Video: HO scale Western Virginia & Southern Ry.

A model train going by in the tracks.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Terry B. Ketcham gives you a walking tour of his multilevel model train layout, the HO scale West Virginia & Southern Ry. The Appalachian scenery and industries are inspired by the Norfolk & Western Ry. of the 1950s. You’ll also see some of […]

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Video: HO scale Western Pacific RR

HO scale Western Pacific RR

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Jim Pendley’s HO scale Western Pacific RR was featured in the December 2016 Model Railroader and Great Model Railroads 2009. The layout’s dramatic scenery depicts what railroading was like in the deep canyons of the Feather River in Northern California. Jim also enjoys […]

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Layout Visit: Mark Preussler’s Soo Line Stevens Point Division in HO scale

Mark Preussler’s Soo Line Stevens Point Division in HO scale

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Tour Mark Preussler’s HO scale Soo Line layout set in the steam-to-diesel transition era (circa 1955). In this MRVP Exclusive video, you’ll see the full expanse of Mark’s 33 x 43-foot basement empire, highlighted by numerous signature Soo Line locations, structures, and trains! […]

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Charlie’s Trackside Postcards – Columbia Gorge: Chasing the Wishram Local

Orange-painted locomotives face into low-angled sunlight with a river and rocky shoreline in the background.

The exploration of the Columbia River Gorge rolls on when Charlie and Tom Danneman latch on to a BNSF local. This train is no slow poke, so the two must pick up the pace to chase the intriguing motive power on the point! […]

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Charlie’s Trackside Postcards – Columbia Gorge: Gateway to the Oregon Trunk

A distant train as seen from a high vantage point in full sunshine.

Continuing their trek along the Columbia River Gorge, Charlie and Tom Danneman bounce from BNSF tracks to view trains on the Union Pacific main line. Follow along as the railroad action and the duo rise to new heights! […]

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Drew’s Trackside Adventures: Episode 33 – Going to Chicago’s Railroad Hotspots

A single day trip to America’s Railroad Capital just isn’t enough to take in all of the trackside action the Windy City has to offer. So naturally, host Drew Halverson and his Crew made several return treks to great railfanning locations like Blue Island, Rondout, Roosevelt Road, and more! You won’t want to miss the […]

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Video: Trainfest 2016

2016 video of Trainfest show

James Wright of the JLWII2000 YouTube Channel visited Trainfest 2016 held at State Fair Park in West Allis, Wis., a suburb of Milwaukee. Check out highlights from the show, including new model railroading products, interviews with model train manufacturers, and some of the model train layouts. You’ll also get a look at the Model Railroader […]

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How-to Library: DCC Installation for large layouts, Part 3 – Adding a Smart Booster

David Popp holding an NCE Smart Booster

Enhancing our project layout’s Digital Command Control system to allow additional cabs requires the installation of a power booster. In this episode, David Popp shows how to arrange, install, and connect the NCE Smart Booster components, allowing more users to enjoy the fun of operating of our large, HO scale layout! […]

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Ask MRVP: Episode 19

David Popp standing next to a table that has a small Christmas tree and trains set up to run around it.

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page ‘Tis the season for trainsets… and questions about getting them ready for the holidays! This month, MRVP answer man David Popp fields those questions, along with others related to switch machines, N scale coupler conversion, applying decals, railroad industries, cleaning track, layout wiring, […]

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How-to Library: DCC Installation for large layouts, Part 2 – Adding a cab bus

David Popp standing at a table in front of the Beer Line layout

Ready for the next step to installing Digital Command Control on a large model railroad? In this episode, David keeps the train rollin’ by sharing why, where, and how to add plug ports, before he shows how to install a DCC cab bus under the HO scale Beer Line project layout. […]

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How-to Library: DCC Installation for large layouts, Part 4 – Setting up power districts

freight cars on track

Tired of hassling with an entire layout shutdown when a single train derails on your DCC layout? We certainly were! In this episode, David Popp explains why it happens, and then shows how to remedy this inconvenience by establishing power districts and adding circuit breakers. Watch to see how these easy fixes pave the way […]

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