Managing editor David Popp takes you on a tour of the HO scale Virginian Ry. He’ll show you some of the key features of this expandable 4 x 8 model train layout. You’ll also learn how the prototype railroad inspired the design. The first part of the Virginian Ry. series appears in the January 2012 issue of Model Railroader, and there will be new video journals and other online extras posted each month.
Building Model Railroader’s HO scale Virginian Ry. part 1
By Angela Cotey | November 19, 2011
| Last updated on January 11, 2021
Learn about this 4 x 8 model train layout built by the Model Railroader staff
great tips MR Staff
This is an absolutely AWESOME layout!
Why the Virginian
Always liked the layout that you come up with.Keep up the good work
Is MMR planning to release a full leight video (with indept detail) of the Virginian layout for true big ers like myself? I have very little experance at Model Railroading. Thanks.
very nice, scratch that, AMAZING!!
you all do a good job at this I do in joy the M.R. moor thanks.
Very nice. I like the H16-44. I think I'll get one
Was the North Branch designed with the Turtle Creek extension in mind, or was connecting the extension an afterthought. The combination works well.
I am not modelling any specific railroad or region except that I am in the design phase and have specified a mountainous area with a mine operation as part of a freestyle N Gauge and scale layout. The Virginian has given me some great ideas for mountain layout design and presentation and has inspired me with the relative simplicity of the layout and the superb modelling skill. Thanks
This is one of the best layouts i've seen since I have been reading MRR. I definitely plan on building this layout as my first HO model railroad. I'm an N scale model railroader with 3 layouts. I am in the process of purchasing all the engines and track for this Virginian project. I love the work you guys have done!
Do you guys think it's possible to add another 4×8 section to extend the mainline continuous run & the point to point sections? I'm going to give it a try while I'm building. Thanks so much for the inspiration! I can't wait for the next issues of MRR & to get started on the Virginian. Happy Railroading everyone!
Very nice good job !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great small layout design. Many ideas for my layout here. Still not clear why banjo music is often played as background music when showing model railroads films.
Anyone know what kit was used for the dry goods/post office?
Nice job David. You have certainly grown in your presentations. I enjoyed some of the self-effacing captions. Humor always seems to connect. Keep up all the good work it is much appreciated.
Excellent "How to series" and very professionally presented by David as always. Keep up the great work at MR all you guys!
Nigel in France.
Thanks for giving to some of us beginners a few insights of the how to's of a decent project. I do like the format, the time frame and the fact of a not so well-know railroad. But I would like to see an estimate of man hours & costs of building such a project. Scenery and buildings look great, very real for Appalachia. Will this layout have lights for possibly night viewing? Will there be a listing of where and who has the engines and cars,and the buildings?
Respectfully, Mr. Robert H. Hays
Love this layout. Great work guys.
Question: What did you make the 3 span steel viaduct bridge from? Kit?
Great series so far David. You are getting better at video presentations all the time. Thanks…Mike…
Very good "How to" video series, excellent all round advise and professionally presented by David as always. Keep up the great work all you guys at MR, we appreciate it!
This is a project after my own heart, I've modeled the Virginian and Norfolk & Western for about 10 years. My own layout was featured in PECO Publicaions Continental Modeller in June 2010, a layout heavily influenced by Tony Koester's "Allegheny Midland". I look forward to following this series.
i was born i virgina and am just starting out modeling this is going to be my project
David Popp is another staff member I enjoy listening to.
I'm looking forward to following along with this project as I was able to see the progress last summer on the video cam.
very cool