Model railroad layout photography tips

An image of two model cabooses on a railroad

Model railroad layout photography tips: Taking great shots of your layout has never been easier. Digital single lens reflex cameras or even the camera in your cell phone take a lot of the guesswork out of photography, if you know what you’re doing. This article will focus on the basics of photography, so that you […]

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Easy model train décor

Wooden steam train with caboose displayed on a white fireplace mantle and surrounded by yellow flowers

For many, particularly those with limited space, having model trains means that the trains will in some way intersect with everyday life. Obviously, if you live by yourself, this can look like whatever you want it to be. I’ve known single model railroaders who have taken train décor to the ultimate level, filling every available […]

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Gregg Condon’s Milwaukee Road in HO scale

Explore Gregg Condon’s HO scale (1:87.1) model railroad based on 1950s-era Milwaukee Road operations along the Shullsburg Branch in Wisconsin! You’ll enjoy following the action over the rails, plus all the realistic scenes, structures, and details modeled around and about the right-of-way. All of this is a pre-cursor to even more in-depth coverage of the […]

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Laying down cork roadbed

MR senior associate editor Steve Otte demonstrates techniques for working with cork roadbed and installing it on an HO scale layout. Be sure to follow the exclusive In The Workshop series for tips, tricks, and clever insights, as demonstrated by various members of Trains.com staff! […]

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Midday Modeler – March 29, 2023

Several people smile into a camera at a model railroad layout.

The Crew is back again with more MR goodness! Its an All-Star ensemble cast as David, Rene, Cody, Steve, Eric, and Bryson all share what projects they have been working on. And, of course, we answer more of YOUR questions! […]

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Malcolm Furlow’s waterfall modeling technique

Model train on wood bridge over rushing waterfall in rugged mountain scene.

Malcolm Furlow’s waterfall modeling technique: Malcolm Furlow’s article presented here originally ran in the August 1980 issue of Model Railroader magazine. While many of the brands Malcolm used in the article are no longer available, most all the products have modern substitutes, allowing a modeler to still complete similar projects. As a case in point, […]

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News & Products for the week of March 27th 2023

News & Products for the week of March 27th 2023: An image of a model locomotive

News & Products for the week of March 27th 2023 Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of March 27th 2023. […]

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In Memoriam: LaVerne F. Bleifuss

Photo of man wearing necktie with model trains in foreground.

LaVerne F. (Vern) Bleifuss, former art director for Model Railroader magazine, died on March 1, 2023. He was 87 years old. LaVerne was born April 30, 1935 in the village of Summit, Wis. After graduation from Oconomowoc High School, he attended the Layton School of Art, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree. Following his honorable […]

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Conrail diesel locomotive graduates

Color roster photo of red, silver, and blue diesel locomotive.

Growing up in northwestern Minnesota, the two railroads I was most familiar with were Burlington Northern and Soo Line. Sure, I would see Conrail freight cars now and then. Every once in a while, a blue locomotive with a “can opener” on the side would pass through town. But as I was going through my […]

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