With the pit base of the O scale laser-cut wood turntable kit now assembled, David jumps to the task of installing the ring rail and outer wall. […]
How-to Library: Building a turntable, Part 2 – Installing ring rail and outer wall
Section: How To
The Hills Line with James McNab: Endless horizons, Episode 4
In this episode James McNab shares his techniques for using backdrops, fascias, and visual blocks. See how these features control the viewing angles and make the HO scale Hills Line, or any other layout, appear much larger than it actually is! […]
Lighting your garden railroad for nighttime running
I’ve enjoyed some of the most peaceful times on my railroad after the sun has set. Most of us likely have a porch light we can turn on to offer some light in the back yard. If yours is anything like my light, it gives off enough light to make sure your dog does his […]
MRVP Insider: MRVP Underground with David Popp, Episode 23 — Planning ahead
David has his hands full with projects cooking on his workbench and the Sand Creek On30 layout extension, referenced in MRVP’s special issue Model Railroading: The Ultimate Guide 2020 (KalmbachHobbyStore.com). Follow along as he gets down to the details on his sand loader structure and the new track configuration. […]
Tunneling through tough times
Like a grade-school report, “What I did on my spring 2020 vacation,” this story is about optimism in the face of confusion and lack of resources. We had just started a new little garden railway loop in front of our house, but hidden from the street. Having built a gallery along the walkway, we next […]
Virtual garden railroad visits during quarantine
We’ve kept close to home since quarantine and social distancing guidelines have been issued. Club meetings have been canceled; events and open houses have been put on hold. Our hearts go out to anyone affected by COVID-19. Time at home has spawned creative moments, though. I’ve refurbished structures, maintained locomotives and rolling stock, and looked […]
Scene and scale lighting options for your garden railroad
Scene lighting allows you to shine a spotlight on your favorite railroad scenes. Again, the idea is to draw the viewer’s eye toward something you want to emphasize, like ridges, waterfalls, and pathways. You can be as creative as you want. You’ll want to hit the landscape lighting section at your local home improvement store. […]
Pros and cons of solar lighting in the garden railway
Solar lights are convenient and are available in a wide variety of styles. You just put them where you want them and you’re good to go. The sun charges the battery during the daylight hours, and the lights come on after dark. On a good charge, they may stay on all night, but they’re supposed […]
MRVP Summer Camp: Day 1
Welcome campers! Two fun-filled weeks of Summer Camp 2020 have begun. This week and next, David Popp will be your Camp Director guiding you through various all-scale modeling efforts covering structure-building, detailing, painting, weathering, and more. Get your permission slip submitted so you can join the Day One painting prep activities exclusively on MRVideoPlus.com! […]
LGB large scale construction train set
Watch a video of Editor Hal Miller setting up and running this new large scale set from LGB. […]
Transport case and delivery ramp demo
Raymond Parent shows how to build a transport case for large scale locomotives that doubles as a delivery ramp to a layout. Check out this video to see how the ramp works. Also take a look at the article in the Fall 2020 issue of Garden Railways. […]
On30 Marshfield & Old Colony
The layout at a glance Name: Marshfield & Old Colony Layout owner: Michael Tylick Scale: On30 (1:48 proportion on 30″ gauge track) Size: 8 x 16 feet Prototype: freelanced Locale: Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island Era: 1920s and 1930s Mainline run: 25 feet Minimum radius: 18″ Minimum turnout: handlaid, approximately no. 4 Maximum grade: 2 […]
