Learn techniques for installing a TCS WowKits DCC Decoder into an HO scale (1:87.1) diesel locomotive, as demonstrated, step by step, by David Popp. […]
How-to Library | Installing a TCS WowKits DCC Decoder
Section: Benchwork
How-to Library | Installing an N scale TCS Keep-Alive
From start to finish, David Popp shares his techniques for installing a TCS KA-N1 Keep-Alive Capacitor into an N scale (1:160) modern diesel locomotive for use on his recently completed T-Trak module, as well as in Model Railroader magazine’s MR&T State Line Route project railroad (as featured in the January 2022 issue and Trains.com Video series)! […]
Model railroad fascia fixtures to improve your layout
Thanks to these model railroad fascia fixtures, your layout’s fascia can do more than give the edge of your layout a finished look. That stretch of tempered hardboard, medium density fiberboard, plywood, or linoleum can also serve a practical purpose. Consider adding some of these model railroad fascia fixtures to make life easier for your […]
The basic tools to start building your train table
The basic tools to start building your train table: If you’re interested in building a train table for your layout, you’ll need a few basic tools to get started. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced model railroader, having the right tools can make all the difference in the success of your project. Safety Gear […]
How-to Library: DCC decoder and capacitor install for a On30 Heisler
See how David Popp installed a Bachmann Trains DCC sound decoder and TCS capacitor into an O scale (1:48) 14-ton Heisler steam locomotive used on the Olympia Logging Co., a popular MRVP project railroad. […]
How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 8
Time for the big track plan reveal…well, almost! David first shares some additional historic photos that help complete our overall view of Crystal Lake, Illinois, the community that inspired his design. Finally, aided by Ben Lake’s 3-D renderings, David walks and talks you through the entire plan for the C&NW HO scale layout. […]
How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 7
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In this episode, David pulls in even more reference materials to aid the accuracy of his initial track plan for a C&NW HO scale layout. It’s also time for a quick reality check, especially when it concerns the pragmatic parts of the design […]
How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 6 Drafting a Plan
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Now it’s time for David to put mechanical pencil to graph paper and draft an initial track plan for his C&NW HO scale layout. In this video, David walks you through his low-tech, traditional approach to capturing his layout concepts in a plan. […]
How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 4 Sharing the project with others
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Host David Popp invites MR Contributing Editor Tony Koester to take a closer look at the collection of historic photos and maps. The two consider how to select and shape these references into Layout Design Elements (LDEs), which can be used to form […]
How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 5 The Doodle Phase
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page David begins the process of transforming maps and other references into a preliminary model railroad sketch. While a pencil sketch isn’t intended to be final track plan, David shows how it can be used to reveal critical design and/or construction issues at an […]
How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 3 Deciphering the Maps
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page The series continues as David Popp takes a closer look at historic (Sanborn) maps to consider where and how to incorporate specific railroad trackwork, engineering, structures, industries, and more into his designs for a new layout. […]
How-to Library: Designing a layout, Part 2 Aerial Photos and Maps
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page In Part 2, David turns to his computer to explore how aerial photos and maps can help modelers compose a detailed overview of a region, town, or even a specific railroad site. Follow along as he walks you through the process of examining […]
