Rerouting track | Back on Track, Episode 23

In this episode, Host Gerry Leone acknowledges two areas on his layout where he needs to rethink the track arrangements. He discusses possible solutions and then shows how he rerouted the track on the lower and upper decks to fit his vision. Getting to know Gerry Leone Back on Track host Gerry Leone is just […]

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Top Point white cedar

two trees on a garden railroad

Top Point white cedar tree Common name: Top Point white cedar Latin name: Chamaecyparis thyoides ‘Top Point’ Plant type: dwarf conifer Plant size: 4-5′ at maturity USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9 Cultural needs: Moist or average, slightly acidic soil; full sun Classics among railway forest trees are the many, dwarf varieties of Chamaecyparis thyoides, the native […]

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Parts of an Electro-Motive Division GP15-1 diesel locomotive

Photo of front of HO scale four-axle hood unit on white background

Parts of an Electro-Motive Division GP15-1 diesel locomotive Electro-Motive Division (EMD) produced the GP15-1 diesel locomotive from June 1976 through March 1982. During that time, 310 units were built. The four-axle road switcher was equipped with a 1,500hp 12-645E diesel engine, a D32 generator, and D77B traction motors. Original owners included Chicago & North Western […]

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Building Model Railroader’s HO scale Virginian Ry. part 6

David Popp next to unfinished layout

With the HO scale Virginian Ry. benchwork in the Model Railroader workshop, managing editor David Popp begins laying down track and cork roadbed. He describes some of the changes that he had to make to the track arrangement for this model train layout. You’ll also learn how David saved space on the Virginian by using […]

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Building Model Railroader’s HO scale Virginian Ry. part 6

David Popp next to unfinished layout

With the HO scale Virginian Ry. benchwork in the Model Railroader workshop, managing editor David Popp begins laying down track and cork roadbed. He describes some of the changes that he had to make to the track arrangement for this model train layout. You’ll also learn how David saved space on the Virginian by using […]

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It’s My Railroad with Steve Brown: Cement plant parts & paint, Ep. 18

It's My Railroad with Steve Brown

Progress on Steve Brown’s scratchbuilt N scale cement plant continues with our celebrated Regular Guy modeler working to add a few more components. All that before he puts quick coats of primer and paint on the assembled structure, and then sets it in place on his Port Smith harbor scene […]

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Building Bay Junction 17

Cody Grivno next to layout

Lots of work is taking place on the Model Railroader staff’s Bay Junction model train layout. Associate editor Cody Grivno has installed his United Cooperative grain elevator, while senior editor Dana Kawala describes building the fertilizer plant that will be located in front of the scene. Managing editor David Popp will also show how the […]

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MRVP Insider: MRVP Underground with David Popp, Episode 6 – Finished woodwork

David Popp next to trees on layout

For this weekend edition of Underground, only MRVideoPlus.com subscribers get to see how David puts the finishing touches on his O scale laser-cut wood kit. All before installing the structure, plus details and a fully loaded gondola, on the Olympia Logging Co. layout. […]

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MRVP Insider: MRVP Underground with David Popp, Episode 4 – Putting parts together

Model Railroader Video Plus Week 4

After checking the bond of the previously glued components, David moves to the next step — building the laser-cut pieces and parts into an O scale structure for the Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout. Along the way, you’ll see that even David has to make do with the tools and materials he has available at […]

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MRVP Insider: MRVP Underground with David Popp, Episode 3 – Some assembly required

Model Railroader Video Plus Week 3

David Popp is now working weekends to give MRVideoPlus.com subscribers an exclusive episode from his basement bunker. See how the parts and pieces of the wood kit start to come apart…all to come together again! But even in the midst of offering great tips and tricks, our expert builder must still manage a few unexpected […]

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MRVP Insider: MRVP Underground with David Popp, Episode 23 — Planning ahead

David Popp at his workbench

David has his hands full with projects cooking on his workbench and the Sand Creek On30 layout extension, referenced in MRVP’s special issue Model Railroading: The Ultimate Guide 2020 (KalmbachHobbyStore.com). Follow along as he gets down to the details on his sand loader structure and the new track configuration. […]

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MRVP Insider: MRVP Underground with David Popp, Episode 2 – Project prep and staining startup

Model Railroader Video Plus Week 2

Ready for another Underground update? David Popp hunkers down to take on the challenge of building a fueling stage for his On30 Olympia Logging Co. layout. After a quick overview of his modeling project and the laser-cut wood kit components, you’ll see how David tests and preps parts with stain. […]

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