Red Oak Series: Weathering N scale locomotives

White painted cab-unit style diesel locomotive sitting on a wood block.

    Three colors of paint, an airbrush, and a couple of hours is all MRVP’s David Popp needed to enhance three different types of N scale diesel locomotives with realistic weathering effects. In this video, David shows the paints and airbrushing techniques required to give the Red Oak N scale units, or practically any […]

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DCC Programming: episode 15 – Introduction to JMRI

Dana Kawala and Ben Lake demonstrating JMRI (Java Model Railroad Interface).

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   DCC Programming host Dana Kawala launches Season Two of the hands-on DCC demonstration series by introducing an all-new, next-level topic, along with a new co-host. Keeping the tech-talk to a minimum, Dana and MRVP’s Ben Lake explain JMRI (Java Model Railroad Interface), […]

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Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Handlaying track – Part 2

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page MR contributing editor Tony Koester continues handlaying a turnout on MRVP’s HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound layout. In this episode, Tony shows how to sand, prep, and stain the wood ties prior to installing the rail. […]

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Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Handlaying track – Part 3

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Model railroading masters like Tony Koester have the experience and skills to handlay near-perfect trackwork on the fly. But most of us can use as many of the helpful hobby tools and aids as we can muster! In this bonus video, David Popp […]

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Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Installing Homasote roadbed

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Construction continues on MRVP’s HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound layout. In this video, David Popp shows how to add Homasote roadbed along the track plan he transferred onto the plywood subroadbed. […]

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Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Handlaying track – Part 1

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Renowned MR contributing editor Tony Koester helps take your modeling skills to the next level by walking you through the process of handlaying a turnout on MRVP’s HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound layout. In part one of multiple videos, Tony first discusses turnout terminology […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 3

David Popp wearing a clown nose and a green wig introducing a video in the Model Railroader workshop.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page In this new episode of Ask MRVP, host David Popp stops clowning with the turnout soldering situation from episode 2. After showing you a tenable solution, David then tackles several other questions posed by viewers like you! Keep those inquiries coming for your […]

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Red Oak Series: Weathering freight cars

Fingers hold a small scale model boxcar.

Now that scenes on Model Railroader magazine’s 3 x 7-foot N scale Red Oak layout are nearly compete, MR associate editor Eric White turns his attention to enhancing the rolling stock with realistic weathering effects. In this video, Eric shares his techniques for applying weathering powders on both dark and light-colored freight cars. […]

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Winston-Salem Southbound Series: Attaching subroadbed

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Every layout, including MRVP’s HO scale Winston-Salem Southbound Railway, needs a foundation or “subroadbed” for attaching trackwork. In this video, David Popp shows how to install plywood subroadbed over L-girder benchwork. Along the way, he pauses to share helpful tips for making minor […]

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Red Oak Series: Paving roads

Steve Otte pointing to a paved roadway.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page   Model Railroader magazine’s Steve Otte shows how to add a realistic paved roadway to any model railroad, including Model Railroader magazine’s 3 x 7-foot N scale Red Oak layout. The secret behind Steve’s success is the Woodland Scenics Smooth-It road system, but […]

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