Olympia 2, The Log Blog: Part 4 – Punching holes in things

David Popp building Olympia layout

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Yes, David punches through the backdrop of the original Olympia Logging Co. On30 display-style layout. But first, he talks through many of the modifications he made to his design for the new extension. More proof that even the best-laid plans are subject to […]

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How-to Library: Track Planning Made Easy – Computer-aided design, Part 2 Adding Track

Gerry Leone in front of a computer.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Gerry Leone started this all-new MRVP mini-series by creating a virtual room for a new model railroad using computer-aided design (CAD) software. In Part 2, he keeps things rolling by showing how to add, arrange, and even adjust track components for your layout. […]

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How-to Library: Track Planning Made Easy – Computer-aided design, Part 3 Elevations and turnouts

Track-planning on computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Modeler Gerry Leone wraps up his track-planning mini-series on computer-aided design (CAD) software with a tutorial on adding elevations and turnouts. Working with the simple plan he drew in part 2, Gerry shows you how the software figures distances and grades, and how […]

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How-to Library: Track Planning Made Easy – Computer-aided design, Part 1 Getting Started

Computer aided design.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page So you’ve got a plan in mind for a new model railroad, but just can’t seem to get it out of your head?!? In an all-new MRVP mini-series, helpful handyman Gerry Leone walks you through the steps for turning a layout idea into […]

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Video Step by Step: Expanding the Beer Line – Building a cement truck, Part 1

Expanding the beer line.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader Associate Editor Eric White and MRVP’s Ben Lake join forces to build models of something no one produces in HO scale – a 1940s era cement truck. In this first installment, Eric walks you through the process of kitbashing the chassis […]

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Off The Rails: Episode 12

Off the Rails with Gerry Leone Episode 12

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page After a mid-winter adventure, host Gerry Leone is back in the country…but he’s still Off The Rails! In this episode, Gerry shares clever tips and tricks for dealing with harsh lighting above, messy wires below, and room clutter that can diminish the appeal […]

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Video: Athearn HO scale Southern Pacific SD40

Athearn HO scale Southern Pacific SD40

The Athearn Trains HO scale Southern Pacific SD40 features prototypical details and realistic sound effects thanks to a Ready to Roll SoundTraxx decoder. Watch the diesel locomotive model as it hauls a freight train on the Model Railroader staff’s Milwaukee, Racine & Troy model train layout. […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 8 – Staging yard turnouts

David Popp next to layout

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page David dives into laying track in the staging yard on our N scale project railroad, but before he even opens that brand-new box of flextrack, there’s a lot of other work to do, including painting the roadbed, drilling holes for the switch motors, […]

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Canadian Canyons Series: Part 7 – Installing cork roadbed

David Popp next to layout

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page The plywood panels are now in place, and the track centerlines are all marked! In this episode of the Canadian Canyons series, it’s time for David to begin the track laying effort by first installing cork roadbed. Follow along, as he demonstrates tips […]

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Video: N scale Union Pacific Oregon Middle Division

model train pulled by a steam engine crossing a bridge

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Gary Randall’s N scale Oregon Middle Division fills a 15 x 17-foot space with the soaring scenery of the Pacific Northwest. Featured in the June 2017 Model Railroader, the layout features tall bridges and both steam and diesel trains. […]

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Taking Care of Business: SMS Rail Lines

A green-paint switching locomotive in a rail yard.

To launch our all-new operation-oriented series, Charlie Conway captures a day in the life of a hardworking SMS Rail Lines crew in New Jersey. In this narrated show, you’ll discover useful modeling insights and prototype railroad information you can apply to your own layout operating sessions. You won’t want to miss any of the shortline […]

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