Layout Design for Operation

old photo of the front of a train

Download this free 14-page PDF to learn what makes one model railroad track plan better for operation than another. Inside this eBook, the editors of Model Railroader magazine discuss how to add realistic operation to freight yards, engine terminals, staging yards, loading zones, and more! […]

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HO scale Sunset Route

HOscaleSunsetRoute

Click on the image to download a PDF of the track plan. Name: The Sunset Route Layout owner: Ron Mei Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 58 x 68 feet Prototype: Southern Pacific; Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; and Union Pacific Locale: southern California and Arizona Era: 1950s Style: walk-in Mainline run: 733 feet Minimum radius: 32″ […]

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N scale Fox River RR

NscaleFoxRiverRR

Click on the image to download a PDF of the track plan. Name: Fox River RR Layout owner: Gordon Lind Scale: N (1:160) Size: 12 x 12 feet Prototype: Chicago & North Western and Milwaukee Road Locale: Appleton, Wis. Era: 1951 Style: walk-in Mainline run: 100 feet Minimum radius: 22″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum […]

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How to host an open house of your garden railroad

boy walking down sidewalk

Sharing our railroads with others is perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of garden railroading. Andy, age three, knows the way, even without the sign. Kevin Strong If a train is running, kids will follow it. Here, a K-27 leads a parade of young future railroaders around the yard. At least they’ll sleep well. […]

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Off The Rails: Episode 39

Off the Rails with Gerry Leone Episode 39

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Full Disclosure: It is not May, and this is not the Big Birthday Bash III, part 2! So what is it? More of Gerry, and more great suggestions for clever layout construction, maintenance, and modeling tips! […]

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Off The Rails: Episode 39

Off the Rails with Gerry Leone Episode 39

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page Full Disclosure: It is not May, and this is not the Big Birthday Bash III, part 2! So what is it? More of Gerry, and more great suggestions for clever layout construction, maintenance, and modeling tips! […]

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