
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page David Popp and his colleagues are back to answer your hobby-related questions regarding scenery, backdrops, MR products and project layouts, DC wiring, modeling glue, and more! […]
Ask Trains: How do railroads determine which freight cars need repair before continuing their journeys?
A portion of the cameras and sensors aimed at freight trains to detect freight car problems at the Transportation Technology Center near Pueblo, Colo. These sensors help comprise the most modern methods of freight car inspection. Trains staff Q: How do railroads determine which freight cars need repair before continuing their journeys? — Robert Rose, […]
Ask Trains: What is this freight load?
A photo of a big boxy freight load, likely a wind turbine nacelle. Submitted by Mark Faust Q: Saw a whole CSX Transportation train of these in Sullivan, Ind. What are they? — Mark Faust, Carmel, Ind. A: The photo you submitted resembles a wind turbine gearbox nacelle, and is probably what the train was […]
Ask Trains: Is that Talgo’s tilt normal?
A Series 6 Talgo trainset is examined after 125-mph operation at the Transportation Test Center in Pueblo, Colo., in 1998. Bob Johnston Q: In the Sept. 2019 Passenger column on Page 18, I see that a Series 6 Talgo locomotive is leaning while being inspected. Was that tilt normal? — Robert Muckey, Williamson, N.Y. A: […]
10 tips for beginner model railroaders
Model railroad scale comparison. These actual examples of model train locomotives show that each common scale is about half the size of the next larger scale. The locomotives shown here are in N (1:160), HO (1:87.1), and O (1:48) scales. Model railroad turnout angles. Scale turnouts diverge at an angle, rather than through a sharp […]
Our Top Four Favorite Toy Train Layouts
Download this free 30-page PDF to browse our favorite classic toy train layouts. This free download dives into the details of each o gauge layout: track planning, bench work, ballast, groundwork, electrical, scenery, structures, and more! […]
Servicing Steam Locomotives
Sign up for your FREE download and Model Railroader’s FREE weekly e-newsletter. Steam locomotives were usually serviced every 100 – 150 miles, making engine terminals as much a part of the railroad scene as crossties and creosote. These terminals offer a variety of structures and operations and they can be modeled in a compact space. Download […]
Computer desktop wallpaper from the October 2019 Model Railroader
Click on the links at left to download this image sized appropriately for your computer screen Locomotive Whiton blasts out of Clozet Tunnel on Bernard Kempinksi’s O scale United States Military RR Aquia Line. The Civil War-era layout is the cover story of the October 2019 issue. Click on the links below to download this […]
Stuff We Use: Pliers and cutters for model railroaders
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page A Xuron Modeler’s tool kit includes sprue cutters, microshears, and tweezernose pliers. All of these tools get a lot of use down at the Model Railroader workshop. In this quick demo, editor Hal Miller shows you some of his favorite tips for using […]
